What's covered on the SAT?

Heard that the SAT is super important for college admissions, but I'm not exactly sure what's being tested. What kind of topics should I expect on the test and what skills should I brush up on?

The SAT is a standardized test that measures your readiness for college and helps colleges evaluate your application. It's divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. As of spring 2024, the SAT is fully digital and has the following structure:

1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: This section contains two 32-minute modules, where you'll be asked to complete a total of 54 questions. You'll have approximately 71 seconds to answer each question. This section tests your reading comprehension and writing skills. You'll be provided with passages from various sources (literature, historical documents, scientific articles, etc.) and will need to answer questions based on your understanding of these texts. The writing portion requires you to read passages, identify errors or weaknesses in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, and choose the best ways to improve the passages.

2. Math: This section also contains two 35-minute modules, with a total of 44 questions. You'll have around 96 seconds per question, or slightly over a minute and a half. The math section assesses your problem-solving abilities and understanding of mathematical concepts, covering topics such as algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, and some advanced math like geometry and trigonometry. You are allowed to use a calculator on both math modules.

As you prepare for the SAT, it's essential to focus on improving your reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills, as well as your mathematical problem-solving abilities. You can find various resources to practice these skills, including official SAT prep materials by the College Board, study groups or prep courses, and online resources like Khan Academy. Also, consider taking practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test format, as well as to gauge your progress and identify areas where you need improvement. This will help you tailor your study plan and approach the test with confidence.