Understanding the SAT
The SAT is a decisive factor in college admissions, and improving SAT scores truly
opens doors for students. The key to doing well on the SAT is to understand the exam.
When tackled without proper understanding and preparation, the SAT can feel like a
coming-of-age juggernaut, preventing high school students from realizing their college
dreams. However, when given the time and resources to learn about the format and
content of the SAT, high school students can take on this challenge with confidence and
enthusiasm.
When was the SAT created?
Interesting Fact: The first SAT was an acronym for “Scholastic Aptitude Test” and it
was administered on June 23, 1926 to 8,040 candidates, 60% of whom were male. 26%
of men who took the first SAT applied to Yale University, and 27% of women who took
the first SAT applied to Smith College.
What is the current SAT?
Today, the SAT no longer stands for the Scholastic Aptitude Test; it now is just an
acronym that doesn’t stand for anything! The current SAT (last change to the format was
made in 2005) has three components – critical reading, writing and math – tested over a
grueling four hours (3 hours and 45 minutes of testing plus added on time for breaks).
Each component is scored out of 800 points, with a perfect composite score of 2400.
What does the SAT test?
The SAT tests one’s thinking skills. A student does not need to be on the road to PhD
stardom or be able to recite from Webster’s dictionary, but a student does need to know
how to reason. Actually, the test is pretty fundamental, testing basic math, composition,
grammar, and reading skills. Most of the reading passages are on an 8/9th grade reading
level and the same is true for the math sections, testing math only through geometry. The
difficulty with the SAT is that the test is mostly just concerned with a student’s ability to
reason. The test makers take skills that are known and apply these skills to material that
has never been seen before. This test is not about memorizing facts; instead, the test
measures students' ability to understand, summarize, make simple inferences, compare
arguments, logically assess, problem solve and, yes, think.
When is the test offered?
The test is offered several times a year, and many students take the test two or three times
in order to receive their dream score that will open the door to college. To achieve
success, students should create and follow a game plan. Take a diagnostic test during the
summer before junior year or use the PSAT scores from junior year to map out a testing
plan of action. Most students take the exam during the spring of their junior year and
many take it again or for the third time during the fall of their senior year. The test is
offered in the months of October, November, December, January, March, May, and June.
How is the test scored?
Students receive a base score of 200 points in each section, and then additional points for
each correctly answered question. The SAT awards a point per correct answer and
penalizes an incorrect answer by subtracting a fourth of a point. Questions left blank do
not gain or lose any points. Because high scores can’t be attained if there are too many
blanks, students should limit the number of questions they leave unanswered. Students
should try to utilize POE – process of elimination. If a student can narrow down the
answer to three choices, the student should take an educated guess. It is in the student’s
best interest to guess because one answer correct makes up for four incorrect answers.
How do colleges evaluate these scores?
Most colleges have instituted “score choice.” This policy allows colleges to see only the
test scores that students choose to report. Therefore, if a student “bombs” a test, he/she
does not have to submit the test. Score choice allows students to take the test numerous
times with the confidence that schools will only see the best score. Some schools, though,
ask to see ALL scores and institute “super scoring.” With super scoring tests can be
“mixed and matched.” For example, should a student take the SAT in March and score a
600 in each section, and then again in May and score a 540 in math, a 640 in reading, and
a 630 in writing, most colleges will consider the 600 in math, the 640 in reading and the
630 in writing. Be sure to check with admissions offices to be certain of which score
reporting policy is accepted at specific institutions.
What is the format of the SAT?
Critical Reading – 3 sections in no particular order
Section 1: 25 minute section includes 5 sentence completions, 2 short readings, 2
medium-length readings
Section 2: 25 minute section includes 8 sentence completions, 1 short double passage, 1
long reading (either an 800 word reading or a double passage)
Section 3: 20 minute section includes 6 sentence completions, 1 long reading (either an
800 word passage or a double passage)
Writing — 2 multiple-choice sections and a 25 minute essay section
Section 1: 25 minute essay. Students are evaluated on their ability to construct an
organized, reasonable persuasive essay on a given topic. (always first section of the test)
Section 2: 25 minute section includes 11 “fix the sentence” questions, 23 usage
questions, 6 “fix the passage” questions
Section 3: 10 minute section includes 14 “fix the sentence” questions (always last section
of test)
Math – 3 sections in no particular order. Mathematical formulas are provided.
Section 1: 25 minute section includes 20 multiple-choice questions
Section 2: 25 minute section includes 8 multiple-choice questions, 10 grid-in (short
answer) questions
Section 3: 20 minute section includes 16 multiple-choice questions
Experimental: The experimental section is always a 25 minute section and can be a
math, reading, or writing section. The experimental section is never an essay section.
What is the experimental section?
One of the ten sections on the SAT is considered experimental. The experimental section
is given for research purposes only and is often more difficult than the other test sections.
What is so frustrating for students is that the experimental section does not count towards
their score. The experimental section varies randomly from test to test, and may test
critical reading, math or writing. Students will not know which section of the SAT is
experimental, and should therefore apply themselves fully to all sections of the test.
Students should keep in mind, however, that one of the sections is indeed experimental,
and they should therefore not “freak out” if they do encounter a particularly difficult
section.