The SAT Reasoning Test (or SAT I) is a standardised test you are required to take as part of your application process to most universities in the US, especially for undergraduate-level courses.
Here is a first introduction to the test. If you want to prepare for it, do not forget to also read our article on the 5 tips to prepare for the SAT I!
Your SAT Reasoning Test will last for about three hours (or 3h50, if you also write the optional essay) and cost about $50. The prices change slightly depending on where you take the test, and an additional $25 fee is added in some test centres.
The scores range from a minimum of 400 to a maximum of 1600, and you will be in the best 1% of SAT takers if you score more than 1540. Though there usually is not a minimum score required to be admitted to a specific university, it might be useful for you to know that the average SAT score for students admitted at Harvard is 1520, at MIT is 1525 and at Princeton is 1505.
The SAT I Sections
SAT I is composed of two main sections: (i) Math, and (ii) Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW), each worth 800 points. In addition to these, there is the optional essay writing section. Note that it is optional in the sense that you can take the SAT without writing your essay, but the university you are applying to may require you to also write the essay. Essays are scored separately.
The SAT Math section will test your knowledge of high-school level mathematics, and is divided into two parts, one in which you are allowed to use your calculator, and one in which you are not. More than half of the questions will be about algebra, but there will also be some geometry (for which you’ll be given a formula sheet), some trigonometry, some questions about complex numbers and some about how to create simple models to find solutions to real-life problems.
The EBRW section consists of a Critical Reading section and a Writing section.
In the Critical Reading section, you will be able to show your ability to read and interpret very diverse passages. There will be multiple-choice questions about five passages, one about literature, two about history and social studies, and two about science. You will also have to analyse the data contained in one or more graphs, charts, or tables.
In the Writing section, you will be able to show your knowledge of the English grammar and your precision with word choice, sentence construction and paragraph construction. You will be given four paragraphs or charts and asked if you would change some words, punctuation, grammar and similar.
Finally, in the optional Essay you will have the opportunity to show your writing and analytical skills. You will be given a paragraph and asked to analyse it, following some guidelines. The examiners will score your essay based on reading (and understanding), analysis and writing.
If you need more help…
In case you need help with all or some sections of the SAT, do not hesitate to speak to us. Here at Dreamando there is a team of experts who are happy to analyse your individual situation and provide tailor-made advice!