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October 31, 2024
Career Education

Everything you need to know before taking the SAT exam:

  • What is SAT?

First, we need to understand what the SAT exam is all about. The test consists of various Multiple Choice Type Questions. The score of the SAT exam is taken into consideration while seeking admission in many foreign universities.

  • When is SAT held?

In India, the SAT is held every year in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June.

  • When should a student take the test?

The SAT can be taken by any student studying in High School. The score of the SAT test is very important for their further studies and so this is a very important exam in a student’s life. This is the reason it is always recommended to take the test with at least 3-4 months left before a student passes the high school. This way, if the score in the first attempt is not satisfactory, there will be enough time to take the test one more time and raise the score.

  • What are the eligibility criteria to take the test?

There are no strict criteria to be eligible to take the test. The student’s age 17-18 usually appear in the exam. The ideal time to take the test is at the end of Junior year or the start of Senior year in high school. Even though one can take the test any time they feel prepared to do so. And the test can be re-taken as many times as a student wants. Many students start taking the test at the start of the 10th standard and keep preparing and re-taking the test until they get satisfactory results.

  • What is the syllabus of the test?

The SAT exam has three sections. The sections are Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW), Math and Essay. Among these three, the first two sections are compulsory and the third section is optional. Even though the Essay section is optional, it is always recommended to take the test with Essay section as many leading universities take the score in the Essay section into consideration while shortlisting the candidates for admission. This is why the Essay section, in spite of being optional, can be a game-changer and play a crucial role in the admission process.

The compulsory sections are each divided into two further sections. Both parts of EBRW are MCQ based. The two parts of Math section are different in their procedure of approach. Whereas the first has to be attempted without the help of a calculator, the use of a calculator is allowed while attending the second part.

  • How much time is allotted to complete the SAT exam?

The time allotted depends on the option you choose regarding the Essay section. If a student chooses to give the exam without the Essay section, they will be allotted 3 hours to take the test. On the other hand, 50 more minutes is allotted to the students taking the test with the Essay section. The 3 hour time is further distributed in 2 parts for the EBRW and the Math section. The time allotted for EBRW is 100 minutes and the time allotted for Math is 80 minutes.

  • What amount needs to be paid to take the test?

An examination fee needs to be paid by the student intending to take the SAT exam. The fee amount depends on the choice of the student. If a student decides to take the test without the Essay section, the amount he will pay is $46. On the other hand, to include the Essay section, $60 needs to be paid by a student.

  • What is the best way of preparation to succeed in the SAT?

To succeed in the SAT, there are many qualities and skills a student needs to work on. The exam tests the memory, creative thinking, academic, and outer knowledge of a student and the ability of a student to analyze understand the data provided to him. So, students need to work on their memory and vocabulary to prepare for SAT. Reading books that increase vocabulary and help grow wisdom is always preferred, too. It is always recommended to take proper guidance before taking such an important test of life. And that guidance can be provided only by professional trainers in the best sat institute. If you are planning to sit in the exam and are wondering where to start from, contact us and we will help you.