What is the SAT?
The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.
Some colleges and universities also use SAT results when considering admissions to Honors programs and in awarding merit scholarships.
The SAT is a mostly multiple-choice test that includes
Two scored Reading and Writing sections, testing
- information and ideas
- craft and structure
- expression of ideas
- standard English conventions
Two scored Math sections, both of which allow a student to use a calculator.
Taking the SAT
Starting in March 2024, the SAT will be a fully digital test that students will take on an electronic device. Students with a documented learning disability can request to take a paper-and-pencil version of the SAT if warranted.
Many students will take the SAT on their own devices. For students without access to a suitable device, the College Board has a lending program, subject to availability; a student hoping to borrow a device should request one as far in advance as possible.
Ways to Take SAT
At a Test Center
The SAT is given at test centers on seven Saturdays throughout the year, although students can request Sunday testing for religious
reasons.
At School
Individual schools and districts can choose to offer the SAT in-school on various other dates.
The SAT Requires Students to Apply Their Knowledge to New Situations
Taking the SAT is not the same experience for students as taking tests in school. Classroom teachers prepare their students for material-based testing. The SAT requires students to apply their knowledge to new situations and new types of questions.
Preparing for and taking the test can be stressful for students, so it is important for parents to be encouraging and positive.
Our tutoring program is also designed to reduce students’ stress by showing them how to approach the different kinds of questions and giving them lots of practice while working with a tutor in a caring, supportive environment.
SAT Scoring
The Reading and Writing section and the Math section are each divided into 2 modules. The first module of each section contains questions of various difficulties. Based on how a student performs on the first module, the second module in each section will either be more difficult or less difficult than the first. A student’s score is based on both the number of correct answers and the difficulty of the questions.
There is no penalty for guessing on the SAT; a blank answer and an incorrect answer have the same effect on the score. Therefore, a student should answer all questions.
The range of scores for each section of the SAT is 200-800, and the combined overall score range is 400-1600.
Most schools “superscore” SAT results when reviewing a student’s application: they combine a student’s highest Reading and Writing and Math scores from different test dates.
One-On-One Customized SAT Tutoring
No commitment. No upfront purchase. No required package