SAT Exam Overview: Key Sections and Changes

The SAT exam is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States, and it consists of three main sections: reading comprehension, writing and language, and mathematics. The College Board administers this test for international candidates, and it’s widely taken by more than 1.7 million high school graduates each year.

The SAT exam used to include an optional essay writing section, but this section has been discontinued. There are two types of SAT exams: the SAT General Test and the SAT Subject Test (which is no longer valid).

Read also: Understand the Validity of SAT Scores for College Admissions

SAT General Test

The SAT General Test is a standardized examination commonly used by colleges and universities in the United States as a key component of their undergraduate admissions process. It is designed to evaluate a wide range of skills and abilities that are important for success in higher education. Here are more details about the SAT General Test:

Assessment of Various Skills:

• Writing: The SAT assesses your ability to express ideas effectively through written communication. This includes evaluating your understanding of the conventions of standard written English, such as grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
• Reading: The test evaluates your reading comprehension skills. It presents various reading passages from different subjects, including literature, social science, science, and history. You’ll need to answer questions based on your understanding of these passages.
• Language: This section assesses your knowledge of language and vocabulary. It includes questions that test your ability to understand words in context and your command of standard English language usage.
• Problem-Solving: The SAT includes math sections that test your problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and proficiency in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and data analysis.
• Critical Reasoning: Throughout the test, you’ll encounter questions that require critical thinking and analytical reasoning. These questions may ask you to evaluate arguments, make inferences, and draw conclusions.
• General Knowledge: While the SAT doesn’t require specific prior knowledge, it assesses your ability to apply general knowledge and skills acquired during your education.

Scoring Range:

• Scores on the SAT General Test range from 400 to 1600 points.
• The score is a composite of two major components: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section (combining reading and language) and the Math section.
• Each of these sections is scored separately on a scale from 200 to 800 points.
• The total SAT score is the sum of the EBRW and Math scores.

The SAT General Test is a crucial part of the college application process for many U.S. colleges and universities. A strong SAT score can enhance your chances of gaining admission to the institution of your choice. Therefore, thorough preparation and practice are essential to perform well on this exam.

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SAT Subject Test (Discontinued)

The SAT Subject Test, which has been discontinued, was a set of standardized tests that allowed students to showcase their knowledge and expertise in specific subject areas. Here are more details about the SAT Subject Test:

Subject-Focused Assessment:

• Unlike the SAT General Test, which assessed a broad range of skills, the SAT Subject Test was highly focused on specific academic subjects.
• Students could choose from various subject areas, including languages, history, English, mathematics, and science. Within these subject areas, there were individual tests available for specific topics.
• For example, in the subject area of mathematics, there were subject tests for topics like Mathematics Level 1 and Mathematics Level 2, each covering different content.

Assessment of Readiness and Placement:

• The SAT Subject Test served multiple purposes for colleges and universities. It allowed them to assess a student’s readiness for advanced coursework in a particular subject.
• Colleges often used the scores on these subject tests to determine whether a student should be placed in introductory-level courses or more advanced courses.
• Achieving a high score on a subject test could demonstrate a student’s proficiency and knowledge in a specific subject, potentially leading to advanced placement or course exemptions.

Scoring Range:

• Scores on SAT Subject Tests ranged from 200 to 800 points.
• The scoring scale was similar to that of the SAT General Test, with 200 being the lowest possible score and 800 being the highest.
• The specific score range depended on the individual subject test taken.

The College Board discontinued the SAT Subject Test in early 2021, and colleges and universities no longer require or consider these scores as part of the admissions process. They made this decision to streamline the college admissions process and reduce the burden on students.

As a result, students applying to colleges and universities in the United States should focus on the SAT General Test, other standardized tests like the ACT, and their high school coursework and achievements when preparing for college admissions.

Read also: SAT and ACT: Making the Right Choice

SAT Syllabus

The SAT syllabus covers three main sections:

Reading

The Reading section of the SAT exam is a critical component that evaluates a student’s ability to read and understand written texts effectively. Here are more details about the Reading section:

Question Format and Timing:

• The Reading section consists of a total of 52 multiple-choice questions.
• Students are given 65 minutes to finish this section.

Content Variety:

The questions in the Reading section are based on passages from a wide range of subjects and disciplines. These may include:

• Sociology: Passages related to the study of human society and social behavior.
• Psychology: Passages about the science of the mind and behavior.
• Economics: Texts dealing with economic concepts, principles, and theories.
• Literature: Excerpts from literary works, such as novels, short stories, or essays.
• Science: Passages from various scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science.

Assessment Objectives:

The primary objective of the Reading section is to evaluate a student’s reading comprehension skills. This involves assessing their ability to:

• Understand the main ideas and details presented in the passages.
• Interpret the tone, style, and mood of the text.
• Using the information presented, develop conclusions and judgments.
• Identify the author’s purpose, point of view, and arguments.
• Examine the connections between the various textual elements.
• Vocabulary skills are also assessed, as students may encounter unfamiliar words within the passages. The context in which these words appear often provides clues to their meanings.

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Passage Diversity:

• The Reading section typically includes several passages, usually five in total.
• These passages vary in terms of content, length, and complexity.
• One of the passages will be from American or world literature, while another will be related to an American founding document, the Great Global Conversation, or a related text. One passage may also be related to a scientific topic from physics, chemistry, biology, or earth science.
• Students are required to read these passages carefully and answer questions based on their understanding of the text.

Question Types:

The questions in the Reading section come in various formats, including:

• How the Author Uses Evidence: These questions assess the student’s understanding of how the author supports their claims with evidence from the text.
• Understanding Words in Context: Students must determine the meaning of words or phrases based on their context within the passage.
• Analysis in History/Social Studies and Science: Questions related to passages in these subject areas assess the student’s ability to analyze and interpret information presented in a scientific or historical context.

The SAT designs the Reading section to gauge a student’s ability to engage with and comprehend a wide range of texts, making it a crucial component of the overall SAT exam. Success in this section demonstrates strong reading and analytical skills, which are valuable for college-level coursework and beyond.

Read also: Conquering the SAT Test: Tips and Strategies

Writing and Language

The SAT exam designers created the Writing and Language section to assess a student’s proficiency in written communication and language skills. Here are more details about the Writing and Language section:

Question Format and Timing:

• There are 44 multiple-choice questions in the writing and language section.
• Students are given a total of 35 minutes to complete this section.

Content Variety:

• The questions in this section are based on passages that cover a wide range of topics and subject matter.
• These passages may include content related to job descriptions, scientific concepts, humanities, historical events, social studies, arguments, theories, or narratives.
• The passages can be informative, explanatory, argumentative, or narrative in nature.

Assessment Objectives:

• The primary objective of the Writing and Language section is to evaluate a student’s ability to identify and correct errors or improve the quality of written passages.
• The types of errors assessed include those related to grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
• Students are also tested on their ability to enhance the overall clarity and coherence of a given passage.

Read this article to prepare yourself for the SAT with sample questions and valuable tips.

Grammar and Language Skills:

The Writing and Language section assesses a wide range of grammar and language skills, including:

• Subject-verb agreement: Ensuring that subjects and verbs in a sentence match in terms of number and person.
• Pronoun-antecedent agreement: Using pronouns that agree in gender and number with their antecedents.
• Verb tense and mood: Correctly using verb tenses and moods to convey the intended meaning.
• Sentence structure: Identifying and fixing issues with sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and sentence clarity.
• Punctuation: Correct usage of commas, semicolons, colons, dashes, and other punctuation marks.
• Word choice: Identifying and selecting appropriate vocabulary and phrasing to improve sentence and passage clarity.
• Coherence and organization: Ensuring that the passage flows logically and that ideas are well-connected.

Passage Structure:

• The passages in the Writing and Language section may consist of several paragraphs, and questions may ask students to consider various aspects of the text.
• Students are tasked with identifying errors, making revisions, and selecting the best answer choices to improve the overall quality of the passage.

Real-World Relevance:

Many of the passages in this section are drawn from real-world scenarios, making the skills assessed here applicable to a wide range of academic and professional contexts.

The Writing and Language section of the SAT aims to measure a student’s ability to edit and improve written content effectively. It not only evaluates grammatical knowledge but also emphasizes the importance of clear and coherent communication in various subject areas. Strong performance in this section demonstrates a student’s readiness for college-level writing and language tasks.

Read also: SAT Exam: Types, Structure, and Scoring

Mathematics

The SAT exam assesses a student’s mathematical skills and ability to apply mathematical concepts to various problem-solving scenarios through its Mathematics section. Here are more details about the Mathematics section:

Question Format and Timing:

The Mathematics section is divided into two parts: a no-calculator portion and a calculator portion.

• The no-calculator portion allows 25 minutes to complete the questions without the use of a calculator.
• The calculator portion provides 55 minutes for solving questions with the assistance of a calculator.

Number of Questions:

• In total, the Mathematics section consists of 58 questions.
• These questions encompass both multiple-choice questions and grid-in questions.

Content Coverage:

The Mathematics section of the SAT covers a range of mathematical topics, including:

• Algebra: This includes solving linear and quadratic equations, working with inequalities, and manipulating algebraic expressions.
• Geometry: Topics include properties of geometric figures, coordinate geometry, and geometric transformations.
• Trigonometry: Basic trigonometric concepts, such as trigonometric ratios and angles.
• Number and Operations: This involves working with real and complex numbers, including properties of integers, fractions, decimals, and radicals.
• Statistics and Data Analysis: Questions may require interpreting and analyzing data presented in charts, graphs, and tables.
• Probability: Basic probability concepts, including the probability of events and experimental probability.

Read also: Find accepted SAT scores at some of the top universities in the United States.

Scoring Range:

• Scores for the Mathematics section of the SAT range from 200 to 800 points.
• The Mathematics section is one of the two major components that contribute to the overall SAT score, with the other being the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section.

Calculator Usage:

• While the calculator portion allows the use of a calculator, it’s important to note that not all questions necessarily require a calculator for solving.
• Students are encouraged to use their calculators judiciously and only when necessary, as some questions may be more efficiently solved without one.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• A significant emphasis in the Mathematics section is placed on problem-solving skills and the ability to apply mathematical concepts in practical contexts.
• Some questions may involve interpreting information from real-world scenarios and using mathematical principles to arrive at solutions.

The Mathematics section of the SAT aims to assess a student’s mathematical readiness for college-level coursework and their ability to think critically and analytically in mathematical contexts. Success in this section demonstrates strong mathematical proficiency and problem-solving skills, which are valuable for various academic and career pursuits.

Read also: Differences between SAT and ACT: Choose the Right Test for You

How to Prepare for the SAT

Preparing for the SAT exam is a crucial step in achieving a strong score that can enhance your college admissions prospects. Here are more detailed explanations of the steps you can take to prepare effectively:

Set a Target Score:

• Begin by researching the colleges or universities you plan to apply to. Each institution may have different SAT score requirements or preferences.
• Use this information to set a target score that aligns with your college or university preferences. Your target score should be realistic and achievable based on your current academic abilities.

Use Free College Board SAT Study Guides and Resources:

• The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, offers free study guides and resources.
• These resources provide valuable information about the SAT test format, content, and question types.
• They also include sample questions and practice tests that can help you become familiar with the exam.

Practice with Past SAT Question Papers and Official Practice Tests:

• Obtain past SAT question papers and official practice tests, which are often available from test preparation books, websites, or the College Board.
• Take these practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual testing environment.
• Analyze your performance on practice tests to identify areas where you need improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Learn About the Timing and Format of the Exam:

• Understand the structure of the SAT exam, including the number of sections, time limits for each section, and the order of sections (e.g., Reading, Writing and Language, Math).
• Find out when the exam breaks are scheduled, so you can plan accordingly.

Take Practice Tests Under Timed Conditions:

• Replicate the actual SAT testing conditions as closely as possible when taking practice tests.
• Use a timer to ensure that you complete each section within the specified time limits.
• You will be better able to manage your time on the actual exam thanks to this preparation.

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Ensure that you have all necessary tools and materials for test day. These may include:

Gather Essential Tools:

• Pencils: You’ll need No. 2 pencils for filling in the answer sheet.
• Erasers: To correct mistakes when marking your answers.
• Calculator: If you are taking the SAT with the calculator section, ensure that you use a permitted calculator that is in good working condition.
• Timer: You can use a watch or timer to keep track of time during practice tests and the actual exam.

Familiarize yourself with the College Board’s rules and guidelines regarding what you can and cannot bring to the test center.

Develop a Study Plan:

• Create a study schedule that allows you to allocate sufficient time to prepare for each section of the SAT.
• Be consistent with your study routine, and gradually increase the intensity of your practice as the test date approaches.

Seek Additional Help:

• If you encounter difficulties with specific topics or sections, consider seeking additional help, such as tutoring or joining study groups.
• Utilize online resources, including video tutorials and SAT prep courses, to gain a deeper understanding of challenging concepts.

By following these detailed steps and committing to a well-structured study plan, you can significantly improve your readiness for the SAT exam and increase your chances of achieving your target score. Effective preparation is key to performing well on the SAT and achieving your college admissions goals.

Read also: Tips to Prepare Yourself for the SAT Test

To succeed in the SAT exam, it’s crucial to understand its format, structure, syllabus, and the types of questions it contains. Solving multiple practice tests within the allocated time is essential. By dedicating substantial time and effort to your preparation, you can achieve a strong SAT score. Securing admission to U.S. colleges can offer exceptional learning opportunities. This blog aims to provide you with a concise overview of the SAT Exam Syllabus.

Well, now you know what you need to prepare. Let’s start your SAT preparation to achieve a score that meets the requirements of your target universities. There are many online practice tests available on the internet, but still feeling confused? Join us now.