SAT
Content
On the Reading/Writing section each question has its own passage, which varies in length from a sentence to a paragraph. The questions may ask about the content and ideas, or about the grammar. Students may also need to consider information presented in a graph or table to complete or correct the sentence in the most logical manner. For content-based questions, the student may have to consider the author's use of ideas or vocabulary; nuances of perspective or viewpoint (the author's or a character's); distinguishing main ideas from supporting details; or other aspects of careful, critical reading. For the grammar questions, the student will have to consider punctuation and phrasing, as well as the structure of the sentence.
The Math section draws most of its material from topics commonly studied in Algebra I, Algebra II, or Geometry, with a heavy emphasis on quadratics and exponential functions. Use of a calculator is allowed throughout; however, most questions require exact numerical or algebraic answers, where a calculator is not necessarily helpful. (A calculator module is provided in the Bluebook app, but it is recommended that students bring their own calculators.) Free response questions are mixed in among the multiple choice questions.
Format
Reading/Writing
- Module One
- 27 questions
- 32 minutes
- Module Two
- 27 questions
- 32 minutes
10 Minute Break
Math
- Module One
- 20 questions
- 35 minutes
- Module Two
- 20 questions
- 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes
Adaptive Testing
Adaptive tests have been common for many years among graduate and professional exams (such as the GRE, the GMAT, and the NCLEX Nursing Exam). They are designed so that if a student answers questions correctly, the test will get harder as the student goes along.
On the SAT, the test is divided into two sections, a Reading/Writing section and a Math Section. Each section is further divided into two modules. When a student has finished the first module of each section, the application evaluates their performance: students whose accuracy exceeds a certain threshold go on to take a "harder" version of the second module, while students who do not meet the threshold are presented with an "easier" version.
Digital Platform
The SAT is taken entirely on a computer: a student is expected to either bring a personal device (a Windows tablet or laptop, an iPad or Mac laptop, or a school-managed Chromebook), or else they may request loan of a device from the College Board when they register for the test. The College Board recommends that a student bring their own device whenever possible.
The test is administered and taken entirely within the College Board's "Bluebook" app, regardless of the device being used. The app also offers practice material and a tutorial of the testing experience, so it is highly recommended that students download and install the software early in the process. To do so, a student will need to have or create an account on the College Board's website, but they do not need to have registered to take the test.
Dates
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the SAT has announced the following test dates:
- May 4, 2024 (register by April 19th)
- June 1, 2024 (register by May 17th)
Individual schools may arrange with the SAT to schedule tests at other times.
What to Bring
A student taking the SAT should bring to the test center:
- Their test registration ticket
- A matching photo ID
- Their computer or tablet and charging cable
- A calculator and spare batteries
- A small snack and water
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