The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the USA and other countries. The SAT is owned, developed, and published by the College Board, a private, not-for-profit corporation in the United States. Taking the SAT or its competitor the ACT, is required for admission to a majority of the top ranked colleges and universities in the USA. The test is intended to assess the readiness of a student for college. According to College Board President David Coleman, the New SAT introduced in 2016, reflects more closely what a student has learned in high school (class IX to XII).
According to College Board, the SAT measures literacy, numeracy and writing skills. The SAT also assesses the proficiency of test takers in analysing and solving problems. These are broadly the same skills that are needed for academic success in college. Therefore, College Board proclaims that use of the SAT in combination with high school grades provides a better indicator of success in college than high school grades alone.
The Composite SAT Score ranges from 400 to 1600, combining test results from two 800-point sections – Mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing. The minimum score in each section is 200. The Essay is scored separately and is rated on three dimensions – Reading, Analysis and Writing. The Essay will have three scores (one for each dimension), each ranging from 2 to 8.
The New Scoring
The new SAT will return to the 1600-point scale, with the Math and Reading sections scored between 200 and 800, and the optional essay evalu-ated separately. The ¼-point penalty for wrong answers will be discontinued.
The new scoring model is also more complex than ever, providing enriched score reports to shed light on your individual strengths and areas that need improvement.
| Type of Score | Score Range | Details |
| Composite Score | 400-1600 | • The sum of the two Area scores–Math score + Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score • The Essay score will be reported separately and is not a part of the Composite Score |
| Section Score | 200-800 | • There are two Area scores – one for Math and one for Evidence-Based Reading & Writing • The Essay score is scored separately and not included in either Area score |
| Essay | 3 Scores, 2-8 each | • The Essay will have three scores – Reading, Writing, and Analysis, each scored between 2 and 8. |
| Test Score | 10-40 | • There are five Test scores – Math, Reading, Writing & Language, History/Social Studies, and Science • Two of the Test scores – History/Social Studies and Science – are “Cross-Test Scores”. These scores will reflect how students per- form on specific questions tied to these subjects as seen in both the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing sections. |
| Subscore | 10-40 | • There are seven Subscores: • Two tied to Reading, Writing & Language • Two tied to Writing & Language only • Three tied to Math • The Reading, Writing & Language Subscores will reflect how students perform on specific questions tied to Command of Evidence and Relevant Words in Context concepts • The Writing & Language Subscores will reflect how students perform on specific questions tied to Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions concepts • The Math Subscores will reflect how students perform on specific questions tied to The Heart of Algebra, Passport to Advanced Math, and Problem Solving and Data Analysis concepts |
| SAT READING TEST CONTENT SPECIFICATIONS | ||
| Number | Percentage of Test | |
| Time Allotted | 65 minutes | |
| Passage Word Count | 3,250 words total from 4 single passages and 1 pair; 500–750 words per passage or paired set | |
| Total Questions | 52 questions | 100% |
| Multiple Choice (4 options) | 100% | |
| Passage Based | 100% | |
| SAT MATH TEST CONTENT SPECIFICATIONS | ||
| Time Allotted | 80 minutes | |
| Calculator Portion (38 questions) | 55 minutes | |
| No-Calculator Portion (20 questions) | 25 minutes | |
| Number | Percentage of Test | |
| Total Items | 58 questions | 100% |
| Multiple Choice (MC, 4 options) | 45 minutes | 78% |
| Student-Produced Response (SPR — grid-in) | 13 minutes | 22% |