SAT Test Preparation

SAT Exam Preparation

The Scholastic Assessment Test, commonly known as the SAT, is a standardized test widely recognized as a crucial component of college admissions in the United States. The exam is administered by the College Board to evaluate a student’s readiness for college.

Understanding the details of the SAT is essential for students aspiring to pursue higher education, as a strong performance on this exam can significantly enhance one’s college application.

In this guide, we will provide the complete details of the SAT to help students navigate this critical milestone in their academic journey. If you are a high school student planning to take the SAT for the first time or a test-taker aiming to improve your scores, this guide serves as a roadmap to demystify the SAT and empower you to achieve your academic goals.

Table Of Content

  1. SAT 2024 Exam Highlights
  2. SAT Exam Eligibility 2024
  3. SAT Exam Dates 2024
  4. SAT Registration 2024
  5. SAT Exam Fees 2024
  6. Digital SAT Exam 2024 Syllabus
  7. SAT Exam Pattern 2024 – Digital Pattern
  8. SAT Score 2024
  9. SAT Exam Result
  10. SAT Preparation Strategy 2024 – Effective Study Approaches
  11. SAT Exam Books 2024
  12. SAT 2024 Sample Papers
  13. SAT Exam Centres in India 2024
  14. SAT 2024 Exam Scholarships

SAT Exam Highlights

The SAT 2024 maintains its status as a standardized test designed to evaluate a student’s readiness for college. Below, you can check the important highlights of the SAT Exam.

Conducted by

College Board

Exam Centres in India

All major Indian cities 

Exam Name

SAT (Digital)

Exam Mode

Online

Most popular for

Undergraduate courses in the US and Canada

Official Website

https://www.collegeboard.org/

SAT Contact Info

The College Board National Office 250 Vesey Street New York, NY 10281 Phone: 212-713-8000

SAT Exam Duration

2 hours 14 minutes

SAT Fee for Indian Students 

$60 + $43 +$18.54 = ₹10,075 (approx)

SAT full form

Scholastic Assessment Test

SAT India Country Code

260

Score Range

on a 1600 scale point

Full Form of SAT

The full form of SAT Exam is the Scholastic Assessment Test. The College Board introduced this test for overseas candidates who want to apply to different bachelor’s level courses at abroad universities.

The SAT is only administered seven months a year and is entirely computerised. Sometimes, people take the SAT even though they are not required to submit their results; this is done to demonstrate to colleges that they can apply.

Benefits of Taking SAT Exam

There are many benefits of taking the SAT Exam. Some of them are given below.

  • The SAT is accepted by thousands of colleges and universities worldwide, providing flexibility in the selection of educational institutions.
  • The exam assesses critical thinking skills and knowledge essential for success in college, making it a valuable indicator of readiness.
  • Many institutions use SAT scores as a criterion for awarding merit-based scholarships and providing financial assistance to deserving students.
  • Several institutions additionally provide students with SAT scholarships based on their SAT results and scores.
  • There is no negative marking in the SAT Exam. Candidates can answer all questions if they have doubts.
  • Students are allowed to take the SAT as many times as they choose during the year to get better scores and perhaps even higher performance each time.

SAT Exam Eligibility

The college board sets no specific eligibility criteria. However, students seeking admission to undergraduate programs should check the requirements on the college website where they want to get admission.

SAT Exam Education Qualification

The College Board has not set any specific education qualification to appear in the SAT exam. Candidates who want to apply for undergraduate studies abroad can appear for the SAT exam after their high school education. Moreover, you can also appear in the exam after graduation if you want to study in a postgraduate program abroad.

SAT Exam Age Limit

If you want to apply for the SAT exam, then you do not need to worry about age. The officials have not decided on any minimum or maximum age limit criteria. Candidates of any age can apply for the SAT Exam. However, candidates aged 17 to 19 can appear in the SAT exam maximum times.

Number of Times Appear in SAT Exam

Students are free to retake the SAT as many times as they choose, unlike the ACT, which has no time limits established by the College Board. In India, there are seven SAT administrations every year. The typical test months are April, May, June, August, October, and December.

The registration process involves creating a College Board account, providing necessary personal information, selecting a test date and location, and paying the registration fee. Below, you can check the step-by-step process to register for the SAT Exam.

How to Register Online for SAT?

Check the complete process of SAT Exam Registration below.

Step 1 – Go to the college board website and sign up for SAT Registration. Once you register for the website successfully, you will be redirected to the SAT Digital exam.

Step 2 – Now, fill in all the required details, such as personal and educational details, and select the exam date and centre.

Step 3 – Recheck the details, submit them, and pay the SAT Exam Fees to complete your application.

Step 4 – After paying the fees, you will get a confirmation mail for successfully registering for the exam.

SAT Exam Registration Via Mail

You can check the SAT exam registration process via the mail below.

Step 1 – First, obtain “The Student Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests,” offered by educational institutions. An envelope for returns and a registration form are included with this guide.

Step 2 – Fill out the form and send it along with the demand draft. This mail will be received by the regional office. The USIEF serves as SAT’s local representation in India.

SAT Slot Booking

Each authorised SAT test centre has a certain number of seats. So, candidates are advised to reserve their SAT exam slots in advance for a hassle-free process. You should select an SAT centre close to your house for convenience so that you can get there in time for the test.

How Can the SAT Be Cancelled?

According to the officials, candidates will not receive a full refund if they cancel their SAT, regardless of how early they do so. If you cancel your exam registration, you will be eligible for a $10 refund only when you cancel the exam 5 days in advance.

How Can the SAT Exam Date Be Postponed or Rescheduled?

If a candidate has to postpone or reschedule their SAT before the standard change deadline, they must pay an additional $25. If they need to postpone or reschedule until the test day after the regular change deadline, they must pay $35.

SAT Exam Fees

As of 2024, the basic registration fee for the SAT is $55. Additional fees may apply for services like late registration, change of test centre, the optional Essay, rescheduling the exam, or cancelling the exam.

However, the SAT fee waiver is available to students enrolled in the 11th and 12th grades in the United States or its territories. US citizens living abroad are also eligible for fee waivers.

SAT Exam Fees Type

Exam Fees 2024

SAT Exam Fees

 

SAT exam Fees

$55 + Non-U.S. Regional Fee

Non-U.S. Regional Fee for students taking the SAT Test in India

$49

Additional SAT fee as part of sales tax

$18.54

overall SAT Exam fee for Indian Students

$121.54

SAT Exam Cancellation & Rescheduling Fees 2024

 

Date/Test Centre Change Fee before regular change deadline

$25

Date/Test Centre Change Fee after regular change deadline

$35

Late Registration Fee

$30

Register by Phone

$15

Waitlist Fee

$53

   

 

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus

The digital SAT assesses the same content areas as the paper-based version, including Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Here are the SAT Syllabus topics that you must prepare for the exam.

Digital SAT Exam 2024 Syllabus

Section

Topic

SAT Reading & Writing Section

 

 

 

Craft and Structure

Information and Ideas

Standard English Conventions

Expression of Ideas

Math Section

 

 

 

Algebra

Advanced Math

Problem-solving and Data Analysis

Geometry and Trigonometry

SAT Exam Pattern 2024 – Digital Pattern

The digital SAT retains the structure of the paper-based version but introduces an enhanced user interface. It comprises Reading, Writing, Language, and Math sections and the optional Essay. The total testing time remains approximately four hours.

SAT Exam Pattern

Total no. of questions

98

SAT Exam Sections

Reading & Writing SAT Section

Duration

2 Hrs with 14 mins (134 minutes)

Total Score

1600

questions type

MCQ & SPR

SAT Score 2024

The SAT provides scores for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math, each on a scale of 200-800. The total SAT score is the sum of these section scores, ranging from 400 to 1600. In the SAT Exam, additional subscores, cross-test scores, and optional Essay scores are reported on a 20-80 scale to offer additional insights into a test-taker’s performance.

 

SAT Score Range – A Good SAT Score for Colleges

Candidates who score above 1200 in the SAT Exam are considered good. If a candidate gets more than 1200 or anything near 1600, a score is the perfect score. However, the SAT Score of 1000 is an average score.

How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

There are two methods to send your SAT Scores to colleges, which are given below.

Step 1 – Go to the official College Board website and log in to your account. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t have one.

Step 2 – Once logged in, find the section that displays your SAT scores. This is usually on the dashboard or in the “My SAT” section.

Step 3 – If you have taken the SAT multiple times, you may have scores from different test dates. Decide which scores you want to send to colleges.

Step 4 – Navigate to the “Send Available Scores” or a similar section. Enter the names of the colleges or universities where you want your scores sent. You can also search for institutions by code.

Step 5 – If you’re using Score Choice, make sure to understand the policies of the colleges you’re applying to. Some colleges may require you to send all scores, while others allow you to choose specific test dates.

Step 6 – Review the colleges you’ve selected and ensure that the information is accurate. Check for typos in the college names or codes.

Step 7 – If you didn’t select any colleges during registration or if you want to send scores to more than the initial four recipients, you may need to pay for Additional Score Reports. The cost varies, so be prepared to make a payment.

Step 8 – Once you’ve reviewed your selections, confirmed the payment (if needed), and are sure about the scores you want to send, submit your order.

Step 9 – After submission, you should receive a confirmation that your score reports have been sent. The confirmation may include details on when the scores will be delivered to the selected colleges.

Step 10 – It’s a good practice to check with the colleges you’ve applied to and confirm that they have received your SAT scores. This can be done through the college’s admissions portal or by contacting their admissions office.

SAT Score Verification

SAT score verification involves a review of your test scores to ensure that you have received scores in all sections without any errors. If your SAT score differs from your expectations, it could be due to missing or incorrectly marked answers. There are three options available for SAT score verification:

  • Multiple-choice hand score verification
  • Essay score verification
  • Both Multiple-choice and Essay score verification

You can initiate this process within five months after the test day by completing an SAT score verification form. It is crucial to carefully read the instructions provided on the form before proceeding. A score verification fee is applicable, but students with fee waivers will benefit from a reduced fee. Once you’ve paid the verification fee and submitted the form, you can expect to receive a letter with the updated and confirmed results within five weeks.

SAT Score Cancellation

Candidates can cancel their SAT Score for any reason via two methods, which are as follows –

At the Test Centre – You have the option to immediately cancel your exam if you have any doubts about its outcome or believe you have overlooked certain questions. You can request a “Request to Cancel Test Scores” form from the administrator at the testing facility at that very moment. Complete all fields and attach your signature. Give the administrator the completed form. Before you exit the testing facility, make sure you submit this.

At Home – You have the option to reschedule your exam at home if you discover that you performed poorly after leaving the testing facility. There is a time restriction on it, though. The deadline for submitting written cancellation requests to the College Board is 11:59 PM (IST) on the Wednesday following the exam date. Therefore you must do it as soon as possible. The “Request to Cancel Test Scores” must be downloaded from the College Board website, completed, signed, and then faxed or overnight couriered.

Below, you can check the details for Fax and over-night mail service

  • Fax – (610) 290-8978
  • Overnight U.S. Postal Service Express Mail (US only) –SAT Score Cancellation, P.O. Box 6228, Princeton, NJ 08541-6228
  • Overnight mail service or courier (US or international) – SAT Score Cancellation, 1425 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ 08618, USA

SAT Exam Result

The SAT scores range from 600 to 2400, or an evaluation out of 2400. Subject-specific scores fall between 200 and 800, with 200 serving as the lowest possible score and 800 as the highest. You may view your exam results three weeks after you take the test.

Procedure to Access SAT Result 2024

Below is the step-by-step procedure to check your SAT Result 2024.

Step 1 – Login to the website and click the “My Organizer” link.

Step 2 – Find the “SAT Score” on the left side menu and click on it.

Step 3 – No, select “Access My Scores” and enter your username and password.  

Step 4 – Scroll the page and click on “My Test Score” to check your SAT Result.

Countries accepting SAT Score

There are 6 countries that accept SAT Scores. Candidates who want to apply for the abroad colleges of these countries should appear in the SAT Exam. Almost all colleges in these countries accept SAT scores for admissions. These countries are –

  • USA
  • Canada
  • UK 
  • Australia
  • Italy
  • New Zealand

SAT Cut Off 2024

There is no specific SAT cut off set by the college board for candidates who want to apply to universities abroad after appearing in the exam. However, getting a certain range in SAT Scores is recommended to be eligible for admission to top colleges.

SAT Preparation Strategy 2024 – Effective Study Approaches

Below, you can check the study tips for SAT Exam Day.

  • Aim to arrive at the test centre well before the scheduled start time. Being early helps improve the stress connected with rushing. Before entering the testing room, take a few moments to relax and calm your mind. Deep breaths and positive affirmations can help set a focused and composed tone for the exam.
  • Before leaving for the test centre, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. This includes your admission ticket, valid photo ID, No. 2 pencils, an eraser, and an approved calculator. Double-check these items, as they will help you avoid unnecessary stress and distractions during the exam.
  • When the test begins, take a moment to read the instructions carefully for each section. Understanding the format and requirements of each part of the SAT ensures that you utilise your time efficiently and answer questions accurately. Misinterpreting instructions can lead to avoidable errors.
  • The SAT is a timed test, so effective time management is crucial. Allocate specific time for each section and question, and stick to your plan. If you find yourself spending too much time on a single question, it’s often beneficial to move on and return to it later if time permits.
  • Maintain a positive mindset throughout the exam. If you encounter challenging questions, keep them from disrupting your confidence. Focus on the questions you can answer confidently and efficiently. A positive attitude can enhance your overall performance and help you navigate the test more efficiently.
  • While reviewing your answers, trust your initial instincts. Overthinking can lead to second-guessing, potentially resulting in errors. If you’re uncertain about a particular question, make your best guess and move on. Trust the preparation you’ve done leading up to the exam day.

 

SAT Exam Books 2024

Choosing suitable study materials will help you prepare best for the SAT exam. Here are some highly recommended books to help your SAT preparation.

  • The Official SAT Study Guide” by The College Board
  • Barron’s SAT” by Sharon Weiner Green and Ira K. Wolf
  • Kallis’ SAT Pattern Strategy: SAT 2024 Edition” by Kallis Edu
  • The Princeton Review’s Cracking the SAT Premium Edition with 8 Practice Tests

SAT 2024 Sample Papers

Practice with SAT sample papers is essential to familiarise yourself with the exam format and improve your test-taking skills.

SAT Exam Centres in India 2024

As of 2024, SAT exam centres in India are spread across various cities to accommodate test-takers. Some prominent cities with SAT exam centres include:

  • Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Kolkata
  • Ahmedabad
  • Pune
  • Jaipur
  • Lucknow

You can check the complete list of SAT Exam Centres released by the College Board website from the given link. You can choose any centre that suits your preferences.

SAT 2024 Exam Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for students taking the SAT. Some notable scholarship programs are as follows –

National Merit Scholarship Program – Based on PSAT/NMSQT scores, this program recognises top-performing students with scholarships and academic honors.

College Board Opportunity Scholarships – This program rewards students for taking steps toward college, such as practising for the SAT, improving SAT scores, and completing college applications.

There are many other scholarships available for SAT Aspirants. However, each scholarship may have specific requirements, so it is important to carefully review the details to maximise your chances of securing financial assistance.

Overall, knowing the complete details of the SAT Exam and understanding its process is pivotal for candidates who are planning to study in US colleges and want to appear in the SAT Exam. As the college board has released the notification of SAT 2024, candidates must stay informed and make timely decisions to appear in the exam. The SAT exam is an experience that necessitates a comprehensive approach to preparation, including carefully selecting the testing location. It is not merely a test of academic knowledge.

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