SAT is administered by the College Board for undergraduate studies abroad, especially in the US, Canada, Europe, Singapore, and India. SAT registration can be done up to five weeks before the test date and must pay an exam fee of $60 (INR 4,965.63). Indian candidates are required to pay a non-US regional fee of $49 (INR 3,600), making the total SAT exam fees for Indian nationals $104 (INR 7,700). The first SAT 2023 Digital Test is scheduled on March 11, 2023.
Digital SAT exam comprises 2 sections: reading & writing and maths. There are a total of 98 questions to be attempted in 134 minutes.
- The Reading and Writing section has 54 questions to be attempted in 64 minutes.
- The Maths section has 2 modules, each having 20 operational and 2 pre-test questions.
- The total time allotted for Maths section is 70 minutes.
The SAT score range is 400-1600 and is widely used for admission to undergraduate programs.
Big Changes in SAT Exam
SAT exams were disrupted by Covid-19 lockdowns, leading many colleges and universities to make SAT scores optional. Additionally, the SAT is transitioning to a digital format in the coming years, with plans to be fully digital by 2024. Proctors will administer the exam at testing centers and score it out of 1600. However, the SAT Subject Tests are being eliminated, but only for the U.S. Furthermore, the new changes to the SAT exam include reducing the test time from three hours to two hours, a wider range of topics for reading comprehension, allowing the use of calculators for the Quant section, providing additional time between questions and sections, and providing faster access to test results within a few days.
What is SAT Exam?
| Exam Name | SAT |
| SAT full form | Scholastic Assessment Test |
| Official Website | https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat |
| Most popular for | Undergraduate courses in the US and Canada |
| Conducted by | The College Board |
| Mode of Exam | Written-based examination |
| SAT Registration Fees | $60 |
| SAT Score Range | 400-1600 points |
In simple terms, yes, SAT is a difficult exam. The candidate has to sit for four hours and answer every type of question from the Maths and English sections. While some questions are direct, some are very complex. The Critical Reading Section of SAT is the most challenging one.
Types of SAT
There are two types of SAT exams – SAT tests and SAT Subject tests. While SAT is a general test that evaluates the English, Mathematical, Science, and Verbal skills of the test-takers. SAT Subject tests are taken to prove knowledge about a particular subject. SAT subjects include Maths, Science, English, History, and Languages. If you are confused while pondering about SAT1 versus SAT2, then, simply see which SAT 2023 test is suitable for you. It should be noted that SAT Subject Test is no more offered in the US and only a few colleges require or recommend SAT Subject Test scores. It is available only in the months of May and June of this year for international candidates.
Why should you take SAT?
There are numerous reasons why SAT is considered significant during undergraduate program admission. Here are a few reasons listed below:
- Few grad schools grant SAT scholarships to Indian students based on SAT score
- Some job applications seek College Board SAT score
- SAT doesn’t include complex science topics which can be easier for non-science background students
- Compared to the ACT, candidates get more time for SAT math, writing, and English
- SAT prep includes only high school maths topics
- SAT provides a diagram of math formulas on the test day
- No negative marking for wrong answers on SAT
- SAT essay is like a commentary on a specific topic
- The majority of top US colleges require SAT scores for undergraduate admission
- SAT exam fee is comparatively lesser when compared to the ACT to SAT exams
What is the Use of SAT Exam in India?
The main aim to conduct the College SAT exam in India is to test the knowledge of high school level Maths, reading, and writing to secure admission in undergraduate courses abroad. Here are a few benefits:
- improve English speaking skills
- It improves your numerical knowledge.
- SAT scores are helpful for Indian students in getting scholarships.
- Compared to other entrance exams, the fees for the SAT are not very high.
SAT v/s ACT: Which Test to Take?
Both SAT and ACT, have questions from similar topics and are used for college admissions. Candidates can study the difference between SAT vs ACT from the comparison given below:
| Parameters | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For college admissions and merit-based scholarships. | For college admissions and merit-based scholarships. |
| Test Structure | Reading | English |
| Writing & Language | Math | |
| Math | Reading | |
| – | Science Reasoning | |
| – | Essay (Optional) | |
| Length | 2 hours 14 minutes | 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) |
| 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay) | ||
| Reading | 5 reading passages | 4 reading passages |
| Science | None | 1 science section accessing critical thinking skills and not specific science knowledge |
| Math | Arithmetic | Arithmetic |
| Algebra I & II | Algebra I & II | |
| Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis | Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability & Statistics | |
| Calculator usage | Allowed for a few mathematics questions | Allowed for all mathematics questions |
| Essays | Optional | Optional |
| Score Scale | 400–1600 | 1–36 |
SAT Exam Eligibility
There are no strict SAT eligibility set by the College Board. Candidates are required to successfully qualify for the test. Those who want to appear for SAT need to abide by the following minor criteria:
Age Limit
There is no minimum or a maximum age limit to apply for College SAT. Students who have passed high school can apply for SAT. Research has shown that students in the age group of 17 to 19 are among the highest to appear for SAT.
Number of attempts for the SAT exams
Candidates can take SAT exam as many times as they want, there are no restrictions set by the SAT College Board. SAT exam dates are available 5 times a year in India, usually in March, May, August, October, and December.
Educational Eligibility Criteria
There is no strict educational qualification as SAT exam eligibility criteria. SAT can be taken by students who are in high school and want to apply for undergraduate studies abroad to move to the next level of their learning.
ID Proof
SAT eligibility criteria include having a Passport or a valid Aadhar card. It should contain a photograph, name, and signature on it. Any document that is torn, worn, scuffed, or otherwise damaged will not be acceptable.
SAT Exam Registration
You can register online from SAT website, by mail, or by phone. SAT Registration is open throughout the year. Candidates who missed the late deadline date can apply for a waitlist. They have generated three ways for universities to help the candidates:
- Relaxing the score sending deadlines;
- Unbiasedness towards candidates who couldn’t take the test due to COVID-19 and equally considering them like the ones who could take it;
- Considering candidates who could only take the test once.
Online SAT Registration:
- Candidates need to create a profile on the College Board website.
- After the profile is created, fill out the application form by providing Personal Information, High School Information, and Contact Information like mobile number, email id.
- Then create a Student Profile
- Select the Test and Test Center
- Upload a clear passport-size photograph
- Use a credit card or PayPal for payment
- Print the admission ticket for future reference
SAT Registration by Mail:
Candidates need to register by mail, if:
- Requesting testing closer to home
- Requesting Sunday testing for the first time
- Paying by check or money order
- Younger than 13 years old
- Not able to upload a photograph
- Registering through an SAT international representative
To Register by Mail:
- Candidates need to request the SAT Student Registration Booklet from a counselor or College Board
- Fill out the application form
- Candidates must mail the form along with a check or money order for the application fee using the registration envelope to
College Board SAT Program
P.O. Box 7502
London, KY 40742-7502
How to Cancel SAT Exam?
It may happen that the candidate is not willing to take the test on a particular day, and doesn’t want to reschedule. In that case, they can just cancel their test by not showing up. SAT Collegeboard will automatically not count the results of that candidate. SAT registrations cannot be canceled before five days of the booked test. In case of canceled registration, a partial refund of $10 will be received. The refund processing starts six weeks after the test date.
How to Reschedule SAT Exam?
Candidates can change their SAT exam date through the official College Board account. Candidates need to register for the new test date, then cancel the SAT registration that is no more required. Candidates need to incur $28 to change before the regular change deadline or $35 to change after the regular change deadline. There is no deadline for rescheduling SAT test dates.
SAT Test Day Requirements
Due to COVID-19, most of the SAT test centers are following some strict guidelines for the test day:
- Wearing masks are compulsory, candidates will not be allowed if the mask is found missing
- Candidates should sit 6 feet away from each other
- The candidate needs to answer health-related questions prior to taking the exam
- If the candidate is ill before the test, they can contact customer service for the same, and stay back home. Those candidates will not be charged for the change or a cancellation fee if the reason is sickness.
- They should confirm some statements:
- They haven’t come across someone suffering from COVID-19 or presumed to have it within the last 14 days
- They don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, muscle pain, difficulty of breathing, chills
- They are not violating any travel restrainment or quarantine requirements
SAT Photo Requirements
Here are things you need to keep in mind while taking a photo for SAT:
- Your eyes must not be blocked
- There shouldn’t be much light or darkness
- You shouldn’t wear a hat or anything that covers your head or face(unless for religious purposes)
- No digitally tampered photographs
- You should be the only one in the picture
- There must be a head and shoulders view with the complete face, eyes, and properly visible hair
- Head coverings for religious grounds are allowed
- Your face should be in focus
- There should be no trace of dark spots/shadows
- Black and white pictures are also allowed
SAT Exam Fees 2023
SAT exam fees vary with the additional requirement of the candidates. Check the table for SAT exam fees and additional service costs:
| Service | SAT Fee |
|---|---|
| Change test center | $25 |
| Cancel Registration | $25 |
| Cancel registration late | $35 |
| Late registration* | $30 |
| Additional score reports | $12 per report Unlimited free score reports with fee waiver |
| Rush reports | $31 |
| Get scores by phone | $15 per call |
| Archived scores | $31 |
| SAT Question-and-Answer Service | $16 |
| SAT Student Answer Service | $16 |
| Hand score verification | $55 |
SAT Payment Methods
The conducting body of SAT doesn’t accept cash. There are three ways to pay SAT exam fee:
- Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and JCB.
- PayPal: New PayPal users are required to create an account before beginning registration. Ghana doesn’t accept the PayPal method.
- Check or Money Order: All the money orders and checks are to be delivered to ‘The College Board’ address. Only checks drawn on U.S. banks are accepted.
- Other methods: Bank draft
SAT Exam Dates 2023
Only a few exam dates for SAT are left this year. As most grad schools waive off SAT requirements, the situation is quite dicey. ‘Does 2023 require SAT?’ is the most asked question among candidates looking for SAT exam dates 2023. It should be noted that most abroad universities have made the SAT exam test optional but the SAT scores will be considered if submitted. After checking the official SAT website, we have found the data on SAT exam dates for the 2023 session. It must be noted that the below SAT exam dates 2023 are solely for international candidates or the ones not residing in the US or its union territories. Check the table given below for that:
| Test Date | Est. Registration Deadline | Est. Online Score Release | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2023 | May 4, 2023 | June 16, 2023 | Paper |
| August 26, 2023 | July 28, 2023 | September 8, 2023 | Paper |
| October 7, 2023 | September 7, 2023 | October 20, 2023 | Paper |
| November 4, 2023 | October 5, 2023 | November 17, 2023 | Paper |
| December 2, 2023 | November 2, 2023 | December 15, 2023 | Paper |
| March 9, 2024 | February 23, 2024 | March 22 – March 29, 2024 | Digital |
| May 4, 2024 | April 19, 2024 | May 17 – May 24, 2024 | Digital |
| June 1, 2024 | May 17, 2024 | June 14 – June 21, 2024 | Digital |
Note: The dates provided in these charts are based on information released by the College Board and previous SAT test dates. In some cases, the information provided has not yet been confirmed by the College Board. Visit www.collegeboard.org for the most up-to-date published information.
Few things to know about SAT international deadlines:
- International SAT registration deadlines are applicable for everyone residing outside the US and its territories
- The SAT registration deadlines expire at 11.59 pm, ET, US
- There is no late SAT registration for international applicants. The telephonic and online registrations need to be completed by the mentioned international deadline
- Candidates need to send their mailed registration forms by the international deadline
- For candidates registering through an international representative, they need to send their paper registration forms as early as possible
SAT Test Day Checklist
- Face covering masks
- Updated admission ticket
- Acceptable photo ID
- Two no. 2 pencils along with erasers
- Accepted calculator
SAT Exam Pattern 2023
- SAT exam 2023 is now a digital test.
- The duration of the College Board SAT test is 2 hours 14 minutes.
- SAT exam pattern include – SAT Reading and Writing Test and SAT Math test
- SAT score range is between 400-1600
SAT Exam Pattern 2023
- SAT exam 2023 is now a digital test.
- The duration of the College Board SAT test is 2 hours 14 minutes.
- SAT exam pattern include – SAT Reading and Writing Test and SAT Math test
- SAT score range is between 400-1600
| Section | Time in Minutes | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading and Writing | 64 | 54 |
| Math Calculator | 70 | 44 |
| Total | 134 minutes | 98 |
SAT Exam Syllabus
SAT performs an important role in declaring a candidate’s academic ability. SAT General Test and SAT Subject Test are the two widely taken SAT exams.
- SAT General Test is generally taken by students for admission to undergraduate colleges. It assesses the written, verbal and mathematical skills of the candidates.
- There are 20 SAT subject tests which are divided into 5 subjects further. These SAT subjects are further categorized into smaller topics. The various SAT Subjects include:
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Science
- SAT Literature
- SAT History and
- SAT Languages
SAT Score
Each section of the SAT exam is scored on a 200 to 800-point scale. The total SAT score is the sum of each section’s scores. The highest possible SAT score is 1600 or 800+800. If one takes the Essay test, then a separate score is given. SAT essay score is marked on three factors: Reading, Analysis, and Writing out of 2 to 8. SAT Score Calculator converts the raw SAT score into a scaled score based on specific rules. The average SAT score is 1000.
Each section has a raw SAT score which is based on the number of correct answers given
- Each question of all the sections carries the 1 mark
- No negative marking
| SAT Scores | Details | SAT Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total SAT Score | Sum of Math and EBRW | 400 – 1600 |
| Sectional Scores | EBRW, and Math | 200 – 800 |
| Test Scores | Reading, Writing, and Language, Math | 10 – 40 |
| SAT Essay (Optional Essay) | Reading, analysis, and writing | 2 – 8 |
| Cross-test scores | Analysis in history/social studies/science focused on specific questions of EBRW and Math | 10 – 40 |
| Subscores | Reading and Writing and Language: Command of Evidence and Words in Context. Writing and Language: Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions. Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math. | 1 – 15 |
SAT Score Report
SAT Score reports can be accessed via the College Board profile:
- Click on My Organizer.
- Click on SAT Scores
- Click on Access My Scores
- Enter username and password
- Click on the “My Test Scores” box
- Your SAT score will be displayed on the screen
- Students are required to send their score reports by phone or mail to the colleges they are eligible for
- Score choice can be used for the above purpose
- Students can send up to four score reports to colleges for free; before which an additional fee will be charged.
Furthermore, the SAT score report has a ‘Score Breakdown’ option that describes sectional scores. There are three breakdowns:
- Test Scores: This offers scores broken into reading and writing and language. The scores are marked out of 40 points.
- Cross-test Scores: This offers scores based on the knowledge of science and history/social studies. This is also marked out of 40.
- Subscores: This measure performance based on different skills like Command of Evidence and Words in Context, for writing and language – Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions, and for math – Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math.
What is a Good SAT Score for 2023?
For 2023, 1510 and above is considered the highest score or 99th percentile. If the candidate scores in the 75th percentile or in the range of 1200 – 1210 that will be considered a good score in SAT.
How to Send SAT Scores?
Most universities require the SAT Score reports to be sent directly from College Board rather than accepting copies. Candidates can either select four to five universities during registration and College Board will directly send the scores after their release without any additional cost. If you are sending the SAT scores after they are released there will be an additional fee to be incurred, though fee waivers help cancel the fee. Post-release, scores can be sent through:
- Online: Through the College Board account on SAT official website
- Mail: Finish and mail the ‘Additional Score Report Form’
- Phone: By calling the customer service
How SAT is Scored?
SAT results are evaluated in a strict manner ensuring fairness. After submitting the answer sheet, a rigid check is carried on until they are delivered to the processing center. The answers are scanned, then checked by the system which considers the answers mentioned in the circles. From those circled answers, the raw score is calculated. To ensure proper checking of the answers, use a pencil and a soft eraser. The circle is to be filled in darkly.
How to Cancel SAT Score?
Candidates can cancel their SAT scores if they feel dissatisfied with their results. But once their cancellation request has been made, it cannot be reinstated or reported. There are two ways to cancel your SAT scores:
Option 1: At the SAT Test Center
- Once you’ve taken the test, ask the staff for a ‘request to cancel test scores form’
- Complete the form, and hand it over to the test coordinator before leaving
Option 2: After leaving the SAT test center
The signed, written score cancellation form needs to be submitted before 11.59 ET on the next Thursday of the test date. The form needs to be downloaded, filled, and faxed to the given address:
Choose one of these options:
- Fax: 610-290-8978
- Overnight delivery via U.S. Postal Service Express Mail (the U.S. only)
P.O. Box 6228
Princeton, NJ 08541-6228
- Other overnight mail service or courier (U.S. or international)
1425 Lower Ferry Road
Ewing, NJ 08618
The mailing or fax label should read: “Attention: SAT Score Cancellation.”
SAT Cutoff
SAT Cutoff for top universities requires the candidates to score around 1450 to ensure admission. Here is the list of top colleges and their SAT Cutoff :
| Colleges/Universities | SAT cut off |
|---|---|
| Princeton University | 710 – 800 |
| Harvard University | Test optional for 2021 due to Covid-19 |
| University of Chicago | UChicago is test-optional |
| Yale University | 740-790 |
| Columbia University | 700+ in Math and EBRW |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 730 – 780 |
| Stanford University | Composite: 1505 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Composite: 1470-1550 |
| Duke University | Composite: 1475 |
| California Institute of Technology | No requirement of SAT for two years |
| Dartmouth College | 750 – 770 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Test-option for the year 2022 |
| Northwestern University | Test optional measure implemented for first-year applicants of 2020-21 and 2021-22 cycles |
| Brown University | Test-optional for 2021-22 application cycle |
| Cornell University | SAT score requirement suspended for upcoming two years |
| Rice University | Composite: 1480-1550 |
| Vanderbilt University | Test optional for 2021 due to Covid-19 |
| University of Notre Dame | 1410-1540 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | Test optional for 2021 due to Covid-19 |
| Georgetown University | Test optional for the upcoming sessions |
| Emory University | Test optional for Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 due to Covid-19 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 1330-1530 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Test optional for 2021 due to Covid-19 SAT score will not be considered for scholarships through fall 2024 |
| University of Southern California | Test optional for 2022 and 2023 cycles due to Covid-19 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 780-800 |
| University of Virginia | 1330 – 1500 |
| Wake Forest University | Test optional for 2021 due to Covid-19 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | Test optional for 2021 due to Covid-19 |
| Tufts University | Maths: 720-790 EBRW: 700-760 |
| New York University | Test optional for 2021 due to Covid-19 |
| University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign | Composite: 1300 – 1500 |
| UT Austin | Composite: 1480 |
| Brandeis University | 1520 |
| Boston University | 1510 |
| UC San Diego | 1490 |
SAT Exam Preparation
Here the SAT exam preparation strategies and tips according to the subject areas are described as follows:
- Reading: SAT reading comprises 4-5 long passages. Go through magazines and newspapers. Focus on strong adjectives that will help you learn connotations.
- Mental Maths: Engage in SAT practice tests and practice mental maths, this will help the candidate a long way. Solve SAT past papers of math by managing time.
- Eliminating Method: Learn eliminating methods during SAT tests online, it is important to be smart during the test. Sometimes, it is easier to find the wrong answers than the correct ones. This will make candidates smart enough to eliminate the incorrect ones.
- Focus on Weaknesses: Focus more on weak sections by solving SAT tests online. This will provide the candidate with a better understanding of their weak areas.
- Learn Time Management: Try to practice SAT mock test for learning time management. The questions related to passages can consume a lot of time.
- Focus On Your First Response: The first response you give in SAT is mostly correct so don’t give it a second thought. Implement this practice while solving SAT past papers.
- Make an SAT Study Guide: Create an SAT study guide according to your schedule. If you are attending school or coaching, calculate the traveling time as well. Put more study hours in your SAT course during the weekends.
- Focus on SAT Vocabulary: Learn new SAT vocabulary from flashcards daily to properly answer the evidence-based reading and writing section. Candidates can get numerous flashcards online to study SAT vocabulary. SAT online coaching also provides candidates with new words during preparation.
- Guess When You Don’t Know the Answer: There is no negative marking in the new SAT entrance exam for guessing. Therefore, you can guess if you don’t know any answers to the SAT exam subjects. Only try to eliminate a minimum of one wrong answer before guessing. Take an SAT practice test to implement this elimination method.
- Don’t Forget to Bring a Watch/Timer: SAT test centers don’t necessarily have a correct timer. Therefore, it is always necessary to carry one of your own. Practice your SAT mock test with a timer.
- Decide a Reading Strategy: During preparation for an SAT course, know which reading strategy is perfect for you. Is it skimming or reading the questions first? Numerous SAT previous year papers can be used for adopting a reading strategy.
- Gather Authentic SAT Study Materials: Candidates need to study from authentic study materials like Official SAT Study Guide 2020 Edition, Barron’s books, vocabulary flashcards, and more that offer SAT exam details.
- Recognize Rhetoric Questions: Less than half of SAT reading questions are rhetorical ones. Candidates need to study SAT past papers to understand that these questions need to be answered by studying the structure, development, and format. Focus on how the writing accomplices the author’s purpose.
- SAT Coaching: There are various institutes in India that provide both SAT online coaching and offline coaching. Candidates can select SAT coaching based on the fees, timings, and amenities provided. A few of them are listed below in the table for your help.