What Is SAT?

The SAT (the Scholastic Aptitude Test and later called the Scholastic Assessment Test) is a type of standardized test that is used for college admissions in the United States. It measures the knowledge and skills you've gained in high school and your ability to apply that knowledge. The test is offered seven times per year in the U.S. and internationally.

SAT: Function

Typically, high school juniors and seniors in the USA take the SAT. The SAT is used to assess skills that students learned in school and will require in college as well as how well they can analyze and solve problems. An increasing number of colleges are now test-optional and don't require SAT scores for admission. But it is still an indicator of your level of skill and proficiency in subjects you have studied in high school and increase your chances of getting admission.

SAT: Test Format

Starting in spring 2024, SAT has changed its examination style to exclusively and fully digital format. The test will be shorter than the previous format at about 2 hours. Another difference with the previous format is that the reading passages are shorter and each relate to 1 or 2 questions and using calculators is allowed for all Math questions. The number of questions and timing of these sections are as follows:

  1. The Reading and Writing section will be 64 minutes with roughly 50 questions
  2. The Math section will be 80 minutes with around 40 questions

Each section has 2 modules and the digital format allows the exam to be interactive, meaning the difficulty level of the second module will be determined relative to performance of the test-taker in the first module.

SAT: Subjects

The SAT Reading and Writing section includes multiple choice questions that may include informational graphics. The reading questions covers passages from literature, history/social studies, humanities, and science. The writing questions involve selecting options that best complete passages according to conventions of standard English governing grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.
The Reading and Writing section of digital SAT tests you on a set of skills:

  1. Information and Ideas: citing textual evidence, determining central ideas, interpreting words and phrases in context
  2. Craft and Structure: analyzing word choice, assessing overall text structure, determining purpose, and analyzing arguments
  3. Expression of Ideas: improve the development, organization, and effective language use in written passages
  4. Standard English Conventions: knowledge of sentence structure, usage, and punctuation rules

The Math section tests your ability to apply math in different situations, covering linear equations, quantitative skills, and complex equations. Most math questions are multiple choice, but about 20% require you to calculate the answer. The math section tests your skills in algebra, advanced math, quantitative reasoning, equation types, problem solving and data analysis, as well as geometry and trigonometry.

SAT: Scoring

Each section of the SAT is scored out of 800. The total SAT score ranges from 400-1600.

SAT: What You Will Find Here

The categorized vocabulary lists we have prepared for SAT preparation include vocabulary gathered from the latest official practice tests offered by College Board, the institution in charge of administering SAT, as well as practice material published by The Princeton Review and Kaplan in 2023 and 2024.

The Categories

The vocabulary extracted from these sources has been categorized in 4 general categories, each with a number of more specific subcategories:

Natural Sciences

Specialized vocabulary related to sciences such as biology, chemistry, geology, botany, astronomy, etc. as well as vocabulary describing our physical and natural world are included in the Natural Science category.

Humanities

Specialized vocabulary related to social sciences and humanities are included in the Humanities section where you will find vocabulary in fields of history, art, politics, law, religion, etc. as well as more general vocabulary related to human social life.

Math and Logic

Vocabulary for the different branches of mathematics as well as vocabulary you will need in interpreting and analyzing information and making comparisons and assessments are covered under the Math and Logic category.

Exam Literacy

Finally, Exam Literacy category includes general knowledge of English you will need for successful comprehension of passages in SAT. This section includes useful phrasal verbs, words used in figurative or uncommon meanings, collocations and idioms, transition words, etc.

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