LoginEssential Vocabulary for SAT Test
SAT Test Preparation
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 and in the recruitment process in the United States.
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:
- literacy
- numeracy
- writing skills
It also assesses how well the students analyze and solve problems.
SAT: Structure
The SAT has two main parts:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- The Math Test
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (or EBRW which is also called the English part of the test) is comprised of three different parts:
- Reading
- Writing
- Language
Reading Test
The Reading Test has 52 multiple-choice questions based on reading passages that you need to answer within 65 minutes. There are five passages each passage has approximately 10 questions. SAT Reading passages are almost always about three main fields:
- history
- social studies (such as economics, psychology, sociology, etc.)
- science
Writing and Language Test
The Writing and Language Test of the SAT has 44 multiple-choice questions based on reading passages that you need to answer within 35 minutes. Test-takers have to analyze an underlined portion of a passage or pair of passages and decide if they make sense. They also may have to analyze graphics, charts, tables, etc., and accurately interpret the information in the text.
The Math Test
The math test of SAT has two parts:
- No Calculator: has 20 questions (15 multiple choice and 5 grid-in) and lasts 25 minutes
- Calculator Permitted: has 38 questions (30 multiple choice and 8 grid-in) and lasts 55 minutes
SAT: Scoring
Each SAT section is graded on a scale of 200 to 800. If we add the two section scores, the total score for the SAT ranges from 400 to 1600.
Cross-test Scores
Cross-test scores are based on answering questions in analysis in history or social studies and analysis in science. There are two cross-test scores that each range from 10 to 40 points.
Subscores
You will also receive subscore reporting for every test—math, reading, and writing and language—plus additional subscores to provide added insight into your test performance.
The Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test contribute to four subscores:
- Command of Evidence
- Words in Context
- Expression of Ideas
- Standard English Conventions
The Math Test contribute to three subscores:
- Heart of Algebra
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis
- Passport to Advanced Math
