EdMIUMThe full form of SAT is the Scholastic Assessment Test, which was earlier known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. SAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board and is required to be taken by students seeking admission to undergraduate schools.
SAT exam syllabus includes courses the students have already studied in their school over the years. So if you are good at studies in school, you shouldn’t face any issues preparing for the SAT Syllabus.
There are two types of SAT Exams:
- SAT General Test- SAT General Test is more common between the two SAT tests and is generally used by undergraduate colleges for admissions. The Scholastic Assessment Test assesses the written, verbal and mathematical skills of the candidates.
- SAT Subject Test- There are 20 SAT Subject Tests which are divided into 5 subject areas. These subjects are further categorized into smaller topics. The various SAT Subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Science
- English
- History and
- Languages
In this article, let us look at:
1. SAT Subject Test vs SAT General Test
SAT 1 vs SAT 2 – Subject Test or SAT 2 is a more subject-focused test. Candidates looking to apply to a particular course in a college can take the SAT Subject Test to exhibit his knowledge and understanding of that particular subject. The SAT General Test or SAT 1 , on the other hand, has been developed to evaluate the written, verbal and mathematical skills of the candidates seeking admission to undergraduate schools. The Scholastic Assessment Test is conducted by The College Board.
2. SAT Exam Pattern
| SAT Subject | SAT Syllabus | SAT Test Pattern |
| Math58 questions | This section includes questions on problem-solving, data analysis, algebra, and advanced math. | Duration: 80 minutesScore: 200-800 |
| Reading52 questions | This section includes questions on Sentence Completion, Tests understanding of passages from the US and world Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences. | Duration: 65 minutes score Range: 200-800(combined with Writing Section) |
| Writing and Language44 questions | This section includes questions on, expression of ideas and standard English conventions through passages related to Careers, History/Social Studies, Humanities, and Sciences. | Duration: 35 minutes score Range: 200-800(combined with Reading Section) |
| Essay (optional)One optional essay | This section requires students to evaluate an argument through the analysis of evidence. | Duration: 50 minutes not scored |
| Total154 questions | n/a | Duration: 3 hours (with optional 50 minutes)Score: 1600 |
3. SAT Exam Syllabus
SAT Syllabus includes courses that students have already covered in their school curriculum over the years. The syllabus for SAT exam includes:
- Reading section
- Writing
- Mathematics
Reading
SAT contains three critical reading sections:
- Reading comprehension – 25 mins
- Sentence completions – 25 mins
- Paragraph-length critical reading – 20 mins
Writing
SAT writing has three sections:
- Essay section – 25 mins
- Multiple choice sections – 25 mins and 10 mins
Mathematics
SAT contains three Math sections:
- Algebra and functions – 25 mins
- Geometry Statistics – 20 mins
- Probability and Data analysis – 20 mins
4. SAT Preparation Tips
There are two ways students prepare for SAT: Self-Study and Coaching Classes. Both options have unique benefits and they are equally good with quantifiable benefits. The SAT test comprises three sections Evidence-based reading and writing, Maths, and Essay. Although the Essay section is optional, however, many colleges ask for Essay section scores while assessing a candidate’s profile for admission.
SAT Preparation Tips for Evidence-based Reading and Writing
This section includes two tests, one is a reading test where candidates need to show how much they can read and understand the text. While the other one is an SAT Writing test where candidates are asked to read and edit the text. Following are few tips for evidence-based reading and writing preparation:
- Read the passage carefully to find answers
- Use reasoning to support your conclusions from the passage
- Make sure that your answer should be from the passage only
- Use your time wisely and try to answer maximum questions from one passage and then move to another one
- Stress on facts, ideas, details, and points of view from the passage.
SAT Preparation Tips for Writing and Language
The Writing and Language section of the SAT test is designed to test the writing skills of the candidates. Candidates are required to edit text and organize passages, sentences, and paragraphs. The multiple-choice questions in the Writing section of the SAT test are designed to test candidates’ skills in sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. Following are few tips for preparation for the writing and language section:
- Passages can be of two types – one where there will be errors that you need to identify after reading and one where you need to understand the idea or theme of the passage.
- As the time is limited you can answer questions as you read the passage, maybe you won’t get time to go through the whole passage completely.
- You can read the first question and then read the first para to find an answer to it.
- Read the question carefully and try to understand what is required to answer it.
- Every question is designed in such a way that it tests your grammar, word choice, and sentence structure.
SAT Preparation Tips for Maths
SAT Math comprises three sections Algebra and functions, Geometry Statistics, and Probability and Data analysis. In Maths, there will be two parts, test takers are allowed to use a calculator in one part and are not allowed to use a calculator in the other one. Following are few tips for preparation of Maths section:
- Candidates need to work on their speed and accuracy for the Math section.
- Candidates need to learn math concepts, rules, and relations.
- At times, it is better to find the wrong answers rather than the correct answer, this may help in saving your time.
- Candidates should have knowledge of formulas as the section include questions related to graphs, linear equations, or analyzing a solution
- As there is no negative marking in the SAT test, so, try to answer as many questions as you can.
Conclusion
SAT test has been developed to evaluate the written, verbal and mathematical skills of the candidates. Applicants who aspire to pursue undergraduate courses, particularly in the US and Canada, are required to take the SAT exam. The SAT score is valid for a period of 5 years, from the day of the declaration of your SAT Results. Even all the Indian Universities that are affiliated with the India Higher Education Alliance, introduced by The College Board are accepting SAT scores for admissions. Usually, SAT exam should be taken while you are attending your high school either in the 11th or 12th standard. You should plan the test in such a way that you have the SAT scores with you at the time of applying to the colleges.
