About SAT®
The SAT® is a standardized test for admissions to undergraduate programs in international universities. It is conducted by the College Board. Nearly every college in USA and many colleges in Singapore, Canada, Australia and New Zealand accept the SAT® score as a part of their application process.
Global Acceptance of SAT®: Nearly 1.7 million students take the SAT® annually.
Who should take the SAT®: SAT® is an admission criterion for undergraduate programs (Bachelor’s courses) in universities in USA, and many colleges across geographies. Therefore, students of high school (grades 11th or 12th) planning to apply to these universities should take the test. Some university programs additionally look for SAT® Subject Tests.
The SAT®
In 2016, the College Board introduced several changes to the SAT® in order to make the test more focused towards testing what is taught in high schools today and what one needs to succeed in college. The SAT®has become more application oriented, especially in the Evidence based Reading and Writing section. The total score has shifted from 2400 to 1600, and the Math section has become more important as it contributes to 800 of the 1600 score.
New SAT® Format
The following table explains the test structure of the new SAT®
| Sections | Tests | No. Of Questions | Duration (minutes) | Time per Question | Score |
| Evidence Based Reading & Writing | Reading Test | 52 | 65 | 1:15 min | 200 – 800 |
| Writing & Language Test | 44 | 35 | 0:48 min | ||
| Math | Math Test – No Calculator | 20 | 25 | 1:15 min | 200 – 800 |
| Math Test – Calculator | 38 | 55 | 1:35 min | ||
| Essay (Optional) | 1 Essay task – read passage, write essay to present your analysis | 50 | 50 min | 2-8 on 3 scales – Reading, Analysis, Writing | |
SAT® Eligibility Criteria
There are no minimum eligibility criteria to appear for the New SAT®. Basically, anyone can write the test. However, since the SAT® is an admission criterion for undergraduate programs (Bachelor’s courses) in Universities, students of high school (grades 11th or 12th) typically take the test.
How to register for SAT®
You can register for the SAT® online through the College Board website. Registration for the test is simple. You do not need a passport during the registration. However, it is mandatory to carry a valid passport during the test.
Important: The only acceptable form of identification for non-US citizens is a valid passport with your name, photo, and signature.