What is the SAT?: The SAT is a paper-based standardized test required for application to most colleges and universities. It contains ten sections including multiple-choice questions and an essay component. It is not a test of how much you know; more than anything, it evaluates your ability to analyze information and your test-taking skills.
Who Takes the SAT?: Anyone applying to a junior college, college, or university will need to submit an SAT score or an ACT score or both. The majority of testers are high school juniors and seniors.
Why Take the SAT?: First of all, you need to take it to apply to many schools of higher education. Secondly, even if you have the option to take the ACT instead, it's a good idea to take both. Some people score better on the SAT than on the ACT, so it may benefit you to see how well you can do on it.
What Subjects Does the SAT Cover?: The SAT isn't a test of the subjects you learned in high school - it is meant to evaluate general academic skills that should have been developed over the course of your education. It contains ten sections that test your critical reading, math, and writing skills. Since March 2005, the SAT has required testers to write an essay and demonstrate knowledge of Algebra II.
How Long is the SAT?: The test takes 3 hours and 45 minutes overall. That includes three critical reading sections, three math sections, three writing sections including an essay section, and an experimental section that may resemble any of the aforementioned sections. No section lasts more than 25 minutes.
How Long Do I Need to Prepare?: It's hard to say. Take a practice test as soon as possible to gauge your current ability and identify weak areas. If your vocabulary and test-taking skills are strong, you may only need two months of preparation or less. But if your vocabulary is weak and you freeze during tests, plan for at least 3-4 months of regular preparation. All future SAT testers should set aside regular time to prepare, with a focus on building vocabulary, improving test-taking strategies, and reviewing mathematics.
When Should I Take It?: Students who plan to apply to colleges that require SAT scores should take their first SAT no later than the spring of their junior year, in case they will need to re-test to try to achieve a higher score.