What is SAT Exam?

SAT full form - Scholastic Assessment Test

SAT Exam is one of the most popular and globally accepted assessment tests for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses abroad. Since its inception, the SAT Exam has been administered and conducted by the College Board. Earlier, the SAT Exam was known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which was later changed to the Scholastic Assessment Test to assess and evaluate the verbal, written, and mathematical skills of students/ candidates aspiring to begin their study abroad journey. The countries such as the USA, UK and Canada give weightage to the SAT Score, and it is one of the requirements for enrolling in universities or higher education institutions. 

Originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, it was later called the Scholastic Assessment Test, then the SAT I: Reasoning Test, then the SAT Reasoning Test, now simply the SAT.

The SAT measures how well test-takers can analyze and solve problems which are skills that are typically learned while in school and will be needed in college. It serves as an entrance test for students aspiring to admit for undergraduate courses abroad, especially in the US and Canada colleges and universities. It is a written paper-pencil test and helps evaluate the language and mathematical reasoning skills of the applicants. The universities you apply to, take into consideration your SAT scores in admission decisions and it has a significant role in scholarship decisions.

Previously, to prove their in-depth understanding of specific subjects, students could take SAT Subject Tests, in addition to the SAT. 

However, the SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued from 2021. 

1. Evidence-Based Reading & Writing
2. Maths

The duration of the SAT Reasoning Test is 3 hours and 45 minutes, which evaluates your skills in 3 major areas: Math, Critical Reading and Writing. 

• The SAT reading segment comprises reading sentences and passages.
• The SAT writing segment includes multiple-choice questions and a short essay.
• The SAT math segment comprises questions on probability and statistics, arithmetic operations, geometry and algebra.
  
  

Despite most questions being multiple choices; candidates are also asked to draft an essay to evaluate their writing and language skills. The SAT Exam format also evaluates students’ critical thinking skills to determine their ability to manage and survive in an overseas institution.

The SAT Reasoning Test is ideally taken by students who have completed their schooling and are looking to pursue an undergraduate course overseas. One of the pros of taking up the SAT exam is that it projects the skills and knowledge you have attained all these years in your schooling, including solving issues, thinking, and effectively communicating with fellow mates.

Universities and institutions consider SAT exam scores to choose the students who will best fit their respective institutions. Candidates taking up the SAT Exam can score between 200 and 800 marks for each section.

• The SAT Exam comprises 10 sections. 
• The first section is essay writing, where candidates are given 25 minutes, and the last section is multiple-choice questions with a time duration of 10 minutes.
• Section 2 to 7 is selection based questions for 25 minutes.
• Section 8 and 9 are short question types with a timeframe of 20 minutes.

Registering for the SAT Exam is a seamless process, and just like other exams, you can apply online. In some cases, you have an opportunity to apply via email. The below curated information will help you apply for the SAT Exam both online and by email.

Step1 - Create a new profile on the College Board website (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/international ) and register yourself.

Step 2 - Fill in the SAT application form on the website.

Step 3 - Create a student profile.

Step 4 - Once you fill in all the necessary details, you will be asked to choose the test date and test centre of your convenience.

Step 5 - Upload your photo on the form.

Step 6 - Pay the exam fee online and submit your application. If you do not have an international credit card, you can use the services provided by local banks to do the payment.

Candidates can apply through email when they are:

• Younger in age or 13 years of age.
• Requesting for testing centre proximity to their home.
• Unable to upload/submit photographs.
• Asking to process the SAT Exam fee by cheque.

The email registration process for SAT Exam:

• Request SAT registration booklet from your test preparation coaching centre or School board.
• Fill in the application as per the guidelines mentioned in the booklet.
• The duly filled form and the application fee cheque must be emailed to the respective address mentioned on the booklet.