What is the SAT?

The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets students show colleges what they know and how well they can apply that knowledge. It tests a student’s knowledge of reading, writing and math -- subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions.

Taking the SAT is the first step in finding the right college for any student, helping them to find the place where they can further develop their skills to pursue their passions. SAT scores are just one of many factors that colleges consider when making their admission decisions. High school grades are also very important, as well as college application submission essays, and extra-curricular activities. The combination of high school grades and SAT scores are considered to be the best predictors of a student’s academic success in college.

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What does the SAT test?

The SAT doesn't test art or abstract reasoning. It tests the skills students are learning in school: reading, writing, and math. A student’s knowledge of these subjects is important for success in college, in work, and throughout life.

• The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions.
• The writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar usage.
• The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability.

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How can I do my best on the SAT?

The best way to get ready for the SAT is to take challenging courses, study hard, and read and write both in and outside of the classroom.

Studies suggest that cramming and short-term prep is not a substitute for hard work in school. It is a good idea to become familiar and comfortable with the test formats and question types, so that studying is linked to the formats the questions will be asked in. That's why the best SAT practice is the PSAT/NMSQT, which covers the same subjects under timed conditions. Remember, a little practice goes a long way. The more times practice tests are taken, the easier it will feel in the end when a student sits down to the SAT. If a score received is not ideal, the SAT’s can be taken again in the pursuit of beating previous scores and getting in to the best schools.‍

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Is the SAT the most important factor in college admission?

The SAT is just one factor among many that colleges use to get to know students and their capabilities better. It's best to keep the test in perspective and understand that it's only part of a comprehensive admission process that also recognizes other factors, like extracurricular activities and personal recommendations.

The major or career path a student is interested in will also change the weight of importance the different SAT tests hold. Various areas of study means different scores are more important than others. An Engineering degree would value high math scores, whereas an English degree would value high writing and critical reading.

Every college and university uses a different combination of criteria for admission. Feel free to reach out to the schools you're interested in to understand their unique admission policies.‍

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Which SAT questions make it onto the exam?

Every SAT question goes through a very careful review process before making it into a student’s exam booklet. Each question seen has been:

• Reviewed by a team of experts, including math and English teachers, to make sure that it reflects what most college-bound students are learning in school.
• Thoroughly tested to make sure that it is fair for students of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Questions that don't make it through these steps will never show up on an actual exam.

Information provided by College Board--SAT

http://sat.collegeboard.com/home

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How much does it cost to take the SAT?

SAT I (also known as: SAT Reasoning)

Regular registration: $47

Late registration: $71

SAT II (also known as SAT Subject)

Base fee: $21 (per test date)

Language w/Listening Tests: +$21(per test)

All other subject tests: +$10 (per test)

Additional fees apply if you register late or make changes to your test type, center or date after registering.‍

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What is a fee waiver?

Fee waivers cover more than just the testing fees. When you register for the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, the fee waiver will cover:

1) The registration fee

2) Four additional flexible score reports

3) Question-and-Answer Service or Student Answer Service

4) Up to four Request for Waiver of College Application Fee Forms

5) A $40 discount off the regular price the Official SAT Online Course

6) Any fees associated with registering internationally.

The College Board offers assistance to students for whom payment of SAT and SAT Subject Tests fees may be a barrier to testing and applying for college.

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Am I eligible for a fee waiver?

Students who submit a lunch ticket application and qualify for the FREE or REDUCED lunch program also qualify for two SAT fee waivers in 11th grade and 12th grade. If you think your family may qualify for SAT fee waivers, please see Mr. Mendoza, your college counselor, to determine if you are eligible to receive fee waivers. There is a limited amount. First come, first serve.

Take a look at the document listed below for SAT test dates.

Go to www.collegeboard.com to register online