College Counseling

SAT Test

About the SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems-skills you learned in school that you'll need in college. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice and the essay. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S. , Puerto Rico , and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.

For more online sample questions and preparation materials, visit the SAT Preparation Center.

SAT Question Types
The SAT includes a Critical Reading , Math , and Writing section, with a specific number of questions related to content.

The Unscored Section
In addition, there is one 25-minute unscored section, known as the variable or equating section. This unscored section may be either a critical reading, math, or writing multiple-choice section. This unscored section does not count toward the final score, but is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to ensure that scores on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier editions of the test.

Test Order
The 25-minute essay will always be the first section of the SAT, and the 10-minute multiple-choice writing section will always be the final section. The remaining six 25-minute sections can appear in any order, as can the two 20-minute sections. Test takers sitting next to each other in the same testing session may have test books with entirely different sections.

About the SAT Subject Tests
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge.

Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.

Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance.

Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.

Subject Tests fall into five general subject areas:

English

History and Social Studies

Mathematics

Science

Languages

All Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests. However, some of these tests have unique formats:

  • The Subject Test in Biology E/M contains a common core of 60 general-knowledge multiple-choice questions, followed by 20 multiple-choice questions that emphasize either ecological (Biology E) or molecular (Biology M) subject matter. After completing the core questions, test takers choose the section for which they feel most prepared.
  • The Subject Tests in Mathematics (Level 1 and Level 2) have some questions that require the use of at least a scientific or graphing calculator. Mathematics Subject Tests are developed with the expectation that most students will use a graphing calculator. There are no plans to discontinue or change the content of the Subject Tests in Mathematics Level 1 or Mathematics Level 2.
  • The Subject Tests in Languages with Listening (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish) consist of a listening section and a reading section. Students taking these tests are required to bring an acceptable CD player with earphones to the test center.

For more detailed information, including recommended preparation, anticipated skills, test format, sample questions, and more, visit the SAT Subject Test Learning Center .

Which Subject Tests should you take?
Before deciding which tests to take, make a list of the colleges you're considering. Then review school catalogs, College Search Engines , or College Handbooks to find out whether the schools require scores for admission and, if so, how many tests and in which subjects.

Use your list of colleges and their admission requirements to help plan your high school course schedule. You may want to adjust your schedule in light of colleges' requirements. For example, a college may require a score from a Subject Test in a language for admission, or the college might exempt you from a freshman course requirement if you do well on a language Subject Test.

Many colleges that don't require Subject Test scores will still review them since they can give a fuller picture of your academic background.

If you're not sure which Subject Test to take from a subject area, talk to your teacher or school counselor and visit the SAT Subject Test Learning Center .

When should you take Subject Tests?
Most students take Subject Tests toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year.

Take tests such as World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject, while the material is still fresh in your mind. For foreign language tests, you'll do better after at least two years of study. 

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Tips to help you do your best!

  • Be well-rested and ready to go. Get a good night's sleep the night before the test.
  • Eat breakfast. You'll be at the test center for several hours and you're likely to get hungry.
  • Bring acceptable Photo ID and your SAT Admission Ticket.
  • Bring two No. 2 pencils and a good eraser - a pencil is required for the multiple choice questions and the essay. Mechanical pencils are not allowed. Pens are not allowed.
  • Bring a calculator with fresh batteries.
  • Bring snacks. You will get a short break at the end of each hour of testing time. You can eat or drink any snacks you have brought with you during these breaks. A healthy snack will go a long way toward keeping you alert during the entire test.
  • Plan to arrive at the test center by 7:45 a.m. Testing starts at about 8:00 a.m.
  • Make sure you use a No. 2 pencil on the answer sheet. It is very important that you fill in the entire circle darkly and completely. If you change your response, erase it as completely as possible. It is very important that you follow these instructions when filling out your answer sheet.

SAT Subject Tests

  • If you are only taking one or two Subject Tests, you may leave the test center after your final test is finished.
  • You may work on only one test during each testing hour. You will get a short break at the end of each hour of testing time.
  • You can take up to three Subject Tests on one test date.
  • You can change your mind on test day about which Subject Test you want to take. You may substitute a Subject Test (other than a listening test), or add Subject Tests (other than a listening test) on test day.
  • For more information on SAT Subject Tests, click here.

Standby Testing
If you miss the late registration deadline, there's still a chance you can sometimes take the SAT as a standby. Test centers accept standbys on a first-come, first-serve basis only if they have enough space, testing materials, and staff-so there is no guarantee that you'll be admitted to the test. Read more about Standby Testing .

If You're Absent
If you are absent on test day and you wish to test on another date, call Customer Service at  (609) 771-7600  (TTY:  609 882-4118 ). If you do not wish to test on another date, your test and registration fees (including fees for services such as telephone re-registration) are nonrefundable. No reports will be sent.

The fee is $20 to change your test, test date, or test center.

When you call, be ready to tell the customer service representative your registration number and test date, your social security number, and the credit card number and expiration date. If you do not want to change your test date and would like to request a refund for any additional score reports, Question-and-Answer Service, and Student Answer Service, call Customer Service at  (609) 771-7600 .

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Preparing for the SAT
To prepare for the SAT please click the links below:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/prep_one.html

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Registering, Calendar and Fee's
To register for the SAT please click the link below:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html

For a complete guide to the SAT Calander and Fee's please click the weblink below.: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html