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September 2020 Changes
You can retake individual sections of the test (on a computer).
You can take the test on a computer or on paper.
You can purchase a Superscore report.
SAT®
Our mentors diagnose your areas to improve and then customize your curriculum to help you reach your SAT goals.
Elite guidance on your schedule
Available online and in person
Custom curriculum
Full-length practice tests
Expert materials and strategies
Overview
First offered in 1926, the SAT was originally an adaptation of a military IQ test called Army Alpha. Now administered by the College Board, it has evolved to become perhaps the second-most important part of the college application process after high school GPA.
Most students take their first SAT in their junior year of high school, but we recommend beginning prep sometime sophomore year. Scroll down for a more detailed look at the SAT.
Length
plus 50 minutes if taking the optional Essay. Alternative arrangements are available if a student has qualified for extra time.
Cost
$60 if taking SAT with Essay
Scores
Highest Score
Average Score
Sections
Reading
Writing & Language
Math (No Calculator)
Math (Calculator)
Writing (optional)
2021 Dates
Upcoming SAT® dates are listed below. To register, visit College Board or call 866-756-7346. Students with learning differences should call 609-771-7137 for testing accommodations and requirements.
Registration
Test Day
Scores Release
May
June
September
July
August
October
September
October
October
October
November
November
November
December
December
February
March 13
April
April
May
May
May
June
June
Common Questions
When should I take the SAT?
Most high school students take the SAT during the spring of their Junior year or fall of their Senior year. Remember to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college.
When should I start preparing for the SAT?
Ideally, you should start preparation in the spring semester of 10th grade. You should at least take a first pass at the test at that point, to understand where your knowledge gaps are and explore how you can improve over the coming year. Many students wait to start prep until halfway through 11th grade, but that can be a bit stressful to balance with school work and leaves them in trouble if unanticipated scenarios arise (we're look at you, 2020). Take it from us: the earlier you look at this, the better.
We sometimes work with students who come to the process very late. For example, students who decide to apply to US colleges at the start of their senior year. While this is very far from ideal, it is not impossible to tackle. We are always open to discussing with you about your circumstances, to advise on what would be best for you.
What is on the SAT?
There are four sections on the SAT:
1. Reading Comprehension
2. Writing & Language
3. Math (No calculator)
4. Math (Calculator)
Sections 1 and 2 are combined into the Evidence-based Reading & Writing (EBRW) score, while sections 3 and 4 are combined into the Math score.
The SAT also includes an optional Essay section reported separately from overall test scores. Some test-takers may also see an additional un-scored experimental section when they take the test.
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
Most universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT. Choosing the right test for you is an important first step in the preparation process. We recommend taking a full-length diagnostic exam to compare the two.
You can register for a proctored exam with ESM here.
PSAT
The Preliminary SAT is a practice version of the SAT exam. It can be taken once per year, and many students take the test in both 10th and 11th grade. The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and tests skills in reading, writing, and math. Unlike the SAT, the highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520. It is not used in the College Admissions process.
SAT or ACT?
Most universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT. Choosing the right test for you is an important first step in the preparation process. While we recommend taking a full-length diagnostic exam to compare the two, this breakdown will help you decide between the SAT and ACT.
Pen-and-paper in the US and internationally
Paper-and paper in the US. Computer-based internationally
65 minutes for 52 questions
35 minutes for 40 questions
35 minutes for 44 questions
45 minutes for 75 questions
(No Calculator)
25 minutes for 20 questions
–
(Calculator)
55 minutes for 38 questions
60 minutes for 60 questions
Does not have a science section, but “Analysis in Science” skills are tested throughout all sections of the test.
More colleges and universities superscore the SAT than they do the ACT.
*Superscoring is when a college or university takes the highest section scores across all test dates to form a higher score than a student might have obtained on any single test date. Each school’s superscoring policy can be found on its admissions website.
Upcoming SAT® dates are listed below. To register, visit College Board or call 866-756-7346. Students with learning differences should call 609-771-7137 for testing accommodations and requirements.
Registration
Test Day
Scores Release
Jul
2020
Aug
2020
AAA
2020
Sep
2020
Oct
2020
AAA
2020
Oct
2020
Nov
2020*
AAA
2020
Nov
2020
Dec
2020
AAA
2020
*Date not available for International testing, only for US-based tests
