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Important SAT News

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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®

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SAT® Basics

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.
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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

3 hrs

Alternative arrangements are available if a student has qualified for extra time.

Cost

$46

Scores

1600

Highest Score

1060

Average Score

Sections

Reading
Writing & Language
Math (No Calculator)
Math (Calculator)
Writing (optional)

2022 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

Feb

11

March

12

September

22

April

8

May

7

October

9

May

5

June

4

October

16

August*

27

October*

1

November*

5

December*

3

*these dates are projected by Collegeboard and subject to change.

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.

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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.


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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Visit our help center to get answers to all your questions.

SAT or ACT?

Find out which test is right for you.

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.

SAT vs ACT
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SAT

ACT

Format

Pen-and-paper in the US and internationally

Paper-and paper in the US. Computer-based internationally

Reading

65 minutes for 52 questions

35 minutes for 40 questions

Writing & Language/English

35 minutes for 44 questions

45 minutes for 75 questions

Math

(No Calculator)

25 minutes for 20 questions

–

Math

(Calculator)

55 minutes for 38 questions

60 minutes for 60 questions

Writing & Language/English

  • Tests knowledge of grammar rules and sentence structure, as well as the ability to edit passage and logically sequence information.
  • Includes ~2 questions related to information in a chart or graph.
  • Writing & Language Scale is VERY harsh for high-scoring students.
  • Rules and concepts tested are functionally identical to SAT.
  • Has 31 more questions than SAT Writing & Language, which allows for a less harsh scale.
  • No questions relating to charts or graphs.

Math

  • Less time restrictive, but less straightforward.
  • Requires a deeper conceptual knowledge of the foundations of Algebra.
  • Fewer questions on geometry & trigonometry (~6).
  • Has 13 “Grid-In” (no multiple choice) questions.
  • Calculator allowed on 38 of 58 questions.
  • Math Score Scale can be harsh for high-scoring students.
  • Faster paced, but more straightforward.
  • Contains more “difficult” Algebra II concepts (matrices, conic sections, logarithms).
  • More heavily tests geometry & trigonometry.
  • Calculator allowed on entire test.

Reading

  • Tests ability to determine main idea, draw inferences and find supporting evidence.
  • More time per passage, but passages use more sophisticated language and are more difficult to comprehend.
  • Has 14-18 “evidence pair” questions.
  • Contains either a U.S. Founding Document or passage in the Great Global Conversation, which are very hard to get through.
  • Tests ability to determine main ideas, draw inferences and locate details in the passage.
  • Extremely fast-paced, but requires a more cursory knowledge of the passage.

Science

Does not have a science section, but “Analysis in Science” skills are tested throughout all sections of the test.

  • Tests a student’s ability to read and analyze tables, graphs, diagrams and evaluate different scientific viewpoints.
  • 5-6 questions per test require outside scientific knowledge.

Scoring

  • The entire test is scored out of 1600.
  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) Score: Raw scores from the Reading and Writing & Language tests are combined and given a scaled score out of 800.
  • Math Score: Raw scores from both Math tests are combined and given a scaled score out of 800.
  • Scoring scales from test to test are very unpredictable, which is maddening for students.
  • Each test (English, Math, Reading, Science) is given a score on a 36-point scale.
  • The composite score is the average of all four test scores and rounds up (ex. a composite of 31.5 will be displayed as a 32).
  • ACT scoring scales are much more predictable from test to test than SAT scoring scales.

Superscoring

More colleges and universities superscore the SAT than they do the ACT.

  • Many colleges and universities superscore the ACT, though less schools do so than they superscore the SAT.
  • In September 2020, students can purchase a Superscore report from the ACT.

Score Release

  • Scores (excluding the essay) are typically released 13 days after each test date.
  • The QAS (Question-and-Answer Service)—which allows students to review the entire test and identify the questions they answered correctly/incorrectly—is typically available for the October, March, and May tests.
  • The SAS (Student Answer Service)—which allows students to see their answers, but not the actual test—is available on all other test dates.
  • Both the QAS and SAS are available online at the same time scores are available.
  • Scores (excluding the essay) are typically released 10 days after each test date in the US.
  • Scores (excluding the essay) are typically released 2 days after each test date outside the US.
  • TIR (Test Information Release) is available for the December, April, and June test dates.
  • If students purchase the TIR, they will receive a physical copy of the test and a copy of their answers and the answer key in the mail a few weeks after the test date.
  • In the past, it has taken nearly two months to receive the TIR (making it rather ineffective). More recently, however, it has taken less than 3 weeks for students to receive it.

Accomodations

  • Accommodations are available for students who require them.
  • Students with accommodations receive their scores at the same time as students who do not have accommodations.
  • Accommodations are available for students who require them.
  • Students who receive accommodations typically have the ability to take the test on paper.
  • The ACT is a bit stricter when it comes to obtaining extra-time accommodations. For example, it requires a longer recorded history for students with diagnosed ADHD or other attention-deficit disorders.
  • Students with accommodations usually receive their scores later than students who do not have accommodations.

Study Resources

  • The SAT has officially released 12 full-length practice tests, 8 of which have been officially given to students.
  • 17 official tests can be found online.
  • The SAT Official Study Guide has 10 official exams.
  • The College Board has officially partnered with Khan Academy to provide free lessons and study resources for students.
  • The ACT has released 6-8 full-length practice tests.
  • Over 30 previously administered tests can be found online.
  • The ACT Official Guide has 5 official exams.

*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.

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2019 - 2020
SAT 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

Jul

31

2020

Aug

29

2020

AAA

00

2020

Sep

4

2020

Oct

3

2020

AAA

00

2020

Oct

9

2020

Nov

7

2020*

AAA

00

2020

Nov

6

2020

Dec

5

2020

AAA

00

2020

*Date not available for International testing, only for US-based tests