Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT Exam)

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT Exam)

Overview

The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, was originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test. It is designed and administered by the College Board for international students looking to apply to universities abroad for undergraduate programs. The exam has transitioned to a digital format and is offered seven times a year: March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. Even when submitting SAT scores is optional for college applications, many students choose to take the test to demonstrate their academic abilities. In addition, strong SAT scores can help applicants qualify for scholarships, further enhancing their chances of admission.

SAT Latest Updates 2024

Starting in March 2024, the SAT will fully transition to a digital format. Students across the US will take the exam using their own or school-provided laptops or tablets, through an application called Bluebook. The traditional paper-and-pencil version will be phased out, with exceptions made for students with disabilities. This digital shift will offer faster scoring, improved security, and greater flexibility in scheduling and choosing exam locations.

Exam Name SAT (Digital)
SAT full form Scholastic Assessment Test
Conducted by College Board
Waitlist Fee Fee for being placed on waitlist
Exam Duration 2 hours 14 minutes
Most popular for Undergraduate courses in the US, Canada, UK, Italy, etc
SAT India Country Code 260
Conducted by College Board
SAT Contact Info The College Board National Office 250 Vesey Street New York, NY 10281 Phone: 212-713-8000, 866-630-9305

Steps to Register for SAT 2024

The SAT, a standardized test widely accepted for college admissions in the US and abroad, can be a source of confusion for students. One of the biggest questions that pops up: who can take the SAT? Here is the answer:

  • Visit the College Board website and create an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Choose a test date (available multiple times a year) and select a nearby test center in India.
  • Fill in your personal details (name, birthdate, and address) exactly as they appear on your ID or passport.
  • Select up to 4 universities or colleges to send your scores for free, or skip this step and send them later for a fee.
  • Pay the registration fee (approximately ₹4,000 to ₹5,000) using a credit card, debit card, or online payment services. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.
  • After completing the registration, download and print your Admission Ticket, and begin preparing for the test.

SAT Eligibility

The SAT, a standardized test widely accepted for college admissions in the US and abroad, can be a source of confusion for students. One of the biggest questions that pops up: who can take the SAT? Here is the answer:

  • There is no age restriction for taking the SAT. While most Indian students take the SAT in grades 11 or 12, any student can register for the exam as long as they meet other registration requirements.
  • Indian students typically take the SAT during high school, especially if they are planning to apply to undergraduate programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Most students take the test in 11th or 12th grade.
  • Indian students are eligible to take the SAT as international students. The SAT is widely accepted by U.S. colleges, and many Indian students take the exam to apply to universities in the U.S.
  • There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) required to take the SAT. Indian students, regardless of their academic performance, can register and take the test.
  • Students in India with documented disabilities can apply for special accommodations for the SAT (e.g., extended time, extra breaks, or a quiet room). These accommodations must be requested and approved in advance by the College Board.
  • Indian students must register for the SAT online through the College Board website. The SAT is offered at various test centers across major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and others. It’s important to check the availability of test centers and register early.

Registration

SAT Exam 2024-2025 Registration

Here are the SAT exam dates and registration deadlines for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please note that registration deadlines may vary, and you should always confirm the exact dates on the College Board website as they approach.

SAT Digital Test Dates 2024-25 SAT Registration Deadlines Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation & Late Registrations
November 2, 2024 October 18, 2024 October 22, 2024
December 7, 2024 November 22, 2024 November 26, 2024
March 8, 2025 February 21, 2025 February 25, 2025
May 3, 2025 April 18, 2025 April 22, 2025
June 7, 2025 May 22, 2025 May 27, 2025

Steps for SAT exam registration

1. Create a College Board Account

Sign up for a free account on the College Board website collegeboard.org.

2. Log in

Use your newly created account to log in to the College Board portal.

3. Choose Test Date and Location

Select your preferred SAT test date and location (check availability of test centers in your city).

4. Fill Out Personal Information

Provide required details such as name, contact information, high school, and academic background.

5. Select Test Options

Choose whether you want to take the SAT with or without the Essay (note: Essay section is now optional).

6. Pay Exam Fees

Complete the payment process online via credit card, debit card, or other available payment options.

7. Submit Registration

Confirm all details, review your registration, and submit your application.

8. Print Confirmation

After registration, print your admission ticket, which you’ll need to bring to the test center.

Exam Pattern

The SAT 2024 exam consists of two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics, each scored between 200 and 800 points. The Reading and Writing section is split into two parts: the Reading section, which includes 52 questions based on passages that test reading comprehension and vocabulary in context, and the Writing and Language section, with 44 questions focused on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. This section lasts for a total of 1 hour and 25 minutes.

The Mathematics section is divided into two parts as well: the No Calculator section, which has 20 questions to test algebra and problem-solving skills in 25 minutes, and the Calculator section, with 38 questions in 55 minutes that cover more advanced math topics like algebra and data analysis. The total testing time for the SAT without the optional Essay is 3 hours. While the Essay was previously an optional section, it will be discontinued starting in 2024 for most students. The maximum score for the SAT is 1600, combining the scores from the Reading/Writing and Math sections.

SAT Exam Pattern: Score Range

SAT Section Number of Questions Tested Time Duration (mins)
Reading & Writing 54 64
Mathematics 44 70

Table listing the SAT exam pattern for 2024, including the optional Essay section

Section Sub-section Number of Questions Time Limit (min.) Score Range
Evidence-based Reading and Writing Reading Test 52 65 200-800
Writing and Language Test 44 35 200-800
Mathematics Math (without Calculator) 20 25 200-800
Math (with Calculator) 38 55 200-800
Total - 154 180 400-1600

Check Section-Wise SAT Exam Pattern 2024

The SAT exam is designed to measure a student’s readiness for college by assessing their skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. As of 2024, the exam consists of three main sections (two mandatory sections and one optional) and is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the SAT 2024 exam pattern:

SAT Reading Assess reading comprehension skills. Passages with 10-11 questions. Analyze data, tone, main idea, inference, author's perspective, and more.
SAT Writing Evaluate evidence-based writing and grammar. Correct errors, and rephrase sentences. It tests your vocabulary and grammar skills.
SAT Mathematics It is divided into two parts: calculator and non-calculator. Covers algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and data interpretation.
SAT Essay Optional section. Assesses reading, writing, and analytical skills. Analyze a provided passage and write an essay.

SAT Digital Reading & Writing (RW) Section

This table provides details regarding the SAT Digital Reading & Writing (RW) Section:

Format Combined Reading and Writing (Digital format)
Test Length Each module: 25 operational questions + 2 pretest questions.
Time Duration 32 minutes allocated for each module.
Total Questions 54 questions in total.
Total Time Allocated 64 minutes.
Scores Reported A total score is calculated by adding the SAT RW section score to the SAT Math section score, totalling 1600.
Question Type(s) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options.
Topics Tested Literature, History/Social Studies, Humanities, and Science.
Informational Graphics Tables, bar graphs, and line graphs are tested.

SAT Digital Math Section

This table provides details regarding the SAT Digital Math Section :

Format Two-staged, with separate modules.
Test Length Each module: 20 operational questions + 2 pretest questions.
Time Duration 35 minutes were allocated for each module.
Total Questions 44 questions in total.
Total Time Allocated 70 minutes.
Question Type(s) Mostly Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (75%) and some Student-Produced Response (SPR) questions (25%).
Topics Tested Science, Social Science, and real-world related topics.

Fees

The SAT 2024 registration fee for Indian students is approximately ₹4,000–₹4,500 INR for the basic SAT exam. Late registration incurs an additional $30 USD (around ₹2,500–₹3,000 INR), and changes to your registration (test date, test center) will cost $25 USD (around ₹2,000 INR). Sending scores to more than four colleges costs $12 USD per report (approximately ₹1,000 INR). Payments can be made through credit/debit cards, PayPal, or net banking for international transactions, with possible currency conversion fees.

Fee Type Amount (USD) Approximate Amount (INR)
SAT Exam Fee $68 ₹5,716
Non-U.S. Regional Fee $43 ₹3,615
Sales Tax $19.98 ₹1,680
Total SAT Fee $130.98 ₹11,011

Additional SAT Registration Fee

Fee Type Amount (USD) Approximate Amount (INR)
SAT Test Centre Change $29 ₹2,438
SAT Cancellation $29 ₹2,438
SAT Late Cancellation $39* ₹3,278
Late Registration $34 ₹2,858

SAT Exam 2024 Centres

The SAT 2024 will be administered at multiple test centers across India. Some of the major cities where you can find SAT test centers include:

  • New Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Bangalore
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Kolkata
  • Pune
  • Ahmedabad
  • Chandigarh
  • Jaipur
  • Lucknow
  • Bhubaneswar
  • Coimbatore
  • Kochi
  • Indore

You will need to select your preferred test center during the registration process. It's important to note that popular centers, especially in large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, may fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to register early to secure a spot at your preferred location.

FAQ

1. What is the SAT?

The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the U.S. It assesses a student's readiness for college by testing skills in reading, writing, and math.

2. When should I take the SAT?

Indian students typically take the SAT in 11th or 12th grade. It’s recommended to take the exam in 11th grade for practice and to retake it in 12th grade if needed to improve scores.

3. Where can I take the SAT in India?

The SAT is offered in multiple cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and others. You can select the nearest available test center during registration.

4. Can I get a fee waiver for the SAT?

Fee waivers are available for eligible low-income students. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a fee waiver through your school or guidance counselor.

5. How long is the SAT exam?

The SAT takes 3 hours (without the Essay) or 3 hours and 50 minutes (with the Essay). The test consists of Reading, Writing & Language, Math (No Calculator), and Math (Calculator).

6. What score do I need to get into U.S. colleges?

There is no fixed "cut-off" score for U.S. colleges. However, a competitive SAT score generally ranges from 1200 to 1500 out of 1600. Top-tier colleges may require scores above 1400.

7. Can I retake the SAT?

Yes, you can retake the SAT as many times as you like. Many students take the test more than once to improve their scores.