The SAT TestThe SAT is one of two admissions tests (the other being the ACT) required for admission or sponsorship to US Universities (to work out which might suit you go to our article on which exam). The SAT Reasoning Test is3hrs and 45 mins long and comprises of: Critical Reading, Maths, and Writing. The test is designed to measure critical thinking and analytical skills. The test can be taken several times during the year at various locations (see below). Be aware that there is a new SAT entrance exam being launched in May 2016, that will be taken by the majority of students in 2017. MathsGeeks USA run Maths courses for the SAT exams usually exactly two weeks before these test dates and then provides our students with a two week intense study plan to run up to the actual test. The SAT test dates for 2015-2016 are as follows:
The Subject TestsThe more competitive US universities also require 2-3 SAT Subject Tests, in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test. Usually US Universities do not specify which of these subject tests they require and so most students take those corresponding to their A-Level subjects or GCSEs. The Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests in Mathematics Level 1 & 2, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Literature and US and World History. There are also two types of language tests, both with and without a listening component. Those offered without listening include: French, German, Italian, Latin, Modern Hebrew, and Spanish. Those offered with a listening component include: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish but are only available during the November test cycle. Please note that not all SAT subject tests run on each test cycle so take care, when registering, that your subjects are available for testing. The College Board holds this information and further information on the SAT exam. RegistrationIf you wish to sit the SAT you must register on the College Board website (note this can not be done through a test centre). For information on testing fees and a detailed description of how to register go to the Fulbright Commission. There are various testing sites throughout the UK, but not all are available for each set of tests. In order to see which tests are available at which sites then register now. TimingWe advise that students sit the SAT in the spring of Year 12, to allow time for resits if required, for entrance directly after A-Levels. It is, however, never too late as you can always take time out between A-Levels and University, so register now. Please note, however, that you CAN NOT sit the Reasoning Test AND three Subject Tests on one testing date. Therefore, students wishing to take both for entrance to the most competitive US universities will need to plan for two SAT testing dates. Also note, testing centres spaces fill up quickly, particularly in London, so you should register as soon as possible! ScoresThere are three sections on the SAT reasoning test, and the scores on each one range from 200-800 points. It is therefore possible to score anywhere between 600 and 2400. All the questions on the SAT test are multiple choice, with the exception of Maths grid-in or write-in questions. Each question is one point for a correct answer, and 1/4 of a point is deducted for every incorrect answer. There are no deductions for leaving the answer blank, we therefore recommend skipping any questions where you cannot eliminate any wrong answers. Three weeks after the test you will be able to view your overall score online and a percentile, which describes how you have done in comparison to other students taking the test across the world on the same day (e.g. if you achieved a 75th percentile score then you have done better than 75% of all other students on that test). When you register for the SAT you are given the option to send your scores by post, or online, to four universities of your choice free of charge, and further Universities at a cost. If, however, you do not list any universities on registration you will have to pay a fee to send the scores at a later date. For further information on Waitlist Testing, students with disabilities and any other information have a look at information on the Fulbright Commission website or go directly to the College Board website. |
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