SAT

According to the College Board, the SAT assesses reasoning and critical thinking skills in three key areas: math, critical reading, and writing. The College Board also says that an SAT score predicts how likely you are to do well in college and reflects knowledge and skills that you have developed in your coursework. While this is true, the SAT in large part is also a test of how good you are at taking standardized tests. Either way, the SAT is an important element in the college admissions process.

Structure and Format
The SAT has 10 sections, testing 3 different subjects, but only 9 are scored. The tenth section of the SAT, known as the variable or equating section, is not scored. It is used by the College Board to test out new questions. The total testing time is 3 hours and 45 minutes.
 
Critical Reading
Length: 70 minutes total; two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section
Content: Reading comprehension and sentence completions
Questions: 67 multiple choice
 
Math
Length: 70 minutes total; two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section 
Content: Arithmetic, algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and data analysis
Questions: 44 multiple choice and 10 grid-ins (student-produced responses)
 
Writing
Length: 60 minutes total; one 25 minute multiple choice section, one 10 minute multiple choice section, and one 25 minute essay
Content: Grammar and usage, word choice, organization, and clear expression of ideas
Questions: 49 multiple choice and one persuasive essay

For information on the College Board's Score Choice policy, click here.

For information on registering for the SAT visit the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com.