What do the initials "SAT" mean?
Originally, SAT was an abbreviation for the Scholastic
Aptitude Test. In 1993, the test was renamed the SAT I: Reasoning Test. At the
same time, the former Achievement Tests were renamed the SAT II: Subject Tests.
In 2004, the numerals "I" and "II" were dropped, and the
tests are now named the SAT and SAT Subject Tests.
What's the difference between the SAT and SAT Subject Tests?
The SAT measures what you have learned in school and how
well you can apply that knowledge. It assesses how well you analyze and solve
problems. SAT scores are used for college admissions purposes because the test
predicts college success. The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily
multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. SAT Subject Tests measure knowledge
or skills in a particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge.
How are SAT scores reported?
The SAT has three scores, each on the scale of 200-800. Your
score includes writing (W 200-800), mathematics (M 200-800), and critical
reading (CR 200-800). Two subscores are given for the writing section: a
multiple-choice subscore on a scale of 20-80, and an essay subscore on a scale
of 2-12.
What will I be asked to write about in the essay?
The essay question will ask you to develop a point of view
on an issue and support it with examples from your studies and experience. You
can answer the question successfully in many different ways. You won't have to
have any prior knowledge about the topic to write an effective essay. However,
you will have to answer the essay assignment directly. See Strategies for
Success on the SAT Essay for more information on how to do your best on the SAT
essay.
Will colleges see my essay? How will they use the writing score?
A college will be able to view and print a copy of your
essay only if you sent an official score report to that college.
Writing scores, which have been shown to be an excellent
predictor of performance in college, may be used for admissions decisions and
possibly for placement in English composition or related courses.
Are all SAT questions multiple-choice?
In addition to multiple-choice questions, the SAT has a
25-minute written essay and 10 student-produced response math questions. The
math questions ask you to fill in, or "grid-in," your own answers
using a special section of the answer sheet.
How many times can you take the test?
You can take the test as many times as you want. Most
students take the test once or twice. Research shows that taking the test more
than twice won't help you significantly improve your score. Your online score
report and the report sent to your high school (if you give us your high school
code) shows your current test score, in addition to scores for up to six SAT
and six SAT Subject Test administrations. You have the option to choose which
scores (by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests)
you send to colleges-in accordance with each institution's stated score-use
practice. You can choose scores from one, several, or all SAT test dates.
