The SAT, originally known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test and later as the Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test adopted by the United States for admissions to universities and colleges such as Hofstra University; Carnegie Mellon University, USA; Columbia University, and more. The developer of the admission test is College Board and is administered on behalf of the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 

The test was introduced in the US to assess the readiness of students for college. Founded in the year 1926, the exam has been renamed a number of times since then. As of today, the Scholastic Aptitude Test has been renamed to SAT Reasoning Test and the letters SAT no longer stand for anything.

Apart from the United States, candidates can also apply for admissions in abroad universities in countries like Canada, UK, Australia and Singapore. Candidates can take admission in the bachelor’s courses with a valid SAT scorecard. The SAT is offered internationally in October, December, March, and May.

Latest SAT Update (as of January 19, 2021): 

• The SAT subject tests have been scrapped along with the optional essay.

• Students who have already registered for, or plan to register for, an upcoming SAT Subject Test outside the US can still test until the June 2021 administration. 

COVID-19 Alert

The SAT is being conducted at designated test centres and everyone needs to follow strict guidelines as defined by the test authorities at the test centres. As the SAT test will be conducted at various centres, the priority of the College Board would be to ensure the health and safety of the student. The testing capacity is limited in some areas to maintain health restrictions. 

Any changes related to the SAT test like test date, test timing or test centres will be informed to candidates prior to the test by the College Board to avoid confusion and stress.  

SAT is administered by the College Board, a not-for-profit organisation headquartered in New York. Founded in 1900, the Board was set up to expand access to higher education and help millions of students from different parts of the country to prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success every year. 

More than 6,000 nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, secondary schools and districts and higher education systems comprises the College Board. Each of the members has a similar mission to connect students to colleges and help them achieve their desired goal through higher education.  

Amongst the many benefits of appearing for the SAT, some of them have been listed below:

• The College Board takes into consideration the variability in class selection, grading and curricula in different high schools across the world and hence evaluates candidates on an even playing field.

• Standardized tests like the SAT help candidates learn how to score high with dedicated test prep and improve one’s chances of getting admission to competitive schools.

• Taking the SAT helps students comprehend questions and be familiar with what is going on in classrooms across the globe.

• The exam also expands access to scholarship money from a lot of top colleges. 

• The SAT exam is lighter on Math. It focuses more on algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

There are two types of SAT- the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. The same have been explained in detail below:

• SAT- The SAT is designed to test the thinking skills of the candidate that are required to succeed in his/her college and career.

• SAT Subject Tests (Scrapped)

1. What is the Scholarship Aptitude Test (SAT)?

SAT or Scholarship Aptitude Test is a standardised test that allows students to take admissions in one of the many universities and colleges in the US. SAT scores are also applicable in other countries like Canada, Australia, UK and Singapore.

2. How many times can I attempt the SATs?

There is no upper limit to the number of times you can attempt the SATs, however, most colleges tend to not consider students who have attempted the tests more than 3-4 times.

3. When can I take the SAT Test 2021? 

SAT 2021 is conducted multiple times in a year. Candidates can check the availability of the test date at the time of registration in a particular city and take the test. 

4. What is the duration of SATs?

The duration of SAT test is 3 hours. 

5. What is the score range of SATs?

The score range of SATs is 400-1600. An acceptable or average score in SATs is usually considered to be above 1100.

6. What are the different SAT components?

An SAT test consists of Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, and Math.  The SAT subject tests have been scrapped along with the optional essay.

7. What are the different types of SATs?

The SAT Subject Test has been scrapped. Now now the General SAT test comprising Reading, Writing and Language and Maths section is conducted for admissions in undergraduate degree programmes is conducted.  

8. What are the SAT Fees?

The SAT fees consists of the exam fee with the Non-US Regional Fee. SAT Fee for 20201 is $52 + Non-U.S. Regional Fee ($49). 

9. Why should I take SATs?

SATs are standardised tests that are considered for admissions in Universities and Colleges in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, etc and therefore, allows for better learning opportunities across the globe.

10. Is SAT considered for postgraduate admissions also?

No SATs are considered for undergraduate admissions in college and universities in the US, UK, Canada, etc.