About the SAT

The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the USA and other countries like Canada, Germany, Singapore, Netherlands, Hong Kong. In India, some colleges prefer students having SAT scores. The SAT is owned, developed, and published by the College Board, a private, not-for-profit Corporation in the United States.

Taking the SAT or its competitor the ACT, is required for admission to a majority of the top ranked colleges and universities in the USA. The test is intended to assess the readiness of a student for college. According to College Board President David Coleman, the New SAT introduced in 2016, reflects more closely what a student has learned in high school (class IX to XII).

According to College Board, the SAT measures literacy, numeracy and writing skills. The SAT also assesses the proficiency of test takers in analysing and solving problems. These are broadly the same skills that are needed for academic success in college. Therefore, College Board proclaims that use of the SAT in combination with high school grades provides a better indicator of success in college than high school grades alone.

The Composite SAT Score ranges from 400 to 1600, combining test results from two 800-point sections – Mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing. The minimum score in each section is 200. The Essay is scored separately and is rated on three dimensions – Reading, Analysis and Writing. The Essay will have three scores (one for each dimension), each ranging from 2 to 8.

Test Duration: The New SAT is 3 hours long. In addition, there is an optional Essay which has to be completed within another 50 minutes.

The New Scoring

The new SAT has returned to the 1600-point scale, with the Math and Reading sections scored between 200 and 800, and the optional essay evaluated separately. The ¼-point penalty for wrong answers has been discontinued. The minimum score in each section is 200. The new scoring model is more complex than ever, providing enriched score reports to shed light on individual strengths and areas that need improvement.

SAT Content & Format

SAT Scores at Top Ranked Universities in the USA

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE SAT CONDUCTED ?

In India, the SAT is offered in October, December, March, and May. SAT Subject Tests are available in India in October, November, December, May, and June. The test is typically offered on the first Saturday of the month. Students may either take the SAT or a maximum of 3 SAT Subject Tests on any given test date. Further details are available at: www.collegeboard.com

In India, SAT is conducted at the following cities: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kodaikanal, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Pune, Surat and Vijayawada. 

THE SAT SUBJECT TESTS

Is the collective name for twenty multiple-choice standardized tests given on individual subjects. A student typically chooses which tests to take depending upon college entrance requirements for the college in which he or she is planning to apply. Every test is now a one-hour timed test.

SAT SUBJECT TESTS RELEVANT FOR ENGINEERING ASPIRANTS:

• SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1 or Level 2
• SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
• SAT Subject Test in Physics
• SAT Subject Test in Biology

Normally, students are expected to write at least 2 SAT Subject Tests, typically Math Level 2 and Physics.

If you dream of doing your B.Tech. / B.E. from the elite colleges in the USA, it is recommended that you appear for both the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests. Most selective colleges recommend applicants to submit scores for any two SAT Subject tests. Engineering colleges typically require Chemistry or Physics and prefer Mathematics Level 2. A handful of the most competitive colleges, such as MIT, Harvard University and Princeton University, still require three Subject tests in addition to the SAT.

WHY IS THE SAT IMPORTANT ?

• To assess candidates for Scholarships: Many universities, especially state universities, will offer academic scholarships for students with a certain GPA and a minimum SAT score.
• The SAT is a great way to set you apart from the college admissions crowd: A high SAT score will allow you to stand out from the thousands of other people applying to college.

5 REASONS TO PURSUE AN EDUCATION IN THE USA

• Best Quality Education: 28 of the Top 50 ranked colleges are in the USA.
• Better Job Prospects: The USA has the best pay in the world and is the home to a range of start-ups and 134 of the Fortune 500 Companies.
• Flexibility of Choice: You can choose to study in any of the 4000+ accredited colleges in the USA, where you can mix a variety of course options.
• R&D Facility: 30 of the top 50 universities in the world that file international patents are from the USA. The WIPO’s Global Innovation Index places USA in the Top 4 ranks globally.
• Scholarships & Financial Aid: Among the 100 richest universities in the world, 85 are in the USA. This ensures that the best scholarship opportunities are available in the USA.

WHEN AND HOW SHOULD I START PREPARING FOR THE SAT?

The SAT is the most important test for admission in the elite colleges. It is therefore best to start preparing as early as possible. This allows more preparation time to achieve the desired scores.

Most good colleges require the students to send in their applications with SAT scores by November / December of their class XII year. This implies that a student should appear for the October or November SAT. Ideally a student should appear for the May / June SAT so that they have sufficient time to complete their college applications including essays, recommendations and transcripts from teachers, filling up of forms etc.

This means a student should start the actual SAT preparation immediately after Class X Board Exams, as there are no distractions such as school homework, projects, exams or other school activities. In fact, to develop a strong foundation a student should start clearing the basic fundamentals from class IX and X itself as most of the questions are based on the concepts taught in IX and X.

FIITJEE has various programs available for students who wish to train for the SAT, SAT Subject Test and Advanced Placement Test. For more information, visit www.usaunivquest.com