Saltsburg Middle-High School Guidance Office

SAT

http://www.collegeboard.com

About the SAT Reasoning Test

The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly SAT I: Reasoning Test), better known as the SAT, is a three-hour and forty-five-minute test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful academically.

The SAT is the best independent, standardized measure of a student's college readiness. It is standardized across all students, schools, and states, providing a common and objective scale for comparison. High school grades are a very useful indicator of how students perform in college, yet there is great variation in grading standards and course rigor within and across high schools.

The SAT consists of ten separately timed sections, including a 25-minute essay. The essay will always be the first section of the SAT, and the 10-minute multiple-choice writing section will always be the final section. The five other 25-minute sections can appear in any order, as can the two 20-minute sections. Test takers sitting next to each other in the same testing session may have test books with an entirely different sequence of sections.

In addition, there is one 25-minute unscored section, known as the variable or equating section. This unscored section may be either a critical reading, mathematics, or multiple-choice writing section. This unscored section does not count toward the final score, but is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to ensure that scores on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier editions of the test.

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section contains two subscores. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.

For more online sample questions and preparation materials, visit the SAT Preparation Center.

Question Types for the SAT

Each edition of the SAT includes a Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing section, with a specific number of questions related to content.

About the SAT Subject Tests

Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure students' knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year. Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. Subject Tests fall into five general subject areas:

English

  • Literature

History and Social Studies

  • United States History (formerly American History and Social Studies)
  • World History

Mathematics

  • Mathematics Level 1 (formerly Mathematics IC)
  • Mathematics Level 2 (formerly Mathematics IIC)

Science

  • Biology E/M
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

Languages

  • French
  • French with Listening
  • German
  • German with Listening
  • Modern Hebrew
  • Italian
  • Japanese with Listening
  • Korean with Listening
  • Latin
  • Spanish
  • Spanish with Listening

All Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests. However, some of these tests have unique formats:

  • The Subject Test in Biology E/M contains a common core of 60 general-knowledge multiple-choice questions, followed by 20 multiple-choice questions that emphasize either ecological (Biology E) or molecular (Biology M) subject matter. After completing the core questions, test takers choose the section for which they feel most prepared.
  • The Subject Tests in Mathematics (Level 1 and Level 2) have some questions that require the use of at least a scientific or graphing calculator. Mathematics Subject Tests are developed with the expectation that most students will use a graphing calculator. There are no plans to discontinue or change the content of the Subject Tests in Mathematics Level 1 or Mathematics Level 2.
  • Subject Tests in Languages with Listening (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish) consist of a listening section and a reading section. Students taking these tests are required to bring an acceptable cassette player with earphones to the test center.

The final Writing Subject Test and ELPT administrations were in January 2005. The SAT now includes a writing section.

For more detailed information about the Subject Tests including test purpose, format, and for recommended preparation for each test, please visit Subject Tests Preparation Center.

Dates & Fees

2011-2012 Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

Test Date Test Type Registration Deadline Late Registration  Deadline
October 1, 2011 SAT & Subject Tests September 9, 2011 September 21, 2011
November 5, 2011 SAT & Subject Tests October 7, 2011 October 21, 2011
December 3, 2011 SAT & Subject Tests November 8, 2011 November 20, 2011
January 28, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests December 30, 2011 January 13, 2012
March 10, 2012 SAT only February 10, 2012 February 24, 2012
May 5, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests April 6, 2012 April 20, 2012
June 2, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests May 8, 2012 May 22, 2011
2011-2012 Fees
SAT Fees
Regular Registration Late Registration
$ 49 $ 75
SAT Subject Test Fees
Base Fee Language with Listening Tests All other Subject Tests
$ 22 (per test date) + $ 22 (per test) + 11 (per test)