SAT FAQ

What is the SAT, and why is it important?

The SAT is a standardized test used by colleges and universities to assess a student’s readiness for college. It measures a student’s critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. A good SAT score is often considered an important factor in college admissions decisions.

When are the SATs administered?

The SAT is administered several times a year. In the United States, the SAT is typically offered on Saturdays. There are also some Sunday administrations for students who cannot take the test on a Saturday due to religious observance.

The SAT is usually administered on the following dates:

August
October
November
December
March
May
June

It’s important to note that not all test centers offer the SAT on every test date, so students should check with their preferred testing center to see which dates are available. Additionally, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, testing dates and locations may be subject to change or cancellation. Students should regularly check the College Board website for updates on testing dates and locations.

When should my child take the SAT?

The SAT is a college admissions test that is typically taken by high school students in their junior or senior year. The exact timing of when a student should take the SAT will depend on their individual circumstances and college admissions goals.

Here are some general guidelines for when a student might take the SAT:

Junior year: Many students choose to take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. This allows them to have ample time to prepare for the exam and to retake it if necessary before college application deadlines in the fall of their senior year.
Fall of senior year: Some students choose to take the SAT in the fall of their senior year, either to improve their scores or because they were unable to take the exam earlier. Students should be mindful of college application deadlines and make sure that they will have enough time to receive their scores before submitting their applications.
Multiple times: It’s not uncommon for students to take the SAT multiple times in order to achieve their highest score. The College Board, which administers the SAT, allows students to take the test as many times as they wish, with most colleges considering the highest score.
Test-optional schools: It’s worth noting that an increasing number of colleges and universities are becoming test-optional, meaning that they do not require students to submit SAT scores as part of their application. In these cases, students may choose not to take the SAT or may decide to focus on other aspects of their application.

Ultimately, the decision about when to take the SAT should be based on a student’s individual circumstances and college admissions goals. Students should work with their school counselor to determine the best testing timeline for them.

How is the SAT scored?

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with separate scores for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800.

The scoring process involves converting the raw score (the number of questions answered correctly) into a scaled score, which takes into account the difficulty level of the questions on the test. The exact conversion process varies from test to test, as each test is designed to have a similar level of difficulty but may have slightly different question types and formats.

In addition to the section scores, students may also receive scores for the optional Essay section, which is scored on a scale of 2-8. The Essay score is not included in the total score, but is reported separately.

Once the raw scores are converted to scaled scores, the College Board sends score reports to the student and to the colleges and universities the student has selected to receive their scores. These reports include the section scores, the total score, and any Essay score, as well as additional information such as percentile rankings and subscores that provide more detailed information about the student’s performance in specific areas of the test.

It’s important to note that different colleges and universities have different policies regarding how they use SAT scores in the admissions process. Some schools may only consider a student’s highest score, while others may consider all of the scores that the student has sent. In addition, some schools may place more emphasis on SAT scores than others, depending on their admissions criteria and priorities.

What is a good SAT score?

A “good” SAT score depends on a variety of factors, including the individual student’s goals, the colleges or universities they are applying to, and the specific SAT test date and version. In general, a good SAT score is one that meets or exceeds the average score of admitted students at the colleges and universities the student is interested in attending.

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with separate section scores for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math, each scored on a scale of 200-800. The average SAT score for all test-takers is around 1050-1100, but the average score for admitted students at selective colleges and universities is typically higher, often in the range of 1400-1500 or above.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that SAT scores are just one part of the admissions process, and many colleges and universities use a holistic review process that considers a wide range of factors beyond just test scores. Factors such as grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation can all play a role in the admissions decision.

Ultimately, what constitutes a “good” SAT score will depend on the individual student’s goals and the specific colleges and universities they are interested in attending. Students should research the schools they are interested in and their average SAT scores for admitted students, as well as other admissions criteria, to get a better sense of what scores they should aim for.

How much does it cost to take the SAT?

As of 2021, the cost to take the SAT exam without the optional essay section is $52. The cost to take the SAT exam with the optional essay section is $68. Late registration incurs an additional fee of $30, and changes to registration (such as changing the test date or testing center) also come with additional fees.

There are also other fees associated with the SAT, such as additional score reports, rush reporting, and score verification. These fees range from $12 to $31 depending on the service requested.

It’s important to note that fee waivers are available for eligible students who cannot afford to pay the fees. Students who meet certain income and eligibility requirements can receive up to two fee waivers that cover the cost of the SAT exam as well as other college application fees.

Can my child take the SAT with accommodations?

Yes, students with documented disabilities or conditions may be eligible for accommodations on the SAT. The College Board, which administers the SAT, provides accommodations such as extended testing time, extra breaks, large-print test booklets, and other accommodations to students who qualify.

To receive accommodations, students must submit a request to the College Board, along with appropriate documentation of their disability or condition. The documentation must be recent and should provide a precise diagnosis and description of the student’s functional limitations. The College Board will review the request and documentation and determine what accommodations are appropriate.

It is important to note that the process for requesting accommodations on the SAT can be lengthy, so it is recommended that students begin the process early. Additionally, not all requests for accommodations are granted, so students need to have a backup plan in case their request is denied.

Overall, if a student has a documented disability or condition, they should contact the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) to explore their options for accommodations on the SAT.

How many times can my child take the SAT?

Your child can take the SAT as many times as they wish. There is no limit to the number of times a student can take the SAT. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are fees associated with each test, and taking the test multiple times may not always be the best strategy.

It is also worth noting that colleges and universities have different policies when it comes to how they consider multiple SAT scores. Some schools will only consider the student’s highest score, while others may look at a combination of scores or take an average. It is important to research the policies of the schools your child is interested in to determine how multiple test scores will be evaluated.

It is generally recommended that students take the SAT at least twice, once in the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year. This allows them to potentially improve their score and allows them to meet application deadlines for colleges and universities.

What is a fee waiver?

A fee waiver is a program that allows eligible students to take the SAT or ACT and send their scores to colleges and universities for free. Fee waivers are designed to help students who may not be able to afford the costs associated with standardized testing, such as registration fees, test fees, and score-sending fees.

To be eligible for a fee waiver, students must demonstrate financial need by meeting certain criteria, such as being enrolled in a free or reduced-price lunch program, being from a low-income family, or receiving other forms of public assistance. Eligibility requirements may vary by program or organization.

The College Board and ACT, Inc. offer fee waiver programs for the SAT and ACT, respectively. Students who receive a fee waiver can take the test for free and can also send their scores to a limited number of colleges and universities for free.

Students need to note that fee waivers are limited in number and may not be available for every test date or at every testing location. Additionally, some colleges and universities may still require students to pay additional fees for other parts of the application process, such as application fees or transcript fees.

Overall, fee waivers can be a valuable resource for eligible students who want to take the SAT or ACT and apply to colleges and universities without the added financial burden of testing fees.

Are fee waivers available for the SAT?

Yes, fee waivers are available for the SAT. The College Board, which administers the SAT, offers fee waivers to eligible students to cover the cost of registration fees, test fees, and score-sending fees.

To be eligible for an SAT fee waiver, students must meet certain criteria, such as being enrolled in a free or reduced-price lunch program, being from a low-income family, or receiving other forms of public assistance. Students can obtain fee waivers through their high school counselor or another authorized official, or they can apply directly to the College Board for a fee waiver.

Fee waivers for the SAT allow students to take the test for free and to send their scores to up to four colleges or universities for free. In addition, fee waiver recipients may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as free access to the College Board’s online SAT preparation resources.

It’s important to note that fee waivers are limited in number and may not be available for every test date or at every testing location. Students should check with their high school counselor or the College Board website to learn more about fee waiver availability and eligibility requirements.

What is a “super score”?

A “super score” is a term used in the college admissions process that refers to the practice of combining a student’s highest scores from different sections of the SAT or ACT taken on other dates.

For example, let’s say a student takes the SAT twice, and scores higher in the Math section on their first test, and higher in the Reading and Writing section on their second test. A college that “super scores” would take the student’s highest Math score from the first test and combine it with their highest Reading and Writing score from the second test, creating a new “super score” that represents the student’s best performance across all sections of the SAT.

Many colleges and universities use the super score method to evaluate applicants, as it allows them to see a student’s best performance across multiple tests and accounts for the fact that some students may perform better on certain sections of the test on different testing dates. However, not all colleges use super scoring, so students need to research the policies of the schools they are interested in.

Does my child need to take the SAT if they’re not planning on attending a four-year college or university?

If your child is not planning on attending a four-year college or university, then taking the SAT may not be necessary. However, it’s important to research the specific admissions requirements of the institutions your child is considering attending to determine if the SAT is necessary.

Some community colleges and vocational schools may not require the SAT for admission, while others may use the SAT or other standardized tests for placement or scholarship purposes. Additionally, some employers or training programs may require SAT scores or other measures of academic achievement as part of their application process.

Even if your child is not planning on attending a four-year college or university, taking the SAT can still be beneficial. SAT scores can provide valuable information about your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and can help them make informed decisions about their educational and career goals. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer programs or resources for students who may not have initially planned on attending a four-year school, but later decide to pursue a degree or transfer to a four-year institution.

How can my child prepare for the SAT?

There are several ways your child can prepare for the SAT:

Take practice tests: Taking practice tests can help your child get familiar with the format and timing of the SAT. They can also help identify areas where your child needs to focus their studying.
Use official SAT study materials: The College Board, which administers the SAT, offers a variety of official study materials, including practice tests, study guides, and online resources.
Consider a prep course or tutoring: There are many test prep companies that offer courses or individual tutoring to help students prepare for the SAT. These services can provide personalized instruction and support to help your child improve their scores.
Read regularly: The SAT includes reading comprehension questions, so reading regularly can help improve your child’s vocabulary, comprehension, and reading speed.
Practice math skills: The math section of the SAT includes a variety of concepts, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Your child can review and practice these skills using textbooks, online resources, or math tutoring.
Review grammar and writing skills: The SAT includes a writing and language section that tests grammar and writing skills. Your child can review and practice these skills using textbooks, online resources, or writing tutoring.
Take care of physical and mental health: Adequate sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits can help your child stay focused and perform well on the SAT. Encourage your child to take breaks and manage stress during the studying process.

When is the best time to study for the SAT?

The best time to start studying for the SAT depends on several factors, such as the student’s academic strengths and weaknesses, their familiarity with the SAT format and content, and their college application timeline.

In general, students should plan to start studying for the SAT at least a few months before their intended test date. This will give them enough time to become familiar with the test format and content, identify areas of strength and weakness, and develop a study plan that meets their individual needs and goals.

For students who are comfortable with the SAT format and content, a few weeks of focused review may be sufficient to achieve their desired score. However, for students who need to build their skills in specific areas, such as math or reading comprehension, several months of dedicated study and practice may be necessary.

Students need to establish a study schedule that fits their other academic and extracurricular commitments, as well as their learning styles and preferences. This might include setting aside dedicated study time each day or week, working with a tutor or study group, or using online resources and practice tests to supplement their preparation.

Ultimately, the best time to start studying for the SAT is when the student feels ready and motivated to begin the process, and has a clear understanding of their goals and expectations for the test.

What is the SAT cutoff for Ivy League schools?

Ivy League schools, like all colleges and universities, do not have a specific SAT score cutoff for admission. Each school evaluates applicants holistically, considering factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and recommendations, in addition to standardized test scores.

That being said, the SAT scores of admitted students at Ivy League schools tend to be very high. According to data from the College Board, the average SAT score for admitted students at Ivy League schools ranges from the mid-1400s to the mid-1500s (out of a maximum score of 1600). However, it’s important to remember that these are just averages, and many admitted students may have scores above or below these ranges.

It’s also worth noting that Ivy League schools often use a process called “holistic review” when evaluating applications, which means that they consider many factors in addition to test scores. While strong SAT scores can certainly be a factor in a student’s admission, they are not the only or even the most important factor.

Overall, students who are interested in attending an Ivy League school should aim to achieve a strong SAT score, but should also focus on developing a well-rounded application that showcases their academic abilities, interests, and accomplishments.

Which SAT Score Is Used?

When a student takes the SAT, they receive a score report that includes their scores for each of the two sections (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math), as well as a total score, which is the sum of the section scores. In addition, students may also receive scores for the optional Essay section, which is scored separately.

When a student applies to college, they can choose which SAT scores to send to each school. The College Board offers several score reporting options, including Score Choice, which allows students to select which scores to send to each school, and SuperScore, which allows schools to consider a student’s highest scores across multiple test dates.

Overall, students should carefully research the policies of the schools they are interested in applying to and make informed decisions about which SAT scores to send based on their circumstances and goals.

Can My SAT Be Superscored?

Yes, the SAT can be super-scored. Super scoring is a process in which colleges and universities consider a student’s highest section scores across multiple test dates to create a new composite score.

For example, let’s say a student takes the SAT twice and earns the following section scores:

Test 1: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 620, Math: 680

Test 2: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 650, Math: 660

If the college or university uses super scoring, they would consider the student’s highest section scores across both tests to create a new composite score:

Superscore: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 650, Math: 680

In this example, the student’s super score would be higher than either of their individual test scores.

It’s important to note that not all colleges and universities use super scoring, and those that do may have different policies regarding which scores they will consider and how they will use them in the admissions process. Students should carefully research the policies of the schools they are interested in applying to and make informed decisions about which scores to send based on their circumstances and goals.

Do I have to submit my SAT scores to colleges?

No, you are not required to submit your SAT scores to colleges. Many colleges and universities have adopted a test-optional policy, which means that they do not require students to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.

If a college or university has a test-optional policy, it is up to the student to decide whether or not to submit their SAT scores. Some students may choose to submit their scores if they feel that it will strengthen their application, while others may choose not to submit their scores if they feel that their scores do not accurately reflect their academic abilities or if they were not able to take the test due to the pandemic or other extenuating circumstances.

It is important to note that even if a college or university is test-optional, they may still require SAT scores for certain programs or majors, such as engineering or pre-med. It is always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the schools and programs you are interested in before deciding whether or not to submit your SAT scores.

What are “test-optional” schools? Will it benefit my child if they do not perform well on the SAT?

“Test optional” schools are colleges and universities that do not require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Instead, they allow students to choose whether or not to submit test scores, with the understanding that test scores are only one part of the application process.

In recent years, more and more colleges and universities have adopted a test-optional policy, recognizing that standardized test scores may not always be the best indicator of a student’s potential or readiness for college. Test-optional policies can benefit students who may not have performed as well on the SAT or ACT, as they allow these students to be evaluated based on other factors, such as their GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

That being said, it is important to note that not all test-optional schools evaluate applications in the same way. Some schools may place more emphasis on test scores than others, and some schools may still require test scores for certain programs or majors, such as engineering or pre-med. It is always a good idea for students to research the specific policies and requirements of the schools they are interested in to determine whether or not submitting test scores would be beneficial.

In general, students should aim to submit the strongest application possible, including SAT or ACT scores if they feel that their scores accurately reflect their academic abilities. If a student does not perform as well as they would like on the SAT, they may want to consider retaking the test or exploring other standardized testing options, such as the ACT or SAT Subject Tests.

Can my child choose which scores to send to colleges?

Yes, students can choose which SAT scores to send to colleges. When registering for the SAT, students can choose to send their scores to up to four colleges for free. After receiving their scores, students can also choose to send additional score reports to colleges for a fee.

If a student has taken the SAT multiple times, they can select which individual test scores they want to send to colleges, or they can choose to use the College Board’s “Score Choice” option. Score Choice allows students to select which test scores from multiple testing dates they want to send to colleges. This means that if a student did not perform well on a certain test date, they can choose not to send those scores to colleges.

It is important to note that not all colleges accept Score Choice, so it is always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the schools you are interested in. Additionally, some schools may require students to submit all of their SAT scores, regardless of whether or not they use Score Choice.

When is the last month my child can take the SAT?

The last month that your child can take the SAT depends on the application deadlines of the colleges or universities they are interested in.

Most colleges and universities have specific application deadlines, which can vary by school and by the program. Generally, application deadlines fall between November and January for regular decisions, and earlier for early decisions and early action.

To ensure that their SAT scores arrive in time for application deadlines, students should plan to take the SAT at least a few months before the application deadline. This allows for time to receive their scores and send them to the colleges or universities they are applying to.

The College Board typically administers the SAT seven times a year, in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. However, not all test dates are available in all locations, so students should check the College Board website for test dates and locations in their area.

In general, it is recommended that students take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and in the fall of their senior year, but this can vary depending on the student’s individual circumstances and the application deadlines of the schools they are interested in.

Can students outside the U.S. take the SAT?

Yes, students outside the U.S. can take the SAT. The College Board, which administers the SAT, offers testing in many countries around the world. Students can register for the SAT online and select a testing center that is convenient for them.

In addition to the standard SAT, the College Board also offers the SAT Subject Tests, which are one-hour, multiple-choice tests that measure a student’s knowledge of specific subjects. SAT Subject Tests are also offered internationally, but the availability of the tests varies by country.

International students need to check the requirements of the colleges and universities they are interested in to determine whether they need to take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests. Some schools may require or recommend that international students submit SAT scores as part of their application, while others may accept alternative standardized tests or require no standardized testing at all.

International students should also be aware of the registration deadlines for the SAT and plan to register early to ensure that they can secure a seat at their preferred testing center.

Will The NMSC Use An ACT Score Instead Of A SAT Score To Go From NMSF To NMF?

No, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) does not use ACT scores to determine National Merit Semifinalists or National Merit Finalists.

To become a National Merit Semifinalist, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT, which is a practice test for the SAT. Students who achieve a qualifying score on the PSAT/NMSQT are designated as Semifinalists and are eligible to apply for National Merit Scholarships.

To become a National Merit Finalist, Semifinalists must meet additional requirements, including achieving a high score on the SAT or ACT. However, the NMSC does not use the ACT score to determine whether a student becomes a Finalist. Instead, they use the SAT score or the concordance table to convert the ACT score into an equivalent SAT score.

In summary, while the ACT can be used as a substitute for the SAT in the National Merit Scholarship competition, the NMSC does not use the ACT score to determine who becomes a Semifinalist or Finalist. Only the PSAT/NMSQT score is used for the initial selection of Semifinalists.