About the SAT Test

The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized college admissions test produced by the College Board that measures literacy and writing skills. Your score on the SAT exam provides colleges and universities a metric they may use in determining your suitability in their institution. It is thus imperative for you to score your best!

Below is some useful information about the exam; SAT test dates, fees, and the test content, format, and length.

Next Test
Oct 9
30 Days Away

SAT Test Dates for Spring 2010

Test Date Tests Offered Regular Registration Closes Late Registration Closes SAT Fees/Late Reg
October 9, 2010 SAT and Subject Tests September 10, 2010 December 30, 2009 $45/Late $68
November 6, 2010 SAT only October 8, 2010 February 18, 2010 $45/Late $68
December 4, 2010 SAT and Subject Tests November 5, 2010 April 8, 2010 $45/Late $68

The SAT Test Format and Content

Test Length Number of Questions Possible Score Type of Material

Critical Reading

70

Minutes

One 20-minute section
Two 25-minute sections

49

Passage-based reading

Tests your reading comprehension skills. These questions include summarization questions, figurative language questions, vocabulary questions, inference/extended reasoning questions, interpretation questions, and compare and contrast questions.

800 points

Multiple-Choice

19

Sentence completion
questions

Tests your vocabulary, semantics, and skills in inference.

Multiple-Choice

Math

70

Minutes

One 20-minute section
Two 25-minute sections

44

Multiple choice

Basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

800 points

Multiple-Choice

10

Student-produced responses

More arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

Grid-ins

Writing

60

Minutes

One 10-minute section
Two 25-minute sections

25

Improving Sentences

Tests you ability in grammar, sentence structure, word choice, and conventional written English.

560 points

Multiple-Choice

18

Identifying sentence errors

Covers your ability to spot subject-verb agreement errors, pronoun errors, sentence structure errors, and common misuses of language. 

Multiple-Choice

6

Improving Paragraphs

Tests your ability correct subordination of ideas, correct coordination of ideas, correct use of transition, unity of paragraphs, coherence of paragraphs.

Multiple-Choice

1

Essay

The SAT begins with an essay. You'll be asked to present and support a point of view on a specific issue. Because you have only 25 SAT, your essay is not expected to be polished - it is meant to be a first draft.

240 points

Written Essay