How is the SAT scored?

The different sections of the SAT are scored independently. You will receive a verbal score and a math score. Each score ranges from 200 to 800. The average for both is 500. Thus, the average total score is 1,000.

In addition to the scaled score, you will be assigned a percentile ranking, which gives the percentage of students with scores below yours. For example, if you correctly answer 48 of the 60 math questions, then you will score better than 90 percent of the other test takers.

Your score report will be mailed about three weeks after the test. If you requested that your scores be sent to colleges or scholarship programs, a report will be sent to each of them within three weeks after the test date. If you listed your high school number on the registration form, then they will also receive a copy of your score report.

If you want to cancel your scores after the test, ask the supervisor for a Request to Cancel Test Scores Form, complete it immediately, and return it to the test supervisor before leaving the room. However, be aware that once your request to cancel scores has been submitted, you cannot get them back. They will not be reported to you or your designated institutions.

What time does the test start?

Testing starts usually at 8.30am and ends about 12.30pm. Plan to arrive at the test center at least half an hour before. Although you will get a short break at the end of each hour of testing time it makes sense to use the washroom facilities before you start the test.

Tell me more about the SAT I.......

The SAT I is a three-hour test made up of seven sections:

• three verbal sections: two 30 minute sections and one 15 minute section
• three math sections: two 30 minute sections and one 15 minute section
• one 30 minute ‘equating’ section, verbal or math.

You must work within each section of the test only for the time allotted. You won’t be able to return to a section once that section has ended. Nor can you leap ahead to get your favorite section out of the way early.

Although time is strictly limited on the SAT, working too quickly can damage your score. Many problems hinge on subtle points and most require careful reading. Getting the gist of what the question is asking is not enough. You might be surprised how easy it is to mis-read the problem or overlook a subtle point in the question.

The key to performing well in your SAT is not how many questions you can answer, but how many you can answer correctly.

If, during the test, you feel as though you’ve become obsessed with a particularly difficult question, learn to cut your losses and move on. All the questions are worth the same number of points, regardless of difficulty level. Therefore, the easiest way to answer a question correctly is to know the answer.

If you’re struggling to find the right answer, try to eliminate those answers you know are definitely wrong. Usually, only two of the answer choices might possibly be correct, the rest are fluff. This way the odds turn in your favor and if your guess is correct then you come out ahead with one full point. If you guess wrong then you lose a quarter of a point.

What kind of verbal questions are asked on the SAT I?

Analogies (19 questions)

• analogy questions test your understanding of the relationships among words and ideas. You will be given one pair of words and, to answer correctly, you must choose another pair that is related in the same way.

Sentence Completion (19 questions)

• sentence completion questions ask you to choose the best way to complete a sentence from which one or two words have been omitted. You should be able to recognize the logic, style and tone of the sentence in order to choose the answer that makes sense.

Critical Reading (40 questions)

• critical reading questions measure your ability to read and think carefully about a single reading passage or a pair of related passages.

See our sample verbal questions for you to try.

What kind of math questions am I going to be asked on the SAT I?

• 35 multiple-choice questions
• 15 quantitative comparison questions emphasizing the concepts of equalities, inequalities, and estimation.
• 10 student-produced response questions with no answer choices provided.

The math questions will include a range of concepts, including: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percent, data interpretation, odd/even numbers, prime numbers, divisibility, negative numbers, algebra, word problems, factoring, linear equations, inequalities, positive integer exponents, roots of numbers, sequences, geometry, area and circumference of polygon/circle, volume of a cube/cylinder, Pythagorean Theorem, properties of isosceles, equilateral, and right triangles, properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, coordinate geometry, and logical reasoning.

See our sample verbal questions for you to try.

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