If you are planning to apply to a university in the United States, it is vital that you know what the SAT exam consists of and why it is necessary for your admission process.
What is the SAT?
- According to Abbreviationfinder, it is one of the two standardized college admissions tests in the US (the other test is called ACT). That is, these two exams are accepted by most universities within their application processes. This means that you only take one exam regardless of the number of colleges you are applying to.
- The SAT is developed and structured by the College Board, a non-profit organization that also administers the PSAT and AP (Advanced Placement) program.
- Since 2016, the structure and scoring of the SAT has changed. The minimum score that a student can obtain is 400 points, while the maximum is 1600.
- To give you an idea, Harvard University had an average score of 1530. An important fact is that the result of your SAT is valid only for 5 years so you could give it even long before finishing college.
Why do people take the SAT?
- The SAT is a standardized test that shows colleges how prepared you are for them. This test measures your skills in math, reading comprehension, and writing comprehension.
- It is very likely that you will need to take the SAT exam if you want to apply to a university in the United States since you will have to present your results obtained in that exam. Depending on where you want to apply, the SAT can represent up to 50% of your admission.
- The SAT exam is your entrance to a university in the United States: it is basically an entrance exam. It’s like you are taking to get into a local university, only it’s in English.
What colleges accept the SAT?
All four-year universities in the United States accept the SAT. There are also other universities in the United States that accept this exam, but be sure to check with those specific institutions.
What does the SAT cover?
- The SAT covers 3 sections: Reading Comprehension, Writing and Language, and Math Let’s not forget about the optional essay.
- The good news about the new version of the SAT is that there will be no penalties for wrong answers.
- The reading comprehension section lasts around 65 min and contains 52 questions, while the writing and language section lasts 35 min and 44 questions. The total maximum score for both sections is 800 points.
- On the other hand, the mathematics section consists of two “mini-sections”, the first (25 min. And 20 questions) is done without a calculator, while the other (55 min. And 38 questions) can be done. This entire section has a maximum score of 800 points.
Why is taking the SAT so important?
Getting a very good score on your SAT test is extremely important. Not only will it help you get into the best universities in the United States, but also, depending on your score, it will help you get student scholarships.
In this Grad School Guru article, you will learn a little more about the importance of this type of international exam, which ends up being a lot like an entrance exam for local universities in Peru.
The SAT is an essential exam It is the most important part of the academic profile of students and athletes who want to study in the United States.
The results help colleges make informed decisions regarding academic readiness as well as potential success at the college level. In addition, these results help students determine what types of universities they should study at.
Most universities request the SAT within their admissions processes. It is recommended to start the preparation two years before taking the exam.
¿Why is it so important?
- Sports scholarships– This exam is important to obtain the necessary support from the organizations that regulate university sports. The NCAA and the NAIA require taking the SAT as part of their requirements. If a good result is not obtained within the exam, the students will not be able to train or obtain sports scholarships.
- Admission to universities– Almost all universities in the United States request this exam within their requirements. In universities of high academic reputation, an excellent result will be the key to being admitted.
- Academic scholarships– Obtaining a high score on the SAT exam opens the possibility of receiving academic scholarships at the universities that offer them. These scholarships can range from $ 5,000 to $ 30,000 per year, depending on the outcome and the university.
Open the doors to the university
The SAT is an admissions test accepted by all universities in the United States. We offer you special programs to encourage you to take advantage of higher education in America.
Skills that are built over time
With months by our side, Grad School Guru will help you better “build” your skills, as well as adjust the teaching level according to your level and needs. Whether you are a little behind or ahead, we will find for you the best study plan so that you can take the SAT in your best conditions
What is the SAT?
- Reading comprehension (Reading Comprehension) : two 25 – minute sections each, and a section 20 minutes Total of 52 questions
- Mathematics (Math): two sections of 20 minutes and 55 minutes respectively Total of 58 questions
- Writing (Writing) : a section of 35 minutes Total of 44 questions and writing In the new version of the SAT, the essay is optional.
The sum of the scores from the 3 sections is 1600 points. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a lot of time pressure in each section (a factor that always surprises Spanish students).
The exams are controlled by supervisors in each center where the exam is performed.