The SAT:
On June 7, 2025, thousands of students across the world signed up to take the SAT exam. This exam is well known all across the world, as it is one of the key components that are required for admission into many US universities.
What’s on the SAT?
So basically, the exam consists of an English section and a math section, with 2 modules in each. On the English section, its module has 27 questions – for a total of 54 in total. You get 32 minutes for each module, so test takers have about 1.5 minutes or less for each question. For math, it’s 22 questions, for a total of 44 in total. However, you get more time for math with actually 35 minutes per module. Test takers start off with the first English module and are tested on a variety of topics including vocabulary, comprehension, and etc. Depending on how good/poor you do on the first module, the second module will adjust it’s difficulty. Specifically, if you do really good on the first module (or above half of the questions right), then you will get the harder second module, and the same goes for vice versa. After you have finished both modules in the reading section, you fortunately have a 10 minute break. During the break you can use the bathroom, get some water, eat a snack, and just rest your brain before you begin math. The SAT prohibits you from accessing your phone, so unfortunately you can’t scroll on TikTok during the break.After the break is over, the math section begins. You are tested on a diverse range of high school maths topics ranging from algebra, to probability, to trigonometry and etc. Many people believe the first math module section is extremely easy, while the second one is notoriously difficult at times. 35 minutes quickly pass by, and you find yourself taking the last module. If you do well on the first one, get ready for a challenge now (and if you don’t, it’s still ok and you can catch a nice break even if you get a lower score).
After 2.5 hours have passed, you have successfully completed the SAT! Usually, you have to wait about 2 weeks for your scores to be released (so if you wrote it on June 7, 2025, the scores are said to be released on June 20, 2025).
How does scoring work?
The maximum score you can get on the SAT is a 1600, which is extremely rare and amazing. In fact, only about 1000 test takers out of a million each year, achieve this astonishing feat. The English section is out of 800 and the math section is out of 800 as well, therefore totaling up to 1600. Each question right/wrong is worth a little more/less 10 points. Getting harder questions right is worth more than getting easier questions right. For example, you would gain more points for getting long analysis questions in English section or complex geometry questions right, in comparison to grammar rules or basic linear algebra. Therefore, many people say to focus more on getting the hard ones right if you know you can do them, rather than spending extra time on easier ones.
Difference between the Paper and the Digital SAT:
So recently, during 2024, College Board (the company that administers the SAT), made a major change in its method of administration. In the past, it used to be fully on paper, and the reading passages used to be much longer with more than one questions dedicated to each passage. Math problems were also a little different too, but mainly touched on the same concepts. However in the past, there was a calculator section and a no-calculator section, but now students can access the computerized calculator, “Desmos” whenever they desire. The digital version of the SAT also has other features such as a line reader, highlighter, cross-our option, and zoom in/out option, making it very accessible and easy to maneuver around the test. Along with many others, I think these changes are very beneficial to test takers.
How to prepare:
If you are aiming to attend Canadian universities then no need to fear, as the SAT isn’t required for any post-secondary institutions in Canada. However if you are aiming to attend university in the USA, then many schools require you to submit your score. The average score that most universities would like to see is somewhere between 1000-1400, because it proves that you are ready to handle coursework. However if you aiming for prestigious universities, such as the Ivy Leagues, then a score of 1500~1600 is pretty much mandatory. Unless you have something extraordinary about your life (such as being a nationally ranked athlete or your parents are billionaires), this SAT score is crucial to stand a chance in the competitive admissions field.
Let’s say you are considering to take it, how would you prepare? Luckily, the SAT only covers topics learnt in a high school classroom. Therefore, by the time you reach grade 11 or grade 12, you automatically would know all the math concepts necessary to take the test. In terms of the reading section, it doesn’t necessarily matter what grade you are in, because you can’t necessarily learn much for this section. To prepare, consider setting aside extra time every day/week, depending on how far/close your test day is.
Unless you believe that they will truly help you, I would advise staying away from test-prep programs that cost $1000s of dollars, as there are many free resources out there that do practically the same thing. For example, Khan Academy is the guru for school, and along with helping you understand your homework, it also has a separate dedicated section towards sat English and math prep.
Yes, this is a huge standard exam and it is very common to feel scared, so here are some tips that will help calm you down before test day!
Tips before Test Day:
- Prepare early: nothing will help reduce anxiety more than the feeling of being prepared and knowing that you can crush this exam to the best of your ability. Make a BlueBook account on your computer or iPad (after making a College Board account and registering for the SAT). On BlueBook, you will have access to many practice tests, so you can get a better understanding on where your strengths and weaknesses lay.
- Get the help you need: some of the SAT concepts are pretty challenging, and there is nothing wrong asking for help; whether it be through a tutor, a friend, or a parent. Getting the help you need will ultimately aid you in reaching your target score.
- You can take this test more than once: there is no set limit on the number of attempts one can take for the SAT, meaning that you don’t have to take too much pressure if it’s your first time. Many people take it 2-4 times, as it can be pretty challenging to hit your target score during your first attempt.
- On the night before the test, relax: you worked hard, and now you deserve to rest. Don’t spend all night cramming because for starters, it’s unhealthy, and on top of that- the test starts at 8 am the next day (usually). In my personal opinion, you will do much better if you have slept the night before rather than cram all the information into your head.
So there you have it folks, that’s practically everything you need to know about the SAT! For more specific information, make sure to visit the College Board website, and familiarize yourself with the test format using Blue Book. If you took the June 7, 2024 SAT, I hope you hit your target scores and don’t worry – as you can always take in again when you feel ready! If you haven’t taken it yet, don’t worry. I’m sure you will be ok!
Best of luck!
Sources:
https://horizoneducation.com/blog/digital-sat-differences