Do you wish to attend a well-known college in the US or Canada? If so, you likely know what the SAT is and how to do your SAT exam preparation.
For Indian students willing to study abroad, the SAT is an essential step toward their goal. It’s like a ticket to the best school experience, and as the fight for spots at top universities grows, thorough SAT exam preparation becomes essential for success.
However, before diving into your SAT exam preparation, it’s important to know the SAT exam pattern and SAT exam syllabus. Knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the SAT, including how it is set up, how to prepare well, and the best places to find help for SAT exam preparation. Let’s start this journey together and help you reach your full potential!
Understanding the SAT
The SAT exam pattern checks students’ reading, writing, and math skills to see if they are ready for college. Here’s a summary of the SAT exam pattern:
SAT Overview | Details |
Total Test Duration | 2 hours and 14 minutes |
Total Number of Sections |
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Total Number of Questions | 98 |
Scoring Range | Each section of the SAT is scored on a 200 to 800-point scale. Your total SAT score is the sum of your section scores. The highest possible SAT score is 1600. |
Test Format | Digital |
Breaks | A 10-minute break between the 2 sections |
Test Frequency | Available 7 times a year globally |
Score Validity | 5 years |
Test Structure
The SAT exam pattern for 2024 has switched to a fully digital format. With fewer steps and a more user-friendly version, students can now take the SAT on computers or tablets at designated test centres. This new SAT exam pattern allows the students to get results much faster, making the process quicker and more flexible.
The SAT exam syllabus has two parts: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW).
Reading & Writing Section
Reading & Writing Section Overview | Details |
Number of Questions | 54 |
Total Marks | 200-800 |
Content Areas | Reading comprehension, grammar, and writing clarity |
Passage Types | Shorter passages from various academic fields |
Math Section
Math Section Overview | Details |
Number of Questions | 44 |
Total Marks | 200-800 |
Content Areas | Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, Geometry and Trigonometry |
Calculator | Allowed throughout the entire section |
Duration and Format
The SAT now lasts only 2 hours and 14 minutes, compared to the previous 3-hour paper-based test.
Section | Time Allocated |
EBRW | 64 (two 32-minute modules) |
Break | 10 minutes |
Math | 70 (two 35-minute modules) |
Total | 2 hours 14 minutes |
- Digital Administration: You can now take the SAT on a computer or tablet. Students can either use devices that the test centre gives them or bring their own.
- User-Friendly Interface: The online SAT exam pattern includes helpful tools, such as an on-screen calculator, highlighters for marking text, and flags for questions you want to circle back to.
- Test-Day Flexibility: Some test centers offer digital SATs that students can take. Since it moved online, the SAT has become more accessible for students worldwide.
Registration Process
Students must register on the official SAT website to take the exam. It’s easy to sign up, but you should do it early to ensure you get a spot at your preferred test center. Here are the most important steps:
- Create a College Board Account: Visit the College Board website and make a free account. You’ll need to give simple information like your name, email address, and high school.
- Fill Out the SAT Application Form: Fill out the online form to sign up for the SAT. You’ll have to give information like your name, address, and educational details.
- Choose Your Test Center and Exam Date: Choose a date and a place that is convenient for you. Remember that popular dates can go away quickly, so sign up early to ensure you get the date you want.
- Upload Your Photo: Share a recent, clear .jpg, .gif, or .png picture of yourself. The picture will be on your entry ticket, so make sure it follows the College Board’s rules.
- Pay the Registration Fee: Pay the fee to register for the SAT. The GRE Exam fee for 2024 is INR 5,010, plus an extra INR 3,500 for the area. You can use a credit or debit card to pay. Once you’ve paid, you’re in!
- The SAT Exam Fee is designed to offer full transparency on the costs involved. The registration fee for the SAT itself is INR 5,016, while the complete SAT Exam Fee comes to INR 10,102. This total is split into three distinct parts: the base fee, regional fees, and applicable taxes. By providing a clear breakdown, the SAT Exam Fee structure ensures that you know exactly what each component covers.
SAT Exam Preparation Tips
The SAT exam preparation can get really tedious really fast, but a well-thought-out plan can help you focus and feel more confident. Here are some SAT exam preparation tips:
Study Plan
A well-thought-out study plan will help you reach your goals. Your SAT exam preparation should look like this:
- Give Each Section Time: Break up the course into sections and dedicate time to each.
- Set Weekly Goals: Each week, work on a different part of the course material and set clear goals.
- Make a Calendar: Plan your study time to remember important dates for SAT exam preparation, including full-length practice tests and review sessions.
Practice Test
Taking full-length practice tests based on the SAT exam syllabus is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT. These not only help you get used to the SAT exam pattern, but they also help you better manage your time.
Prepare for Test Day
As the day of the test gets closer, ensure your mind and body are ready. Staying focused and calm is essential for successful SAT exam preparation. Pack a photo ID, an admission ticket, an approved calculator, pencils, and erasers in your bag. Make sure to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early to avoid any last-minute stress.
On the Test Day
Maintain a calm and positive attitude. A good breakfast will keep your brain sharp, and arriving early will let you centre yourself before starting. During the test, carefully read the directions and manage your time wisely.
Post Test
Once the SAT is over:
- Take some time to relax and review your performance.
- Go over your work and list the things you did well and the things you could’ve done better.
When your results are out, examine them carefully, paying particular attention to the incorrect answers to help you figure out what went wrong. Use the feedback for further SAT exam preparation if you decide to take the test again.
Resources for SAT Exam Preparation
To effectively prepare for the SAT, it’s essential to understand both the SAT exam syllabus and the SAT exam pattern. Using the right study tools, which provide expert guidance, practice tests, and real-time feedback, can significantly enhance your SAT exam preparation. Additionally, being aware of the SAT Exam Fee is helpful as it allows you to plan your budget accordingly, ensuring you’re fully equipped to tackle the test from both a financial and academic standpoint.
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Official SAT Prep from the College Board
The College Board gives away free SAT practice tests and study guides straight from the creators of the test. These tools are highly reliable because they reflect the actual SAT exam pattern. They enable students to get used to the kinds of questions, levels of challenge, and time limits according to the SAT exam syllabus.
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Manya—The Princeton Review’s Coaching Programs for SAT exam preparation
Manya offers various thorough SAT exam preparation classes. These include custom study plans, help from experts, and access to many practice tools.
Manya’s SAT exam preparation coaching ensures that students get real-time feedback on their work by giving them online and offline choices. They give you access to practice tests based on actual tests and advice on how to do well on all parts of the SAT.
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SAT Prep Books
The SAT exam syllabus is thoroughly covered in several highly recommended prep books, which are essential tools for students aiming to succeed. Popular choices include “The Official SAT Study Guide,” “Barron’s SAT,” and “The Princeton Review’s SAT Prep.” These books offer a comprehensive set of practice questions, detailed answer explanations aligned with the SAT exam syllabus, and expert tips for managing time effectively during the test.
Using these resources, you can build a comprehensive SAT exam preparation plan that fits your learning style and objectives.
Conclusion
The SAT is essential to getting into college, especially for students who want to study abroad. It assesses your reading, writing, and math skills, which are essential for college preparation.
Understanding the SAT exam pattern and SAT exam syllabus and engaging in thorough SAT exam preparation is essential for success. You can do well and get a high score with the right study plan, practice tests, and other tools. As always, getting ready is the key to success, and Manya is here to help you every step of the way.
Manya – The Princeton Review, one of India’s best global education companies, can help you reach your full potential. Our expert instructors can help you succeed by giving you individual coaching, a wide range of study materials based on the SAT exam syllabus, and tried-and-true methods that have worked in the past.
We offer a helpful atmosphere that encourages adequate SAT exam preparation and academic success. Join us to attend special workshops, get grants, and get expert guidance in your journey to study abroad. With Manya’s SAT exam preparation coaching, you can turn your goals into reality!