SAT FAQ

The College Board administers the SAT exam to assess the merit of students from high school and provide a standard measurement for colleges to take in students for higher education. The nature of the exam brings in various doubts that cannot always be read in detail and requires answers to the point to avoid confusion. This page provides a set of frequently asked questions about the SAT and then moves on to defining some commonly used terms regarding the test.

Why SAT?

SAT is an exam that measures the readiness of a high school student for entering a space of higher education. The score range provided in the SAT report lets colleges/universities decide whether or not the student will be a right fit on the campus.

Students who are high achievers can use their SAT scores to avail themselves of scholarships that can be a financial aid for them in their studies. This is also an opportunity for students from lower financial backgrounds to study through merit without dropping their studies.

SAT scores can be added to one's resume even after college to avail themselves of great jobs as a fresher. It shows the candidate’s skillsets and provides them with a better job.

Is SAT offered online?

Since 2024, the SAT has been offered entirely online for students in the United States. As of 2023, it was open digitally only to international students.

Is the paper and pencil SAT still available?

The pencil and paper SAT is no longer administered. The SAT is fully digital.

How many sections are there on Digital SAT?

There are two sections on the SAT, namely, the Math Section and the Reading and Writing Section.

How many questions are there in each section?

Students have 64 minutes to finish 54 questions in the reading and writing section and 70 minutes to finish 44 questions in the math section.

Does SAT only contain multiple-choice questions?

SAT mainly contains multiple-choice questions except 10 student-produced answer questions in Mathematics. These are called grid-in questions, where the student must write the answer without the steps and options provided.

How long is the SAT?

The digital SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes long. There used to be an additional 50 minutes provided for the written test, but the written test has now been removed from the official test.

What devices can I use to take the test?

To take the test, students can use a Mac laptop, an iPad, a Windows laptop or tablet, or a Chromebook managed by the school. Mobile devices cannot access the Bluebook app.

Am I allowed to use calculators?

Since the launch of Digital SAT, the math module that prohibited using calculators has been eliminated. The calculator is now available to students for the entire math portion. Candidates can get their own calculators or use the built-in Desmos calculator in the app.

Which calculators are allowed for the SAT?

Graphing calculators, Scientific calculators, and all four-function calculators are permitted, although the College Board does not recommend four-function calculators. They also insist on calculators with batteries since no wires are allowed within the exam hall.

When should I attempt SAT?

SAT can be attempted both in the 11th and 12th-grade levels. It is recommended that students take it in the 2nd semester of their 11th grade with some extra preparation covering the 12th-grade syllabus so they have time to retake the examination in case of lower grades. The report will be valid for another year, which means that if the score is good enough, the student also has the option of not attempting it in their 12th grade, thereby focusing on bettering their GPA and other formalities required for college admissions.

How many times can I attempt the SAT?

One can attempt the test as many times as one wants. But the ideal number would be 2- once in the junior year and the other in the senior year. For people who want to go to college after a break from high school, the ideal number is 2 again- one to assess where they stand right now and the next to achieve their target score. Attempting more than 4 times would not yield better results unless the candidate was facing extreme technical difficulties during all the previous attempts.

A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 would be the ideal number of times to attempt the SAT.

How can I register for the SAT?

Candidates can register online through the College Board website by signing in to their college board account.

What is the fee for registering for the SAT?

The cost of SAT registration is $68, along with an additional international registration fee of $43 for international students. If the candidate registers after the regular deadline but before the late registration deadline, there will be an additional fee of $34.

Is writing PSAT necessary for the SAT?

No. Writing PSAT is not mandatory for attempting the SAT. PSAT is conducted as a preliminary test to understand how the SAT exam works and to relieve students from the stress that SAT exams can otherwise provide.

Attempting the PSAT before the SAT gives a perspective on the SAT and familiarizes the candidate with the question patterns and time management that the SAT requires. PSAT is also attempted by students who want to receive the National Merit Scholarship or to at least be part of the commendable population of students who can aid them in their future endeavors.

When will I receive the score report?

The score reports will be available online for the candidate and their school within days of taking the test.

What is meant by Score Choice?

Score choice allows candidates to choose which SAT score they want to send to the universities. This free service does not apply to the free score selected when registering for the SAT or to the in-school testing. Score Choice is only relevant to the SAT attempts already scored.

What is the maximum SAT score attainable?

The highest score that can be received on the SAT is 1600, with 800 in Mathematics and 800 in Reading and Writing.

Is there a negative marking for SAT?

No, there is no negative marking for the test. The College Board encourages guesswork instead of leaving unattended questions.

What if I feel I didn't do well? Can I cancel my score?

Yes, candidates can cancel their scores. The SAT Weekend scores can be canceled within a week after taking the test. The SAT Weekday scores can be canceled by requesting the test staff submit a score cancelation request in the Test Day Toolkit within 5 days of taking the test. The request to cancel a score cannot be taken back. The scores will not be reinstated at any cost.

Can I verify my score?

If the score is extremely different from what was expected, candidates can apply for a score verification up to 5 months after the test date.

What is Rush Reporting?

Rush reports are sent within 4 business days for results that have already been declared. This can be opted for at an additional cost if deadlines must be met in colleges/universities. Candidates can order this online, by mail, or by phone.

Terms used in SAT and their Meaning

Total Score- Sum of the scores obtained in the two sections of the test.

Sectional Score- Score obtained in the two sections, namely Reading and Writing, and Mathematics.

Percentile- Shows the degree to which the student has excelled compared to others who have taken the test.

What is the Bluebook Application?

Students must install the Bluebook app, a customized app, on their testing devices before taking the SAT. Students will have access to features on the app, such as Mark for review, Calculator, testing timer, Reference sheet, Annotation, and Option remover.

The App Store does not appear to have the Bluebook app. From where can I download it?

Accessible on the College Board website, The Bluebook is a customized application. To download the app, students should visit the website or click this link.