SAT

If you are looking for college admissions across leading universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and others, SAT(Scholastic Aptitude Test) exams can be helpful. Admissions officers from universities like Princeton University, Harvard University, and other Ivy league members consider SAT scores for the admission process. The Purpose Of SAT Exam is to assess the capabilities of students in English speaking, grammar, and solving mathematical problems. It is a standardised test with sections like Evidence-based reading, writing, and mathematics. In the early 20th century, college presidents from 12 top universities formed the College Entrance Examination Board, which is now known as the College Board. This organisation developed a standardised test for the assessment of English language and Mathematics students, now known as the SAT exam. There are many benefits of appearing for an SAT exam. Here we are discussing the benefits, the SAT exam is for what purpose, and everything you need to know about the standardised test.

SAT Exam: The Main Purpose & Overview

When it comes to University admissions across the United States and other countries, admission officers require higher scores in the entrance exams. The SAT Test is one of the most standardised and reputed exams designed specifically to assess applicants’ readiness for academic studies. The purpose of the SAT exam is to not only assess language proficiency but measure overall capabilities. The test includes questions from maths, social studies, and science, also providing an overview of the applicant’s ability. However, there is one section of the SAT exam that does not make a significant impact on the final score- the essay section. Applicants need to write an essay on a specified topic which takes about 50 minutes. The total time allotted for the SAT exam is 3 hours and 50 minutes. The exam has a total of five sections as follows:

·                  Reading section

·                  Writing section

·                  Mathematics section with calculator usage

·                  Mathematics section without a calculator

Evidence-based reading and writing exams comprise 52 standard multiple-choice reading questions. It also has 44 multiple choice questions for the writing section. Further, for the math section, there are 45 multiple-choice questions. Math test includes a question on topics like the heart of algebra, Geometry, Problem-solving methods, data analysis, and advanced mathematics. The SAT test is designed specifically for admissions decisions of top universities and is held at different sites every year. International students and applicants can take the test multiple times. However, most universities consider a composite score or “super score,” which is a combination of two subject tests. Here it is important to note that SAT essay score is optional for many universities, and it depends on the individual admission requirements of an institute. Now that we have an idea about the SAT exams, let’s discuss some of the key benefits.

The Benefits of the SAT Exam

When you think of SAT exam benefits, college admissions are the first thing that comes to your mind. However, there are several other advantages that you get with the standardised test. Let’s discuss some of them:

Admission Eligibility

Many colleges and universities consider SAT exam scores for admission eligibility apart from other requirements. For example, the California Institute of Technology, with an acceptance rate of 7%, requires SAT scores between 1530-and 1580. Similarly, Harvard University requires students to submit SAT scores between 1400-and 1600 for a better chance at admission at a 5% acceptance rate. However, many colleges, including the famous Harvard University, have made the SAT test-optional due to COVID 19 impact on 2023 admissions. Yet, there is a better chance of acceptance at such prestigious universities with the SAT score submission.

Subject Choice

There is a reason why the SAT exam has different sections for critical reading, maths, and writing. It allows colleges to understand students’ capabilities in these subjects. Apart from these, there are questions on social studies and science which helps them assess applicants’ aptitude in a specific field or subject. So, one of the key benefits of the SAT exam is a subject choice. Students can design their SAT preparation in such a way that the score reflects their capabilities in the designed subject. It will enhance your chances of getting admission into the specific subject in the desired college.

Scholarship Advantage

Studying abroad can be costly as there are several costs associated with it. Right from the visa application fees to airfare, tuition fee, and accommodation costs, there are several of them. Financial aid becomes quintessential for studying abroad. This is where you will experience the true SAT exam importance. According to a survey, 10% of students who take standardised tests get $20,000 every year. So, there is no denying that taking the SAT test can help students get scholarships for studying abroad. Here are some of the scholarships that consider SAT scores for financial support,

·                  Pacific Gas and Electric Company Asian ERG Scholarship(SAT Score 1500, Scholarship amount $2,000)

·                  Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship(SAT Score 1000, Scholarship amount $30,000)

·                  Deana’s Wish Memorial Scholarship(SAT Score 1100, Scholarship amount $2,000)

·                  Lloyd M. Fujie Scholarship for Accounting Major Students(SAT Score 1500, Scholarship amount $2,500)

·                  Matt Logies Memorial Scholarship(SAT Score 1500, Scholarship amount $5,000)

·                  Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program(SAT Score 1070, Scholarship amount $4,000)

·                  CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program(SAT Score 1000, Scholarship amount $18,000)

Career Planning

Mere registration for the SAT test does not ensure a bright career, but it certainly opens doors to several possibilities. Right from the start, applicants can plan their careers by focusing on the preferred SAT subject test. Further, students can look for undergraduate programs accordingly and plan their careers in the relative field. Apart from the admissions, the financial aid to support your study abroad can be achieved through a higher test score.

Reduced GPA Gap

Many universities consider SAT scores in scenarios where students have lower GPAs. Universities require minimum GPA scores for Indian students and other applicants. If they don’t meet the minimum GPA requirements, the University can reject the application. However, some universities consider higher SAT scores to compensate for lower GPA scores. For example, Harvard University provides admissions for students with a minimum of 4.8 GPA in high school. However, if you have scored higher in the SAT exams, it can compensate for a lower average GPA. Now that we have some idea about the purpose of the SAT exam and its benefits, let’s discuss the application process.

SAT Exam: Application Process, Test Date & More

Students who want to appear for the SAT exam are required to register on the official website. They can also register for exams through email or by filing a form offline at the local College Board centre. Another way to apply is by using coalition or common apps. These are online platforms that allow international students to apply across multiple schools and universities. Here are the steps for exam registration:

·                  Visit the College Board website

·                  Create a College Board account

·                  Fill in all the details and submit all the required documents

·                  Choose the type of exam and the nearest centre

·                  Upload the photograph and pay the application fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the age criteria for SAT exams?

There are no specific age criteria defined by the College Board for students who want to appear for the SAT exam. However, most universities consider SAT scores for admission to undergraduate programs, so students who have passed 12th or have completed 11th can apply for it.

What is the difference between SAT & ACT?

SAT exams have major sections of event-based reading, writing and maths. On the other hand, the ACT includes science as one of the major sections.

How can I send SAT scores to colleges?

Students can send SAT scores while registering for the test or after the announcement of official scores. They get four free scores during the registration process, which they can send to college. Further, if students fail to send scores after nine days of taking the test, $12 is charged for each new report sent to a college.

Undergraduate students studying in high school who dream of going to college abroad may have to appear for a standardised exam like SAT or ACT. Students have to decide between the SAT and the ACT and prepare accordingly, but on popular choice, SAT exam is taken more than the ACT exam. In the year 2022, around 1.5 million students appeared for the SAT exam in comparison to 1.3 million ACT exam takers. SAT full form is Scholastic Aptitude Test and is required at most of the leading universities in the US, Canada, Australia, Italy and others. 

From March 2023 onwards, the SAT exam's conducting authority - the College Board has introduced the digital version of the exam. Initially, the SAT exam was a pencil-paper test until it became digital internationally in the year 2023. The USA is still conducting SAT exam in the pencil-paper format but it is set to switch to the SAT Digital testing from 2024 onwards. SAT exam upon being digitalised, has witnessed a couple of changes. Let us look at the following article and check out the proposed changes along with other prerequisites to appear for the SAT exam in 2023-24. 

Everything About SAT Exam 2023-24

SAT exam is conducted around the year and Indian students will be able to check the SAT exam dates, SAT exam centres and availability of SAT exam scores beforehand so that the students can make up their minds and plan accordingly. The following section discusses in detail each aspect related to the SAT exam, applicants who are in high school will benefit from the information in this section. 

SAT Exam 2023 Eligibility for Indians

There are no pre-defined SAT eligibility criteria for any set of students. Applicants who are in high school or in class X - XII can appear for the SAT exam. Students of age 17 and above on average sit for the SAT exam usually. Thus, high school students who decide on studying abroad can also sit for SAT exam after passing out from school. 

How Many Times Should Students Re-Take the SAT?

At least half of all students re-take the SAT twice, and most students do see an improvement in their scores the second time they take the test. It is not uncommon for students to retake the SAT multiple times, and in most cases, they will have a higher score. There are many reasons behind this, many students take the test more than once to increase their chances of being accepted to their dream school, some test-takers are nervous or anxious on the first day, and others may be more confident on the second time around. However, students should be cautioned against taking the SAT too many times, since there is no evidence that taking the SAT multiple times significantly changes your score. Instead, students should focus their time on other important components of their college application and on doing well at school. Students should also note that some universities might ask to see all your scores.

What are SAT Subject Tests?

SAT Subject Tests were hour-long, content-based tests that allow students to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where they excel. Using SAT Subject Tests, students can differentiate themselves in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding their readiness to study specific majors or programs in college. In conjunction with other admission credentials, Subject Tests provide a more complete picture of a student’s academic background and interests to a college admissions officer.