SAT facts for kids
The SAT is a test that many students in the United States take to get into college. It helps colleges see if you are ready for college-level work. The College Board, which is a non-profit group, owns and creates the SAT.
The SAT used to test students in three main areas: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The Writing section, which included an essay, was added in 2005. Scores for each section went from 200 to 800. The highest total score was 2400, and the average was around 1500. Before 2005, the top score was 1600.
The test has several sections. The essay section always came first. There is also a section that does not count towards your score. The College Board says this section helps them test new questions. This makes sure future tests are fair for all students. It also helps compare scores from different years.
Most sections are 25 minutes long. Some later sections are shorter with fewer questions. The whole test takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT. It also helps students qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The SAT Subject Tests are different from the main SAT. They test your knowledge in specific subjects.
Contents
The New SAT (After 2016)
Since March 5, 2016, the College Board has used a new version of the SAT. This new test has four main sections. It also has an optional essay.
Reading Section
The reading part is the first section. It lasts for 65 minutes and has 52 questions. Unlike the older SAT, this section does not have vocabulary words to fill in.
Writing and Language Section
Next comes the writing section. It is 35 minutes long and has 44 questions. This part is similar to the writing section on the older SAT.
Math Section
The math section is split into two parts. One part lets you use a calculator, and the other does not. The no-calculator math section comes first. It has 20 problems and you have 25 minutes to finish it. The calculator math section has 38 problems and you have 55 minutes to complete it.
Optional Essay
Finally, there is an essay section. It is 50 minutes long. Not every student has to take this part. The new essay asks you to analyze a passage. You do not answer a question about your own life experiences.
Scores on the new SAT range from 400 to 1600. This is like the SAT before 2005.
Similar Tests
- ACT (test): This is another college entrance exam. It is a main competitor to the SAT.
- SHSAT: This is a high school entrance exam used in New York City.
Images for kids
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SAT mathematics questions can be answered in different ways.
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2003 SAT scores by different groups of students.
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A U.S. Navy sailor taking the SAT on a ship in 2004.
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See also
In Spanish: SAT Reasoning Test para niños
