The SAT
The digital college admission test used across the US, scored from 400 to 1600.
The SAT tests the reading, writing and maths skills that college work needs. It is fully digital, taken in the Bluebook app, and adapts to how you do. Many US colleges use it in admissions, and some require it again.
Overview
The SAT moved fully online in 2024 and is now shorter than the paper test it replaced. Each section is split into two modules: how well you do on the first decides whether the second is easier or harder. The reading passages are short, with one question each, so the test rewards focus and steady pacing more than stamina. A graphing calculator is built into the app and can be used throughout the maths section.
For international students, the SAT can strengthen an application to US colleges and to some universities elsewhere. After several years of test-optional policies, a number of selective colleges require scores again, so check each school's current rules. Most students take the test two or three times, and many colleges consider your best section scores. Official practice in Bluebook, together with Khan Academy's free SAT course, covers everything the test asks.
The two sections
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Reading and Writing, module 1 32 minutes
Short passages, each with one question: vocabulary in context, evidence, structure, grammar and editing.
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Reading and Writing, module 2 32 minutes
Easier or harder than module 1, depending on how you did in it. 54 questions across both modules.
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Math, module 1 35 minutes
Algebra, advanced maths, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.
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Math, module 2 35 minutes
Adapts to module 1 like Reading and Writing. 44 questions in all, some with answers you type in.
How it's scored
Reading and Writing and Math are each scored from 200 to 800, and the total runs from 400 to 1600. Because the test is adaptive, harder second modules give access to higher scores. There is no penalty for wrong answers. Colleges see the scores you choose to send, and many super-score, combining your best section scores across test dates.
How to prepare
- Take the free full-length practice tests in Bluebook: they use the real adaptive format.
- Learn to use the built-in Desmos calculator well: it solves many maths questions quickly.
- Answer every question, since wrong answers cost nothing.
- Check each college's testing policy: some require scores, others are test-optional.
Official pages
Dates, registration and fees change from year to year, so check them on the official pages.