Here is a little unknown fact to most: The SAT used to stand for the “Scholastic Aptitude Test” until 1993 when the College Board decided to have the acronym not stand for anything. Nowadays, this incredibly important test is known only as the SAT… This is an acronym every high school student in the United States undoubtedly has in their vocabulary. There is absolutely no denying that the SAT’s are a huge part of not only a student’s high school experience, but also determining their college experience as well.
In this post we will explore aspects of the SAT’s like how to prepare, deadlines and test dates, and how to register.
What exactly is the SAT and what does it consist of?
The SAT is a college entrance exam that one takes during high school to determine their overall knowledge of the subjects they learned in school. They are given a score on a scale of 400-1600 that they submit with their college admissions applications, and this score helps colleges in their decision process of whom to admit to their programs. Of course, the SAT score is not all that determines a student’s acceptance to a college. Each college puts a different amount of importance on SAT scores compared to other things like, extra curricular activities, GPA, or the admissions essay.
The test itself consists of two different sections, each totaling 800 points. There is a Math section, and a Reading Comprehension and Writing section. There is also an optional Essay Writing section. With these sections combined, the total number of questions on the test is 154, and the time it takes to complete the test is 3 hours and 50 minutes.
How to Prepare for the SAT
There is no such thing as too much studying! Preparing oneself as best as possible is the most important aspect of getting ready for such a big test as the SAT. For our study tips and recommendations, please see our other blog posts.
Registration, Deadlines, and Test Dates
There are two options for registering for the SAT’s. You can register online, which is the easiest, or you can register via postal mail. To register via mail, your child will have to pick up an SAT Paper Registration Guide from their counselor at school. To register online, go to the College Board’s website: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register.
| Register by: | To take this test: | And get results by: |
| September 8th, 2017 | October 7th, 2017 | October 20th – 26th, 2017 |
| October 5th, 2017 | November 4th, 2017 | November 17th –23rd, 2017 |
| November 2nd, 2017 | December 2nd, 2017 | December 15th –21st, 2017 |
| February 9th, 2018 | March 10th, 2018 | March 23rd –29th , 2018 |
| April 6th 2018 | May 5th, 2018 | May 18th –24th, 2018 |
| May 3rd, 2018 | June 2nd, 2018 | July 11th, 2018 |
