FAQs: SAT Reasoning Test

(A) Related to Exam�Format/Structure, Subject(s), Syllabus, Exam Date, Time Duration, etc.

1.	What is the SAT ?
	The SAT is the most widely used admission test by US universities. Almost all universities in US use the SAT score for admission procedures.SAT tests a student for his abilities in English-reading, writing, and Math. Taking the SAT is the first step in finding the right college for you - the place where you can further develop your skills and pursue your passions. But SAT scores are just one of many factors that colleges consider when making their admission decisions. High school grades are also very important. In fact, the combination of high school grades and SAT scores is the best predictor of your academic success in college.
2.	Is SAT a competitive exam like IIT-JEE ?
	No, the SAT - the globally recognized admission test to US universities is not a competitive exam. Here each examinee is evaluated individually. Though, no relative ranking is done, as in the case of IIT-JEE, a percentile system is definitely in use for admission purposes.
3.	What is the format of the SAT ?
	The SAT tests the skills learnt in school. The SAT doesn’t test logic or abstract reasoning. The SAT consists of three sections - Critical Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
4.	What is the duration of the SAT Reasoning Test ?
	The total testing time for the SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes(not including breaks, check-in time, and pre-administration activities). The total time you should plan on being at the test center is approximately five hours.
5.	What are the maximum marks on the SAT ?
	A SAT score is not an absolute value. It is a scaled score to indicate a student’s performance in comparison with that of the other ‘x’ million students who take this test every year. The maximum scaled score is 2400. Each section, namely, Reading, Writing, and Math (Quant) is of 800 marks.

(B) Related to Eligibility Criteria, Exam Dates, and Number of Attempts

4.	What is the eligibility criterion for appearing in the SAT ?
	Students usually take the SAT in grade XI or XII. The most crucial eligibility criterion for appearing in the SAT is one’s preparedness for the exam.
5.	What is the minimum percentage required for appearing for the SAT ?
	There is no such specification about the percentage requirement for appearing for the SAT.
6.	What is the perfect time to start preparing for the SAT ?
	SAT scores are just one of the various considered factors for admission to US universities. School grades from grade IX to XII along with details of co-curricular activities, social work, Letter of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, Essays, and Interviews are also accounted for. The earlier a student starts to prepare, the better are the results. USA UnivQuest provides SAT preparation classes from IX standard onwards. At USA UnivQuest, we groom and nurture the inherent talents gradually to enable the students come at par with other international students taking the SAT simultaneously.
7.	Does the School Board (namely, CBSE / ICSE, State Board etc.) affect the SAT Scores ?
	No, it doesn�t. The SAT is the best independent, standardized measure of a student’s college readiness. It is standardized across all students, schools, and states providing a common and objective scale for comparison. Remember that the SAT is only one of a number of factors that colleges consider when making admission decisions. Other factors like your high school record, essays, recommendations, interviews, and extracurricular activities also play a role in admission decisions. We advise you to start an early preparation with USA UnivQuest, irrespective of the board, whether Indian or International, you will be appearing for.
8.	What are the SAT test dates and how many times can a student appear for the SAT ?
	The test is offered seven times a year - usually in October, November, December, January, March (only for US students), May and June on a specified Saturday morning. Special arrangements for schedule changes are available. A student can take the test as many times as he/she wants. Most students take the test once or twice.
9.	Is passport required for appearing in the SAT?
	Yes, you require a passport for registering yourself for the SAT. It is essential to carry the passport on the test day too as it serves as your identity proof.

(C) Related To Scoring & Result

10.	How is the SAT scored ? Does it have negative marking ?
	First raw scores are calculated for each section checking on the number of correct, incorrect, and omitted questions. Every correct answer gets you +1 point. For every incorrect answer in multiple choice section, 1/4 point gets subtracted. No points are deducted for incorrect student-produced response in Math section. The raw score is then converted to a scaled score (on a 200-800 scale) by a process called equating.
11.	When do I get my SAT scores ?
	Section-wise test scores are available on the College Board website after three to four weeks from the test date. You get the official score report about five weeks after the test.
12.	Do I need to take TOEFL along with SAT even if I score 70% and above in grade XII ?
	Yes, TOEFL is an English proficiency test and is mandatory for students from non-English speaking countries. Your percentage in the board classes does not determine the taking of TOEFL Test.
13.	Is the SAT score required for all US universities/colleges ?
	Yes, the SAT is an important aspect when you apply to all US Universities/Colleges, but it is not the only one. Along with the SAT scores, many other factors like Academic Performance, Details of Co-curricular activities, Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Purpose, etc are also considered.
14.	What is the difference between the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests ? And which test should be taken first ?
	Both the SAT and SAT Subject Test contribute to the college admission procedures in measuring a student’s readiness for college studies. The SAT tests student’s critical thinking skills in Math, Critical Reading, and Writing. The SAT Subject Test checks knowledge of a particular subject area and the ability to apply that knowledge. There are over 20 different Subject Areas that cover Literature, Math, Sciences, and Foreign Languages.

(D) Related to Support / Test Preparation Provided by USA UnivQuest

15.

What are the advantages of preparing for the SAT at USA UnivQuest?

In order to facilitate your admission in top ranking universities in US, USA UnivQuest offers you unparalleled coaching that encompasses a whole breadth of strategies focusing on each of the critical areas, whether relating to Verbal (Reading � Writing) or Math section, as tested on the latest SAT format. The aspirant is facilitated to score maximum in the three sections i.e. Reading, Writing, and Math (Quant). USA UnivQuest’s unique ‘peak performance’ strategies have invariably won our students rewards not only in terms of an exceptionally good SAT score, but also paved their way to coveted positions and scholarships at MIT, Stanford, and other elite US Universities.