SAT Guide

While many schools have adopted test-optional policies, taking the SAT is still worth considering. This college readiness standardized test assesses your ability to succeed in higher education and can boost your application for competitive admissions. Recent changes have altered how students take the SAT and how to prepare. Our SAT guide covers what you need to know to master the SAT.

Widely accepted in the U.S. and around the world, the SAT measures college readiness among high school students. Most colleges and universities accept SAT scores for undergraduate admissions.

Nearly 2 million members of the class of 2024 took the SAT, making it the most-used college admission test. By comparison, 1.4 million high schoolers took the ACT in 2024.

The College Board administers the SAT, which includes two sections in reading, writing, and math. Test takers receive a score out of 1600.

College Board regularly updates the SAT. After undergoing a major redesign in 2016, the current SAT features streamlined timing and scoring systems and a focus on practical reasoning and skills.

Starting in 2024, the SAT began using a digital testing format. The digital SAT is shorter and uses adaptive testing. Students can also use a calculator during all parts of the math section. While the paper SAT is no longer a standard option, students can request accommodations to take the SAT on paper.

While the SAT’s focus on college readiness has not changed, its format has. As of 2024, test takers use the digital app Bluebook to complete the SAT on a laptop or tablet.

Schools and test centers administer the digital SAT, which requires a proctor. That means high schoolers cannot take the SAT at home. Thanks to adaptive testing, the digital SAT is shorter than the old version. Instead of three hours of testing, students can complete the digital SAT in around two hours.

The SAT tests students on evidence-based reading, writing, and math. Each section includes two modules of equal time and length. The College Board uses adaptive testing on the digital SAT. After completing the first module, Test takers will complete a second module based on their performance.

In addition to these two sections, students who take the SAT at school may also complete an essay, which is only available in certain states.

The reading and writing section measures reading comprehension, reasoning skills, analysis, and written expression. Test takers read short passages of 25-150 words and answer multiple-choice questions.

Writing questions evaluate English grammar and conventions. The section may also include tables, bar graphs, and line graphs, which Test takers must interpret.

Reading and writing content domains include:

The math section assesses algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, and data analysis skills. Test takers will also answer questions on geometry and trigonometry.

Most questions use a multiple-choice format, while around 25% use a “student-produced response” (SPR) format where test takers enter a response without multiple options. Around 30% of the math questions use a word problem format that provides context for the question.

Math content domains include:

Test takers receive a total score out of 1600 points. They receive a score between 200 and 800 on each of the two sections.

College Board provides an SAT score report that breaks down the section scores into the eight content areas. This report helps test takers focus on areas for improvement if they decide to retake the SAT.

The SAT score report shows the score on each of the two sections and a total score. The report also includes the test taker’s percentile for the sections and total score. College Board includes total and section average scores for all Test takers in the past three years.

Test takers also receive breakdowns of their performance in the eight content areas covered on the SAT. This data lists the percentage of questions from each content area with a visual indication of their performance to help test takers identify areas for improvement.

In the U.S., the SAT score report also includes career insights, a section introducing growing careers that align with the test taker’s areas of strength.

Students can register for the SAT online through the College Board website. They can review upcoming testing dates and select a date and location. During the registration process, students must submit a photo so that proctors can confirm their identity on test day.

When registering, students can choose up to four schools to receive their SAT score report for free. They must also pay registration fees. The registration process takes around 30 minutes.

College Board recommends that high schoolers take the SAT in the spring of their junior year. Test takers who decide to retake the SAT can do so in the fall of their senior year.

High schoolers either take the SAT at school or at a test center. Schools typically offer the SAT in March, April, and October. Test centers hold SAT weekend exams in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.

Test takers can retake the SAT multiple times to improve their scores. The College Board allows Test takers to choose which scores to send to schools. However, some schools require applicants to send all scores.

Students pay a registration fee of $68 if their test date begins on or after August 23, 2025. Rush score reports, score verification, and late registration also require a fee. Visit the College Board for the most current information.

Some qualify for a fee waiver to take the SAT for free. School counselors and community representatives can help students pursue fee waivers.

Studying for the SAT will boost your score. In fact, College Board reports that test takers using their official SAT practice resources saw a 39-point higher increase from the PSAT to the SAT than those who did not.

College Board recommends scheduling 2-3 months to study for the SAT.

Students can find a variety of SAT prep materials from the College Board website. Other at-home study methods include DIY flashcards to private tutoring.

Online practice tests should form the foundation of your SAT study prep, not only focusing attention in a particular area, but also familiarizing students with the real test format. College Board offers multiple free digital SAT practice tests.

Hard-copy study guides offer students a tangible way to review test material and mark up the pages. However, keep in mind that most students take the digital SAT. While this can be a valuable study approach, it is not a replacement for digital practice tests.

Ideal for memorizing critical skills needed for the SAT, flashcards help students learn equations, formulas, grammar, and vocabulary words. High schoolers can create their own flashcards or purchase SAT flashcards.

Personal tutors can provide students with a customized study plan that suits their individual needs and targets their particular weaknesses in each section of the SAT. However, this is a costly option for SAT test prep.

Increasingly popular among students who prefer to study in shorter increments, studying apps provide modular options for test takers with limited time and budgets. SAT study apps may offer free and paid versions.

The most thorough study prep begins at least two months before you plan to take the SAT. Signing up for a prep course offers a structured study plan with designated study times.

Test takers can find all types of SAT guides for psychology students online through companies, including Princeton Review and Kaplan. These companies offer tools from free practice tests to private tutoring. Prep courses accommodate both students on a budget and those with funding.

How can you make the most of your SAT study time? Start by studying the exam. Learning about the format of SAT questions and answering strategies can improve your score. Here are some additional tips to prepare for the SAT.

The time you invest in SAT practice aligns with the increase in points you’ll likely see. Generally, test takers should expect to spend 10 hours of prep time for every 30-point improvement on the test.

Research the required SAT score at your target colleges, then aim to earn that score on the test. Improve your admission chances by aiming for the school’s 75th percentile of scorers on the SAT.

Focus on your improvement areas during your practice time — these are the sections where you can improve the most. Use your analysis to modify your study plan to strengthen these areas.

Mistakes make you human, and they can actually help you during practice testing. Take the time to understand each mistake and correct your work to improve your scores.

Focus only on practice tests that mimic the actual SAT. The more familiar with the format and content of the SAT, the more success you will see on test day. College Board offers multiple practice tests that use the digital SAT format.

The following resources can help students find their ideal method of studying for the SAT:

Arrive early on test day – SAT test sites open their doors at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving after 8 a.m. may not enter.

Test takers receive seating assignments from the administrator. The SAT begins between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. and includes one 10-minute break. Those who finish a module early may not move on or go back to other modules.

Students can apply for accommodations on the SAT through College Board. Accommodations may include extended time, additional breaks, or assistive technology.

College Board requires documentation of the student’s disability and its impact on their ability to take the SAT, including evidence of the student using accommodations for previous school tests. Requests may take up to seven weeks for approval through the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities division. College Board provides additional resources on accommodations.