The test:
SAT Reasoning Assessment Test is necessary for students who want to do undergraduate courses in universities in United States. Most of the universities require a candidate to have cleared this test as an aptitude for pursuing higher studies. SAT Exam is offered 7 times in a year, starting from October to January and then March or April till June. A candidate has to register either by phone or email three weeks prior to the exam date. The examination fee is $ 99.0 for candidates from India and Pakistan, while US nationals have to pay $ 49.0.
The aptitude test:
The aptitude test is in three parts- Mathematics, Critical Reading and Writing. There are 800 points for each section, totaling up to 2400 points. Mathematics has Quantitative Section or Calculation Section. This section has two parts of 25 minutes each and one part of 20 minutes. One part of 25 minutes has multiple choices to select while the other part of 25 minutes has 8 choice questions. The 20 minutes part has 6 questions with multiple choices. All questions are to be answered in symbol or numbers. Now Algebra II has also been added in the mathematics test and use of graphing calculator is allowed.
The critical reading test:
Critical Reading has two sections of 25 minutes each and one section of 20 minutes. It mainly consists of reading passages on social sciences, humanities, physical sentences or personal narratives and the candidate has to answer question based on the passage. The student is tested for vocabulary and understanding of sentences with varying questions which require completion of sentences and short a long reading comprehension.
The writing test:
Writing test includes multiple choice questions and a brief essay. It basically tests the knowledge of grammar of the candidate by putting up error identification questions, improving sentence formation and improving paragraph. The time for essay writing is 25 minutes.
The scoring structure:
The scoring structure consists of 1 raw point for each correct answer and for incorrect answer 1/4th of a point is deducted. No point is deducted for incorrect mathematics grid questions. Possible scores which are called percentiles range from 600 to 2400. Some years back there were students who scored 100 percentile and up to 99 percentile has been a regular feature over the past years. The results for the exam are declared 3 weeks after on the internet and 3 weeks more for receipt of mark sheets by post. All students who have passed XII boards which are recognized are eligible for appearing in the examination.
General precautions:
SAT Exam is like a milestone for studying in US so they should be taken in a serious manner. Though a candidate can re-appear in the exam the colleges in US get to see the previous scores, but the first appearance should not be messy. Some useful tips to keep in mind are to prepare a timetable based on the actual time allotted for each section of the test and one should practice mathematics questions of the past years. You should also know your strength and answer the easy questions first. Understand the scoring pattern and revise the completed paper.