What is the SAT and why is it important?  Created by the College Board, the SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.  The assessment is used to provide colleges with one common criterion that be used to compare applicants.  It is just one factor in the admissions decisions.  Schools also consider high school GPA, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, interviews, and personal essays.  For specific information about the importance of SAT scores at the schools you are interested in, contact the admissions offices directly.

What does the SAT Test?  There are three SAT sections: Math, Critical Reading, and Writing.  The writing section requires test takes to complete an essay that is factored into the final score. 

How long does it take?  From start to finish, the test will take you approximately three hours and 45-minutes.

How is the SAT scored?  Each section is scored on a 200- to 800- point scale.  The highest score would be 2400.  The average score for math is 516, critical reading, 501, and writing 492. 

When do I need to take the SAT?  Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school.  At least half of all students take the SAT twice – in the spring as a junior and in the fall as a senior.  Most students improve their score the second time they take the SAT.

How do I register?  SAT registration deadlines are approximately 5 weeks prior to each test administration.  To register by mail, fill out the registration form in the College Board Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests.  You can get a free copy of this publication from your guidance counselor.  You will need a College Board code number for college majors, college and scholarship programs, test centers, or high schools.  To find these numbers, use the Code Search tool or the code list from the counselor.  You can also register online at the College Board website:  www.collegeboard.org