(Digital) SAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2023

SAT, or the Scholastic Assessment Test, is a computerised, multistage adaptive test designed to assess a student's college readiness. The multiple-choice entrance exam is used by colleges and universities in India and abroad for admissions to their bachelor's programs. 

The SAT score acts as a common point of reference and helps the admissions committee compare all college applicants. The SAT exam syllabus is designed to test a student's verbal, mathematical, and writing skills. Let's take a look inside the SAT paper pattern!

How is the SAT syllabus structured?   

The digital SAT is a 2-hour and 14-minute long test scored on a scale of 400-1600. The SAT consists of two sections-
  1. Mathematics 
  2. Reading and Writing    

Both sections contain two modules each. Your performance on the first module of the section will determine the difficulty level of the questions–the greater the difficulty level of the question, the higher the marks it carries, and vice versa.    

The Mathematics and Reading and Writing sections are scored out of 800 individually, making the total SAT exam score 1600. 

SAT Maths Syllabus   

The SAT Maths section primarily covers questions from high school maths on topics including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, graphs, functions, and equations. This section is majorly focused on four key areas-
 
 
Name

Focuses on

Algebra

  • Linear equations in one variable

  • Linear equations in two variables

  • Linear functions

  • Systems of two linear equations in two variables

  • Linear inequalities in one or two variables

Advanced Maths

  • Equivalent expressions

  • Non-linear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables

  • Non-linear functions

  • Polynomial functions

  • Quadratic equations

Problem Solving and Data Analysis

  • Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units

  • Percentages

  • One-variable data: distributions and measures of centre & spread

  • Two-variable data: models and scatter plots

  • Evaluating mean, median, mode, standard deviation

  • Probability and conditional probability

  • Inference from sample statistics and margin of error

  • Verifying data collection methods

  • Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments

Geometry and Trigonometry

  • Area and volume

  • Lines, angles, and triangles

  • Right triangles and trigonometry

  • Circles

  

The Mathematics section on the SAT is made up of two modules. Each module contains 22 questions that are to be answered in 35 minutes. The section has a total of 44 questions to be answered in 70 minutes.

 

SAT Reading and Writing Syllabus  

This section has brief and shorter passages with more direct questions. The passages are 100-150 words long, covering several topics related to history, social & life sciences, politics, and other comprehensive topics. The section aims to assess English reading, language, and comprehension skills. The SAT syllabus in this section focuses on-   
 
 
Topic

Focuses on

Information and Ideas

  • Central ideas and details

  • Command of evidence

  • Interpret information from tables, graphs, lines

  • Quantitative inferences

  • Analytical and evaluative skills

Expression of Ideas

  • Rhetorical synthesis transitions

  • Ability to revise texts

  • Effectiveness of rhetoric texts

Standard English Conventions

  • Boundaries

  • Form, structure, and sense

  • Formation of English sentences

  • Usage and correction of punctuation

Craft and Structure

  • Words in context

  • Text structure and purpose

  • Cross-text connections

  • Reasoning and comprehension skills

  • High-utility words and phrases

 

Download the complete SAT Syllabus 2023 PDF.
 

 

You get a total of 64 minutes in the Reading and Writing section to answer 54 questions. Each module consists of 27 questions to be answered in 32 minutes. 

SAT Exam Pattern 2023 

 

 

 

Section Name
Total Questions

Total Time

Mathematical 

44 questions

70 minutes

Reading and Writing

54 questions

64 minutes

Total

98 questions

134 minutes

   

 

Explore in detail the SAT exam pattern 2023!

 

The SAT syllabus for Indian students is vast and spans their high school education. The SAT exam structure tests your ability to reason, interpret and comprehend the given information. Score a 1500+ on your SAT and land at your dream university abroad.

See how SAT-ready you are with this SAT Sample Test.

 

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(Digital) SAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2023

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