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American colleges use the SAT exam score to determine admissions to their undergraduate programs. High school students typically take it in their junior or senior year. In addition to measuring students’ math and reading skills, the test assesses how ready they are to join the college. For international students scoring high on SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is vital and this article will help you with the same!

In this blog:

Before jumping onto anything else, let us see what exactly SAT is.

What is SAT Exam? 

The digital SAT consists of two sections: Reading and Writing section and Mathematics section. The Reading and Writing section tests the student’s ability to understand, analyse written and improve written passages. The Math sections test students’ understanding of algebra, geometry, and other mathematical concepts.

There is no minimum age to give this exam for Indian students, but it is recommended that students in their schooling years should attempt an SAT practice test to score high marks. Here are some of the key factors about the SAT exam: 

  • The total SAT score is 1600 calculated by summing the scores on the two sections.
  •  Each section on the digital SAT exam is scored on a scale of 200 to 800.
  • The total duration of the digital SAT exam is 2 hours and 14 minutes.
  • Apart from the colleges in USA, top universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and others also look at SAT scores as part of their undergrad admissions.

SAT Syllabus- A Complete Overview

Here is a complete section-wise SAT syllabus overview: 

SAT Syllabus: Reading and Writing Section

Reading and Writing  Syllabus
Standard English 
  • Usage and punctuation
  • Form, structure, and sense of the sentences
Idea Expression
  • Ability to revise texts to improve written expression 
  • Meet specific rhetorical goals
Craft and Structure
  • comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, and reasoning skills to understand text structure and purpose.
  • knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context
  • evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts
Information and Ideas
  • Inferences based on textual and quantitative evidence  (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs)
  • Measures comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills around central ideas and details

SAT Syllabus: Mathematics Section

Math  Syllabus
Advance Math
  • Nonlinear equations 
  • Equivalent expressions
  • Nonlinear functions
Algebra
  • Linear equations
  • Systems of two linear equations
  • Linear inequalities 
Data analysis and problem-solving
  • Ratios & proportion
  • Percentages
  • One-variable & Two-variable data
  • Probability 
  • Margin of error and sample statistics
Trigonometry and geometry
  • Right angle triangles and trigonometry
  • Area and volume
  • Lines, triangles and angles
  • Circles

The SAT Reading and Writing section has 54 questions to be answered in 64 minutes. The Mathematics section consists of 44 questions to be answered in 70 minutes. Both sections are divided into 2 modules, each containing an equal number of questions. Check out a more detailed breakup of the digital SAT exam here

Checkout: Free SAT Online Resources

How to Crack SAT Exam?

Here are some section-wise tips and tricks that will help you avoid common mistakes on the SAT exam:

Tips for Mathematics Section:

  • Take SAT math sample tests to figure out your areas of weakness and improvement. 
  • As you prepare for the SAT math section, list down the formulas you encounter. It will help you memorise them quickly.
  • Underline the parts of the question that need rough work. It will help you avoid confusion if you follow this practice. 
  • Instead of solving for the right option, use the elimination method to shortlist answers to a question. 

Tips for Language and Writing Section:

  • While reading a passage you must understand the premise or theme of the passage, and spot any mistakes.
  • Start by reading the first paragraph, then the first question. Despite the limited time, you can answer questions as you read the passage. 
  • The main points of the passage should be highlighted and noted down.
  • Determine the context of the passage and the meaning conveyed by the connotations to arrive at the right solution.

Test day anxiety is commonly seen among students on the day of their SAT exam, a factor that can cost you a good SAT score, and both of us don’t want that to happen. So, here are a few little things to remember to beat test-day anxiety and give your best on the SAT exam.
Suggested Reads:
How to Register for Digital SAT
SAT Exam 2023: Registration Deadlines and Exam Dates

SAT Exam Day: Last-minute Things to Remember!

To finally make the fruit of all your SAT preparation and sleepless nights, you need to keep yourself calm so that you can concentrate on the SAT exam, and these tips will help you do the same: 

  • Keep essentials like card, calculator, pen, pencils, ruler, erasers etc., in your bag at least two days before your SAT exam date
  • Just before the test, avoid revising or preparing any new topics
  • Verify the validity of your passport before your SAT exam date
  • Make sure you well-rested and have got plenty of sleep before your test day

Conclusion

SAT is a challenging exam whether you take it for the first time or the third time. But with the right guidance, resources and motivation, it really is a piece of cake that can land you at your dream university abroad (our 30-year legacy and 170,000+ successful students taught us that!) Our SAT experts has just a call away; book a free counselling session and get ready to ace the SAT exam.

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