The SAT Reasoning test, which lasts three hours and twenty minutes, consists of three sections: Critical Reading, Quantitative, and Writing. Each of these sections is scored in multiples of ten and on a scale of 200 to 800. The test also includes a 25-minute section of experimental questions. These questions do not contribute to the test taker’s score; instead, this section is strictly for the evaluation of these questions for use in future examinations.
Critical Reading
The Critical Reading section contains three subsections of reading comprehension and sentence completion questions. Two sections last 25 minutes, and one lasts 20 minutes. Most questions focus on the reader’s ability to understand a written passage. The sentence completion questions require the reader to select words that best complete a sentence, testing vocabulary and knowledge of proper sentence structure.
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Section covers algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability. It consists of three subsections: one 25-minute section of 20 multiple choice questions, one 25-minute section of 8 multiple choice questions and 10 grid-in questions, and one 20-minute section of 16 multiple choice questions.
Writing Skills
The Writing section is divided into two parts: multiple choice questions and an essay. Of the two, the multiple choice section is weighted more heavily (70% of the score). These questions test the test taker’s knowledge of grammar and mechanics, requiring the test taker to identify and fix errors in sentences and paragraphs. The essay, which must be written in 25 minutes, requires response to a specific prompt.
Test Registration and Scheduling
Registration for the SAT Reasoning Test is $45.
The College Board offers the SAT Reasoning Test seven times each year. Students can register for the test online, by mail, or by telephone up to three weeks before the test date.
Though tests are regularly administered on Saturdays, students whose religious beliefs require a Sunday administration may request one at the time of registration. Students who have physical or learning disabilities may also request a testing accommodation: typically, these accommodations involve an additional time allotment.
Scoring
About three weeks after the test, test takers will receive a score report online, which will provide three types of information:
First, each section is graded on a 200 to 800 scale, with the writing section broken into two subscores—one for the essay and one for the multiple choice subsection. (Nationally, the average score for each section is roughly 500.)
Second, the report will assign test takers to a percentile, which represents the percentage of others who scored lower than that test taker on the administration of this test.
Third, the report will provide the raw score, which is the number of points gained from answering questions correctly minus those lost from answering questions incorrectly.
For an extra fee, test takers can request the Question and Answer Service, which will provide the test taker’s answer, the correct answer, and an explanation for each question.
Starting with the March 2009 SAT, the SAT will offer a new score reporting policy. This policy allows the test taker to choose which scores to report by test date. However, since many schools accept the highest math, reading, or writing scores individually, releasing all scores may still be the best option.
For more information and current test dates, visit the College Board’s site.
