| Component |
Time Allotted (Minutes) |
Number of Questions/Tasks |
| Reading |
65 |
52 |
| Writing and Language |
35 |
44 |
| Math |
80 |
58 |
| Essay (Optional) |
50 |
1 |
| Total |
180 (230 with Essay) |
154 (155 with Essay) |
The SAT scores have been observed to range from 400-1600. The SAT essay is optional but some universities require it. Since this part is optional, the score of SAT essay is reported separately and you can choose where to report it and and where not to. It has been observed to range from 2-8 points.
Reading Test
The Reading Test measures your command of evidence, ability to understand meaning of a word/phrase used in a context, analysis of passages in science and social studies/ history. All the questions are multiple choice questions and this test is a part of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
Writing and Language Test
- Writing and Language test is a part of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT Test.
- This test measures your ability to understand text, find errors and fix them. The passages you improve are not based on your previous knowledge however they will range from arguments to nonfiction narratives and are related to careers, social science, history, science, and the humanities.
- It focuses on the formation and structure of sentence, punctuation, usage of words in context and expression of ideas.
Maths Test
The SAT Math Test focuses on the three areas of math that play an important role in almost all the college majors and careers.
- Algebra, which focuses on the mastery of linear equations and systems.
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis, which is about being quantitatively literate.
- Advanced Math, which features questions that require the manipulation of complex equations.
In addition to the above areas, the following topics can also form the basis of solving questions in the SAT Maths Test.
- Trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean theorem
- Basic area and volume formulas
- Convert between degrees and radians and use radians to determine arc lengths; use trigonometric functions of radian measure.
- Apply theorems about circles to find arc lengths, angle measures, chord lengths, and areas of sectors.
- Use concepts and theorems about congruence and similarity to solve problems about lines, angles, and triangles.
- Use the relationship between similarity, right triangles, and trigonometric ratios; use the relationship between sine and cosine of complementary angles.
- Create or use an equation in two variables to solve a problem about a circle in the coordinate plane.
SAT Essay (optional)
The SAT Essay is optional and given at the end of the test. Some universities may require the essay score for evaluation of application , however some may not. This is the reason the Essay score is reported separately from the other parts of the test and is not included in the total score of 1600. It is scored out of 8 points.
It tests reading, analysis, and writing skills of a student.
Reading- The student should be able to read and understand the given passage including the interplay of main ideas and important details.
Analysis- The student should be able to understand the arguments stated by the author in the passage. The ability to understand the argument and claims will form the basis of a student’s well-written and thoughtful essay.
Writing- A successful essay is organized, focused, well expressed through varied sentence structure and appropriate vocabulary.
