The SAT is a nationally administered standardized test used by most colleges, in conjunction with GPA, transcripts and recommendations, to determine admittance. Not all schools require the SAT, but most do. The SAT is comprised of three sections (Reading, Writing and Math) that test your critical thinking skills as well as your ability to analyze and solve problems. Offered seven times per year in the US, the SAT consists of ten timed sections and lasts for three hours and forty-five minutes. The following three types of questions are on the test: multiple choice, student produced responses (Math) and an essay.
Individual sections are scored on a scale (200 to 800), with the average score on each being around 500. The cost to take the test is $47 but can vary pending additional assessments such as late registration, change and standby fees. SAT scores are sent to each individual student and his or her high school approximately five weeks after the test is administered.
