What Is SAT? Your Ultimate Guide to the SAT Exam

What Is the SAT?

SAT Basic Introduction

The SAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board.  Its scores are an important academic ability indicator for high school graduates worldwide applying for admission and scholarships to higher education institutions in the United States. The SAT exam has a total score of 1600 points, divided into two sections: Reading and Writing (800 points) and Mathematics (800 points). The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is authorized to develop and grade the SAT exam.

There is no official expiration date for SAT scores, but some community colleges only accept SAT scores within the past two years as valid. SAT scores are recognized by all higher education institutions in the United States, but not all universities require them. Some institutions do not mandate SAT scores as an admission requirement; students can use other scores instead.  Applicants should carefully review the admission requirements of each university when applying.

The SAT assesses your reading, math, and writing abilities, and is an important basis for American universities to evaluate whether you can adapt to college-level coursework. In short, it's your "ticket" to applying to American universities!

The History and Current Status of the SAT

The SAT has been a part of American high school students' lives since 1926, initially designed to provide students from diverse backgrounds with a fair chance in college admissions. Over the years, the SAT has undergone several changes: in 2005, a writing section was added (Reading + Math + Writing), and in 2016, it reverted to two sections (Reading + Writing, Math). Regardless of these changes, its goal has always been to assess whether you are prepared for college-level studies.

It's worth noting that the SAT exam will completely transition to the Digital SAT in 2026.

SAT Schedule

The SAT is offered on multiple dates throughout the year, such as March, May, June, August, September, October, November, and December. It's recommended that you register 2-3 months in advance, as popular test centers fill up quickly! You can visit the College Board website to check specific test dates and registration deadlines.

SAT Test Structure

The SAT is primarily divided into two test sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.

Why Is the SAT so Important?

Impact on College Applications

U.S. colleges and universities use SAT scores as an important reference point, especially for schools that are highly competitive. A high score can make you stand out in the application process. After all, everyone wants smart students!

Key to Scholarship Applications

Many scholarship programs are based on SAT scores, and some schools will even automatically award you a scholarship based on your scores. So not only can you get into a great school if you do well, you can also save money!

Test Your Study Skills

Preparing for the SAT is actually a way to review your high school knowledge and develop your logical thinking and time management skills. These skills will also be useful in college.

What Kind of Score Is Good?

State Universities: 1200+ is more stable

Top Universities: 1500-1600 More Competitive

However, the specific score requirement still depends on the school you are applying for, you can check the average score of the target institution.

Score Thresholds of Different Schools

Vine schools (Harvard, Princeton, etc.): 1500+ average score

Top private universities (Stanford, MIT): 1500+

State flagship universities (Berkeley, Michigan): 1300-1450

Community colleges: 1000-1100

How Do I Register for The SAT?

There are three ways to register for the SAT exam:

1. Mail registration.

Write to the College Board to request a registration form.

2.Online registration.

Register online through the College Board website.

3.Telephone registration.

However, telephone registration is only available to students who have previously taken the SAT and have detailed registration information on file with the College Board.

Fees and Deadlines

For test dates starting August 23, 2025, the SAT registration fee is $68.  International students will be charged an additional $43 international student fee. Late registration, changing test dates, or changing test centers will incur additional fees. It is recommended that you set a reminder to avoid missing the registration deadline!

The examination center fee applies to only a part of the test centers. Please refer to the list of test centers that charge fees.

Registration Materials

1.Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)

2.Payment method

3.Code of the university where you want to send your score (up to 4 free of charge)

How to Prepare for the SAT

Vocabulary Enhancement

The SAT requires students to master approximately 15,000 words, which is far more than the 8,000 words typically required for exams like the TOEFL or IELTS. Memorizing vocabulary is crucial for improving reading speed and comprehension.  In addition to learning vocabulary from textbooks, students can play word games, such as the NYT word game, to gradually build a strong vocabulary foundation.

Grammar Reinforcement

Grammar is at the core of the SAT exam. Students should be familiar with various grammatical rules to ensure they can answer basic questions quickly and accurately during the exam.

Improving Reading Comprehension

Reading English novels, articles, newspapers, and magazines helps students become familiar with the structure and logic of long passages. Even if they can't fully understand all the content, reading extensively will improve reading speed and help them understand the overall framework and nuances of the text.

Practice with Mock Tests

Repeated practice with simulated test questions helps students understand the question patterns and exam pace. Mock tests familiarize students with the exam format, increase their confidence, and reduce anxiety during the actual exam, allowing them to perform at their best.

Familiarity with Math Problem Types

The SAT math section doesn't test profound knowledge but rather covers a wide range of problem types. Therefore, it's essential to thoroughly master each type of math problem. Since the SAT math section allows only about 1.6 minutes per question, time is very tight.  Therefore, you need to strengthen your familiarity with problem types and improve reading speed.

When encountering word problems, the descriptions are usually long.  It's important to be skilled at identifying keywords and developing a natural "what you see, what you think of" reaction to quickly respond and answer. When practicing math problems, we recommend using a smart math solver to quickly obtain solution steps and answers.

Familiarity with Mathematical Expressions

Finally, and most importantly, it's crucial to be familiar with mathematical expressions, especially relevant mathematical keywords. Without mastering these keywords, it's likely impossible to successfully solve the entire problem.

Ultimate Preparation Advice

Make a plan: Start preparing 3-6 months in advance, don't just do it on the spot!

Brush up on real exams: familiarize yourself with the types of questions and time allocations.

Take practice exams: Socratic AI's full-length practice exams will help you get used to the pace of the exam.

Adjust your mindset: Eat well, sleep well, and stay calm on test day.

Conclusion

Finally, remember: the SAT is only one part of the application process, so don't let it overwhelm you! Plan your time wisely, use the right tools, and you're sure to get a great score! Punch it and be done with it!