Why Students Take SAT Exam?
SAT is a standardised exam taken up by students who wish to apply to the Colleges/Universities in Canada and the United States for undergraduate courses. In the US, most colleges require the SAT for admission. Moreover, based on the SAT results of the students, many colleges in the US provide scholarships also.
SAT Subject Test
SAT 1 is the general exam that is taken up by the students who are planning to take admission to undergraduate colleges. This test helps in evaluating different skills of the student such as verbal skills, mathematical skills, and written skills. On the other hand, SAT 2 is a subject-focused exam named as SAT Subject Test. This test is taken up by the students who are seeking admission to a specific course. SAT Subject Test helps the students to demonstrate their knowledge in that specific subject.
What is ACT & How it is Different from the SAT?
ACT means American College Testing. The ACT is an exam that is taken by the students for admittance to the US University. The students seeking admission in the undergraduate courses in the US College have to take up either ACT or SAT exam. Before taking the SAT or ACT, it is essential to know which exam the student needs to take. The student must check the requirement of the college in which he/she wants to pursue the course that which exam they accept.
Eligibility for SAT 2021
The College Board has not laid down any specific eligibility criteria for the students who wish to take the SAT exam.
- No age limit for the candidates who want to take the SAT exam
- Mostly the students of 17-19 years appear in SAT exam
- For higher studies, the candidate must complete their high school studies.
- No restriction on the SAT attempts
Types of Skills Analysed in SAT Exam
Generally, the SAT exam is taken by the students of grade 11 and 12. This exam helps in testing different skills of the students such as writing, critical reading, and mathematical skills. Through this test, the colleges get to know the skills that are required for achieving academic success.
Registration for SAT 2021
Registration for the SAT can be done in two ways i.e. online mode and offline mode. Offline registration of the SAT is also known as paper registration that is done through the mail. For this method, the candidate needs the ‘Student Registration Booklet for SAT and SAT Subject Tests’. This booklet includes the registration form and returns envelope also. The candidate can take the help of a counsellor and fill the form carefully. Keeping in mind the mail registration deadline, it is advisable to fill the form ahead of time.
For the registration of the SAT online, the candidate can visit the College Board’s official website and create the login account. Once the candidates create the account, they can create their student profile by filling the required details. After creating the profile, the candidates are required to select the test date and centre and pay the application fee to complete the registration process.
Fees of SAT Exam
The candidates who wish to take the SAT exam are required to pay the fee. The detail of the SAT exam fee is given below
- Along with the SAT exam fee of $47.50, the candidates need to pay the Non-U.S. Regional fee. The Non-U.S. Regional fee for the candidates taking the SAT exam in India is $49. Therefore, the total SAT exam fee is $96.50
- Including essay, the fee of the SAT exam is $64.50 Non-U.S. Regional Fee. Therefore, the total SAT exam fee including essay is $113.50 ($64.50 $49)
- For taking the SAT Subject Test, the students have to pay an additional fee of $26
SAT Scholarship
One of the major disadvantages of studying in foreign universities is to pay the high tuition fees that too in foreign currency. Along with the high tuition fee, the factor that influences is the high living expenses. Due to these reasons, many students drop their idea of studying abroad and settle down with other options.
However, the availability of different scholarships as well as student’s education loans has made it possible to make their dream come true. You can find the available scholarships and fellowships on the official website of every college. Along with these, you can also find the grants that are presented to the deserving candidates. The candidates who are not eligible for the scholarship can opt for an education loan from a bank or financial institution.
Exam Dates of SAT 2021
The candidates who wish to take the SAT exam 2021 need to register timely. As the students are aware that the SAT exam is of two types i.e. SAT and SAT Subject Test, they are advised to register for the right exam. It would help them to avoid the deadline stress and saving the SAT rescheduling fees as well. To know the test dates of SAT and SAT Subject Test check the out here
Best Time to Take the SAT Exam
In a year, the SAT exam is held several times. The students who wish to take the SAT exam are advised to choose the date of the exam at least 3-4 months before the deadline of their application. It would help them to avoid the last-minute stress as well as error. Moreover, the candidates can check the SAT Test Centres that are located across major cities and choose the convenient one.
Syllabus for SAT 2021
There are two categories in the SAT exam i.e. SAT General Test and SAT Subject Test. Both are taken by the candidates who want to pursue their higher studies in a foreign country. However, there is a difference in these tests. SAT General Test analyses the mathematic, verbal as well as written skills of the applicant. While the SAT Subject Test analyse the knowledge of the applicant in a particular subject like Science, English, History, etc. Therefore, the syllabus for both tests is different.
SAT Scores
The SAT exam is divided into two sections i.e. Mathematics and Reading & Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800 points that means a maximum score of 1600 points. The SAT Subject Tests are checked on the 200-800 points scale. Along with these, there are additional sub-scores that are reported on a scale of 20-80 points. The score of a candidate reflects how she/he is compared to the other candidates who have taken the SAT exam.
Ways to Send SAT Score to Colleges
A candidate can send the SAT score to the colleges in two ways i.e. first is at the time of registration of the SAT exam and second right after releasing of the official scores. At the time of registration of the SAT exam, the students receive four free Score Reports. After appearing in the SAT exam, they have nine days to send the score to the colleges of their choice. After nine days, the students have to pay an amount of $12 to send the score reports to each college/university.
Fee Waivers While Reporting SAT Scores to Colleges
The College Board provides scholarship/SAT fee waivers for the students having low-income or belonging to economically weaker sections. It helps the candidate to send her/his SAT score to the preferred colleges/universities for free of cost. However, the eligibility of scores may differ as per the new rules or latest changes. The candidate can read about the criteria on the official website or get in touch with the representative of the College Board and apply accordingly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Send SAT Score
Generally, the average SAT is around 1000 points. Any score in SAT above 1200 points is considered as a good SAT score. The maximum points that a candidate can score in SAT are 1600 points that are known as the perfect score. As the student receives the scaled scores, they must get an understanding of the SAT scaled percentiles as well as scores.
- To begin with, the process of sending SAT score, sign in to the College Board account
- You would find the option of ‘Send Score’. Click on that option
- After clicking on ‘Send Scores’, you would get two options i.e. ‘Send Available Scores Now’ and ‘Send Scores when Available’. If you wish to send the scores immediately click on ‘Send Available Scores Now’. In case the score re yet to be declared click on ‘Send Scores When Available'
- Now, you have to add recipients i.e. your shortlisted colleges/universities. You can add a recipient by searching them by name and state as well
- It is advisable to double-check the personal details as well as all the recipients before you make the final payment
Validity Period of SAT Score
Generally, the score of the SAT exam is valid for a period of 5 years. However, if there has been any change in the SAT criteria, the candidate would not able to utilise the SAT Score. Usually, the candidates take the new tests and apply to the desired universities/college. In case the candidates wish to send SAT scores to more colleges, they can order an additional copy of the scorecards by paying a sum of $9.
Countries that Accept SAT Score
For the selection of International students, every country has its own eligibility criteria. SAT exam is accepted in the universities/colleges of different countries. Popularly, this test is taken by the students who wish to enrol to undergraduate courses in Canada and the USA. Apart from these countries, there are some universities in Australia and the UK that accept the SAT exam.
Preparation Tips for the SAT Exam
Generally, it is observed that the candidates who get the good score in the SAT exam tend to be good readers. Moreover, they can also handle the pressure of giving answers in a shorter time. As the candidate has to deal with multiple sections, there is a requirement of patience, motivation and dedication for the SAT preparation.
Just like the preparation of other exams, there are two ways for the preparation of the SAT exam i.e. professional help and self-study. For the self-study, the candidate needs motivation as well as a self-discipline in order to continue with the study routine. This can help you in saving time as well as money. However, if you feel the need for guidance and a proper learning environment, you can opt for coaching classes. With the help of professionals, you can clear your concepts and work on your weak subjects. Complete Preparation Tips for SAT 2021 Exam