What Is the SAT Exam?
The SAT is a determining factor for institutions to measure the aptitude skills of candidates for particular courses. Founded and administered by a non-profit organisation, The College Board, SAT is a computer-based exam that offers multiple choice questions (MCQ). The SAT was a pencil-and-paper test until it was digitised last year. Although first started in the US, the SAT has become a requirement in the modern world. Today, it is being conducted in full swing all over India! Here are a few highlights of the SAT Exam 2024.
Why Is The SAT Important?
The SAT measures reading, mathematical, and writing skills required for academic success in college. It is used as a determining tool to gauge the student’s critical thinking and problem solving skills. The exam aims to provide an overview of a student's cognitive and analytical skills. It provides colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. The weightage assigned to the scores in the college application process varies from school to school.
SAT Eligibility 2024
There is no specific eligibility criteria for SAT, however, there are a few pointers the candidates must keep in mind.
1. Age requirements
There is no minimum or maximum age requirement set by the college board. Mostly, the maximum number of students who appear for the SAT are aged between 17-19 years.
2. Educational requirements
Anyone aspiring to enrol in an undergraduate program can take the exam. High school students are required to take the exam in order to join undergraduate studies or study abroad.
3. Number of attempts
SAT is held 7 times a year and candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they want. There is no set number of times one can appear for SAT.
4. Nationality criteria
Indian students can also take the exam if they or their parents hold citizenship in the US. In the case of citizenship, Indian students will be eligible to take the test as domestic students as well.
SAT Registration
Like most digital competitive eligibility exams, the SAT has to be registered online. Although the offline method of registration is also available, online registration is more convenient. The entire process of SAT registration consists of six easy steps:
1. Sign-up on the College Board website.
2. Register for the Digital exam
3. The candidate will be followed by a prompt once the sign up is completed.
4. The applicant is required to fill in all the major details carefully.
5. Fill in all the major details, including your city name and centre, the nearest centre can be found by typing the centre name or scrolling through the list.
6. The applicant will be requested to submit a photo and must submit the application.
7. Once the submission is complete, you will be redirected to the fee payment page.
8. Pay the requisite fee.
SAT Exam Fees 2024
In order to appear for the test, students are required to pay a certain amount of fees. The fee structure is as follows:
SAT Exam Dates 2024
SAT is conducted 7 times a year. The dates are the same for all international students taking the SAT 2024. We have curated a list of SAT exam dates 2024 below and have also listed the anticipated dates of August, October, November and December.
Anticipated August–December 2024 Test Dates
1. August 24, 2024
2. October 5, 2024
3. November 2, 2024
4. December 7, 2024
SAT Exam Pattern 2024
The SAT exam pattern has witnessed some changes over the years. The new pattern allows the 'no negative marking' system. The exam pattern has witnessed a couple of changes. As the overall exam timing has reduced, the use of calculators has been permitted for all Math questions. Let’s take a look at some of the digital parameters for both sections.
SAT Syllabus 2024
The new digital syllabus that has been announced recently draws extensively from courses that are already taught in schools in English, Mathematics and Science. As we have already discussed, the exam contains two broad sections that need to be answered within a given period. In case you want a thorough understanding of the SAT syllabus and exam pattern, feel free to refer to “SAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern” for a detailed view. The syllabus for the two sections is as follows:
Topics Covered in the Reading & Writing Section
- Craft and Structure
- Standard English Conventions
- Information and Ideas
- Expression of Ideas
Topics Covered in Digital Math Section
- Algebra
- Advanced Maths
- Problem-solving and Data Analysis
- Geometry and Trigonometry
SAT Result 2024
According to the latest announcement from the College Board, for the digital test scheduled on March 9, 2024, the College Board will release the result on March 22, 2024. Take a look at how you can check your SAT scores and results. The results are out within 2-3 weeks after administering the test.
How to Check SAT scores and results:
1. Open satsuite.collegeboard.org
2. Access the same account you created while registering for SAT
3. Login with your credentials
4. Click on Get Your Scores
The SAT exam is designed to gauge students' readiness for college by evaluating their reading, writing and maths skills. It is also one of the most significant tests for your future in higher education. Therefore, understanding the SAT syllabus and exam pattern and time allocation is crucial for effective SAT preparation. As the SAT is strategically divided into sections with specific time limits. Be sure to approach the SAT with a clear strategy and stay informed about updates.