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SAT FAQ - Frequently asked Questions
Sandweiss Test Prep realizes students and/or their parents may have many questions before deciding upon which test to take and how test results fit into one's academic plan. We've compiled the following frequently asked questions to address your concerns. Please call us if you need further information.
What is a good score on the SAT?
How do I register for the SAT?
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardized, mostly multiple-choice exam required for admission to most undergraduate universities in the United States. The SAT tests basic reasoning, critical reading, and math skills in a three-hour and forty-five minutes test.
The SAT does not test how smart you are, how good a college student you will be, or how good a high school student you were. The SAT tests some basic knowledge and reasoning, but most of all it tests how good a test taker you are. An efficient, strategic test-taker will score much better than an otherwise bright, studious person who finds it difficult to enter the unique mindset of the SAT. That�s unfair, but so is college. So whatever your strengths, it makes sense to maximize your ability to take the test. We can help. Contact us today.
How is the SAT structured?
The SAT consists of three major sections (Writing, Critical Reading, and Math) divided into ten test segments, including one unscored segment and an essay. The sections are graded on a scale of 200-800. All the multiple choice questions are weighted equally within each section, though they range from very easy to very difficult.
Math: 54 questions - 70 minutes total
Critical Reading: 67 questions - 70 minutes total
Writing: 49 questions plus essay - 60 minutes total
What's a good score on the SAT?
The score goals for each student will be different. Most state colleges weight your GPA to your SAT score on a scale of around 3:1. So students with higher GPAs can afford to have lower SAT scores for admission to the same school as students with an average GPA.
The mean score for the SAT is around 1500, that is: around 500 for each section (Math, Critical Reading, Writing). Many schools will publish not the average SAT score of an incoming class but the 25th and 75th percentiles. This indicates that 50% of the students accepted scored between those percentiles. For instance the University of Washington reported 25th and 75th percentile scores of:
- Critical Reading: 520 to 640
- Math: 550 to 680
- Writing: 530 to 640
Another way to look at this data is that students scoring above the 75th percentile have an extremely good chance of being accepted, while students scoring below the 25th percentile will likely need additional factors (recruited athlete, alumni parents, etc.) to gain admission.
Whatever your goals, a strong SAT score can help not only boost your chances for admission but make you eligible for scholarships. So contact us today and begin the process of learning how to maximize your SAT potential.
When should I take the SAT?
The SAT is offered seven times each year: January, March, May, June, October, November, and December. We recommend you take the SAT in the spring of your Junior year, with the option of retaking the test again in the fall. Some students, because of athletic schedules or other issues may prefer to take the test in the fall of their junior year. However, no student should take the test before they are ready. It is better to take the test once feeling fully prepared than to take it multiple times hoping your score will somehow improve.
Sandweiss Test Prep offers courses year-round in both Seattle and Bellevue for every test date. See our SAT course page for more info.
How do I register for the SAT?
The easiest way to register for the SAT is online at the College Board website. The current cost of the test is $45, which can be paid online with a credit card. You can also register by mail, either by going to the College Board site or with registration materials found in the offices of most high school counselors. For a fee you can change your test date if necessary.
What about the SAT II?
The SAT IIs, officially known as the SAT Subject Tests, are a series of 20 subject-specific standardized tests that are offered throughout the year. The subjects include many typical high school subjects, such as French, History, Literature, and Biology. You can take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date. Many selective universities recommend the submission of at least two SAT Subject Test scores.
Sandweiss Test Prep offers private tutoring in all 20 subject tests. Find out more about our private tutoring options here.