The SAT® tests students’ reasoning based on knowledge and skills developed through their course work. SAT® is taken by students who aspire to go ahead for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) studies in USA, Singapore etc. It measures their ability to analyze and solve problems by applying what they have learned in school.
The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you’ll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems - skills you learned in school that you’ll need in college. SAT is accepted by countries like USA, Canada, Singapore etc.
The SAT has following three sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200—800 taking the total score for SAT to 2400, with two writing sub-scores for multiple-choice and the essay with a specific number of questions related to content. In addition, there is one 25-minute un-scored section, known as the variable or equating section. This un-scored section may be critical reading, math, or writing multiple-choice section. This un-scored section does not count toward the final score, but is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to ensure that scores on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier editions of the test.
The 25-minute essay will always be the first section of the SAT, and the 10-minute multiple-choice writing section will always be the final section. The remaining six 25-minute sections can appear in any order, as can the two 20-minute sections. Test takers sitting next to each other in the same testing session may have test books with entirely different sections.
The SAT is developed and administered by the US-based “College Entrance Examination Board”. This implies that Collegeboard sets the questions, conducts the test, and sends each examinee the score report. In India, SAT is conducted at various centers 6-7 times a year.
Some colleges require the students to go ahead and take a Subject Test. The Subjects can be from literature, history, foreign languages, math, physics etc. Not all colleges ask for the same and it doesn’t become mandatory for students to give this test. Subject Tests measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply that knowledge. Some of the U.S. colleges require or recommend one or more Subject Tests for admission or placement.
Colleges which don’t require Subject Tests will still take them into consideration, since the tests offer a better picture of your academic abilities. Subject Tests are also administered in the paper and pencil format. They contain multiple-choice questions and take one hour to complete. Each test is scored on a scale of 200-800.
Further details for both the tests could be found on www.collegeboard.com and you can register for the tests on this site.