SAT Test
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is probably the most widely known of all academic testing materials. Administered by the College Board service, the test is widely used in the college admission process for most four-year colleges. Approximately 2 million college students take the test every year.
Nearly all colleges accept the SAT Reasoning test as a primary acceptance tool, but some colleges require additional SAT testing in specialized areas. These additional tests in specific subject areas are called SAT II tests. Colleges typically specify the areas in which they want the test taker to provide SAT II scores, though sometimes a prospective student opts to take a test to demonstrate a particular mastery of a subject area. SAT II content areas may be in English, math, science, history, and foreign languages.
SATs are commonly taken two or three times, and may be taken in both semesters of the junior and senior year. Colleges and placement services use the candidate's highest score as the basis of their admission decisions. The basic SAT, called the SAT Reasoning Test, focuses on the general requirements for college success: reading comprehension, language arts skills, and math. At the four-year college level, these testing areas can be daunting. For many years, the SAT consisted of only two content areas: reading/language arts and mathematics. In each of those, the maximum score attainable was an 800. All questions were multiple-choice. In recent years, a writing section has been added to the basic SAT, so that the maximum possible perfect score is 2400.
Except for the writing prompts, most of the questions posed on the SAT are in a multiple-choice format. Scores are based on the number of correct answers. The writing prompt frames a controversy, argument, or issue, and requires the test taker to respond with a logical, well-organized position. The writing is judged according to an established standard, though there is an unavoidable subjective aspect to the grading of this section. The student must demonstrate an ability to elucidate abstract concepts in a clear and articulate manner.
Since the SATs have been in existence for such a long time, the methodology has been refined and become well known. Online registration and score retrieval is convenient. Online registration for the SATs also allows the college applicant to control the delivery of scores to selected colleges.
Click here for a great SAT Study Guide
Click here for a proven SAT Flashcard Review