SAT

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

About SAT

Most foreign universities rely on several national-level entrance tests while making their admission decisions and hand-picking candidates. The Scholastic Assessment Test score is one such test they consider while shortlisting students. If you wish to secure your place in a Bachelor's program of your choice, you need to take the SAT.

The Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is a standardised test used widely by College Admission Boards across several countries. High school students typically take the SAT exam, and it measures how ready they are to attend college. The test enables admission boards to compare their different applicants on three scales – Evidence-based Reading and Writing, Mathematics, and Essay. The Essay component of the test is optional. Moreover, there is a variant of the SAT meant for students who intend to specialise in a given subject. It is known as the SAT subject test.

Taking the SAT exam opens doors to some of the top-rated colleges and universities worldwide. It also helps build your English and Maths skills and eventually enables you to decide on a career path that's best suited to you.

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

Types of SAT exams

SAT 1: This is the General GRE Test which evaluates you on three scales - Evidence-based Reading and Writing, Mathematics, and Essay (optional).

Also known as SAT Subject test, available in 20 different subjects across five areas namely history, mathematics, science, English and foreign languages.

Universities that accept SAT scores

Several colleges and universities across the globe accept SAT scores. SAT scores are typically accepted in countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Singapore, the major study-abroad destinations for Indian students.

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

Appearing for the SAT exam during the COVID-19 pandemic

While you can take the SAT during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the College Board will keep you posted in case of any changes closer to your test date. You also have to contact your local test centres, as they are authorised to make independent decisions about administering the test during the pandemic.

Here are some basic regulations you should adhere to while appearing for the test during the pandemic:

• You have to wear a face mask throughout the test, without which you will not be allowed entry inside the test centre.
• The testing staff at the exam centre will administer a short verbal survey to determine if you should be sent home due to sickness.
• Suppose you are travelling to a different city to appear for the test. In that case, you have to comply with the state-specific quarantine restrictions before your exam date and provide proof of meeting the travel/quarantine requirement.

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

SAT Eligibility

The College Board conducts the Scholastic Assessment Test. As per their website, there is no specific mention of eligibility criteria for students intending to appear for the SAT exam. That said, here's what you need to know about making the cut:

• Nationality
  

  The SAT is one of the world's most recognised entrance tests and is meant for students of all nationalities.

• Target course
  

  The SAT should be taken by students preparing to seek admission in undergraduate colleges and universities abroad, in countries like The USA, The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Singapore.

• Age limit
  

  The College Board has not set any specific lower or upper limit for students who wish to appear for the SAT exam. The conducting body's only requirement is that the students appearing for the exam should have completed their high school education. Most of the candidates appearing for the SAT exam are in the 17-19 years age group.

• Students with disabilities
  

  The College Board has separate eligibility criteria for students with disabilities intending to take the SAT. Such students are provided with additional facilities, but they must get approval before giving the exam. They can do so by contacting the College Board's Service for Students with Disabilities(The SSD Unit). Once the College Board approves the necessary facilities, the student can avail it while appearing for both types of SATs, i.e., the SAT General exam and the SAT Subject Exam. The additional facilities provided to eligible students with disabilities include:

  • The use of Braille along with larger print exams (in case of visually impaired students)
  • The use of a computer for the essay writing portion of the test
  • Additional time to complete the test
  • Permission to take extra breaks during the exam

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

SAT Structure

There is no specific syllabus, and you are not provided with any reference books to prepare for the SAT exam. You are practically tested on your analysis skills under 3 general and 1 optional category.

1. The Reading Test

The reading test is part of the evidence-based reading and writing section of the SAT exam. You are given 4-5 different passages of 500-750 words each, which you have to read, understand, and analyse. You have to answer 52 questions within 65 minutes. The passages may be taken from the US or world literature texts from different fields, including economics, psychology, sociology, US constitution, and more. You are asked 10-12 different types of multiple-choice questions at the end of each passage.

2. The Writing and Language Test

Like the reading test, this section is also a part of the SAT's evidence-based reading and writing section. Here, you are given 4 passages from different fields like science, history, social studies, humanities, careers, etc. You have to answer 44 multiple-choice questions in this section within 35 minutes. You could be asked to strengthen or weaken an argument, explain the choice of words, text, or tone, make structural changes to ensure grammatical correctness, etc.

You are allotted scores on a scale of 200-800 in the above two sections.

3. Math

The math portion of the SAT exam test is divided into two parts. The first is the math test calculator in which you have to answer 38 complex questions within 55 minutes, using an SAT approved calculator. The second is the math test, no calculator, in which you have to answer 20 elementary questions in 25 minutes. The total time allotted to the math section is 80 minutes. The SAT's math component concentrates on three core areas, including algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, and passport to advanced math. The test comprises a mix of multiple-choice questions and grid-in questions.

You are allotted scores on a scale of 200-800 in the Math section.

4. SAT Essay

The SAT essay is the optional component of the exam. This section allows you to illustrate your reading, writing, and analytical skills. You have to read 650-750 word passages and write your analysis of the argument built by the author in 50 minutes, as opposed to giving your opinion.

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

Pro Tips for SAT Preparation

• Stay calm throughout the test. You may need to skip some questions at first, and that is completely okay.
• If you're struggling with time pressure, avoid spending more than a minute trying to figure out each MCQ question in the Math and Reading sections.
• In the MCQ section, look for the wrong answers that should be eliminated first, and then focus on finding the right answers.
• Identify and answer those questions that YOU find easy before you move to those with higher levels of difficulty.
• Utilise your test booklet to do your scrath work so that you can keep track of your work and avoid careless mistakes.

 

So, are you ready to register for GMAT? You can use DBS Bank remittance services to pay the registration fees.

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

SAT Score Calculation

Each section in the SAT exam is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points. The total SAT score you receive is a sum of your scores in each section. SAT test-takers receive a total score in the 400-1600 range, with 1600 points being the highest possible score. If you opt to take the SAT Essay test, you will receive a separate score.

The section-wise scoring process starts with calculating the raw scores, i.e., the number of correct answers. Students are awarded one point each for every correct answer, with no negative marking for incorrect answers. The raw scores are converted to scaled scores via the "equating" process that revises the raw scores based on the difficulty level. Equating enables the tester to compare the different test takers opting for other test editions across various administrations. It ensures that the ability level of students against whom you are tested does not affect your score.

As such, the equating process controls the slight variations in different SAT tests taken by you on different days. It ensures that your scaled scored denotes your same ability level across different test dates.

For instance, a score of 575 on SAT math in January should represent the same level of ability as a 575 on SAT math in March. Now, if the March test is of a slightly higher difficulty level, then the raw-to-scaled score calculation is adjusted in a way that even a marginally lower raw score nets a 575 scaled score. 

The equating formula changes with every test, keeping the scores equal. Therefore, it is impossible to predict how a raw score may translate to a scaled score. That said, the College Board does release a raw-to-scale score range. This enables you to interpret the level of raw score you require to get a specific scale score.

Based on your SAT scores, you can apply to foreign universities abroad for your Bachelor's program. Upon obtaining admission to a foreign university, you should consider travel insurance to cover you against any costs or damages during your trip. Download the digibank app to get started.

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

SAT Preparation Tips

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the SAT exam

• Eliminate the wrong answers

  The most crucial thing to remember about the SAT exam is that there is only one definite, right answer for each question. So, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your answer right if you know which options are certainly wrong. Since you aren't penalised for wrong answers, you can venture a guess, but it should be backed by a strategy. If you're struggling to get the right answer, try to analyse why you should rule out most of the answers instead of guessing why that particular option works. Be extremely picky about every answer you eliminate.

• Pay attention to the context and subtext

  While attempting answers in the SAT exam reading section, look for the context and connotation behind words. Identify the words indicating positive or negative connotation in each passage referenced in the questions. Also, remember not to analyse each sentence individually, but in coherence to those around. Always look out for strong adjectives that help determine connotation as well as contrast words like "still", "however", "rather than", etc.

• Read passages strategically

  Comprehension is critical while reading passages, so try not to rush through it. You can skim through the passage first to get a sense of what it is about, without reading it too closely. Once you have an overall idea, you can answer the more apparent questions first, when the passage is still fresh in your mind. Alternatively, you can skip straight to the questions and attempt to answer questions about the smaller, more apparent details. While you should read the entire passage, ensure it is not affecting your speed.

• Underline the key parts in the Math section

  While solving answers in the Math section, you should underline what you are trying to find. This way, you won't be confused while calculating the answers. This strategy also comes in handy when there are trick questions. Underlying the key parts of a question ensures you don't lose track of the value you are supposed to find.

• Memorise the formulas

  While you get a formula reference sheet while appearing for the SATs, it is best to memorise your formulas so that you do not waste precious time referring to the sheet. Yes, you can use a calculator for half of the Math Section, but not knowing your formulas by heart, can be a serious impediment.

• Memorise grammar rules.

  You can ace the writing section by knowing your grammar rules. Knowledge of grammar helps reduce confusion; especially since most sentences in the test tend to be long and complicated. Instead of panicking about the sentence's length, you need to break it down into several parts to fully grasp it. Remember that SAT tests your knowledge of some of the more archaic grammar rules, so it helps to know them by heart.

• Spend time analysing the passage before writing the essay

  In the essay section of the test, you are required to analyse an argument from the passage provided. You are marked on your ability to fully grasp the point made by the author and present a clear explanation of the argument built by them. Of the 50 minutes allotted in the essay portion, try to spend about 15 minutes understanding the author's point of view and decide your essay structure based on your analysis. Do this even while you take practice tests.

  Now, pay your SAT registration fees in second - register for iBanking to use DBS Bank Remit.

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

Open a DBS Bank Account Now