About the SAT
The SAT is a digital college admissions exam consisting of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. The SAT takes approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes (not including breaks) and is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600. All colleges and universities accept either the SAT or ACT for admission.
Test Structure
Reading/Writing
The Reading/Writing Section includes two modules (sections) that are each 32 minutes long and include 27 questions. This section tests reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, grammar, revision and editing skills, and a student's ability to analyze and interpret written passages from a variety of subject areas.
Math
The Math Section consists of two modules that are each 35 minutes long and include 22 questions. Questions cover algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry. Students may use an approved calculator throughout the Math section, in addition to a Desmos calculator that is built into the Bluebook application.
Scoring and Superscoring
The Reading and Writing and Math sections are each scored on a scale from 200 to 800. These two scores are added together to produce a composite score ranging from 400 to 1600. The national average is approximately 1050, while a perfect score of 1600 places a student in roughly the 99th percentile.
Many colleges also superscore the SAT, meaning they consider a student's highest Reading and Writing score and highest Math score across multiple test dates. As a result, students often benefit from taking the exam more than once.
Adaptive Testing
The digital SAT is adaptive. Each section consists of two modules, and performance on the first module determines the difficulty of the second. Students who perform well on the first module receive a more challenging second module with the opportunity to earn the highest scores. This format allows the SAT to measure a student's abilities more precisely while keeping the test relatively short.
Guessing Strategy
There is no penalty for incorrect answers on the SAT. Students should thus answer every question, even if they need to make an educated guess.
Who is the SAT Best Suited For?
Although the best way to determine whether the SAT or ACT is a better fit is through diagnostic testing, students with the following characteristics often perform relatively well on the SAT:
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Students who are particularly strong in math
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Students who have performed particularly well in Algebra II or precalculus
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Students who prefer a reading format in which each passage is associated with a single question
When Should I Take the SAT?
Most students take their first SAT during their junior year. The appropriate time to begin formal preparation depends on a student's testing timeline; we generally recommend beginning preparation approximately three months before a student's first official exam. Many students ultimately take the SAT two or three times before earning their desired score.
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At Odyssey, SAT preparation combines individualized instruction, strategy, homework review, and College Board practice tests. Every student's preparation plan is tailored to his or her strengths, goals, and testing timeline. To learn more about our approach, visit our SAT & ACT Preparation page or contact us.