THE SAT EXAM
The SAT exam is the world’s leading standardized test for college entrance. It is currently taken by more than 1.5 million students a year. There is a false myth that it is only a test used in the USA.
In recent years more and more universities, which recruit international talent, are implementing the use of the SAT exam.
What Do We Answer on This Page?
- What is the SAT exam like?
- SAT Prep help required?
- What are the SAT dates in Spain?
- Where can I take the SAT in Spain?
- How is the SAT scored?
- What does SAT optional really mean?
- Should I prepare the SAT or the TOEFL?
- What is the Digital SAT?
- Which do I choose the SAT or the ACT?
- Duration of the SAT exam
- How much does it cost and where do I register for the SAT?
- When should I take the SAT?
What is the SAT exam like?
The SAT exam is a validation test divided into 2 blocks. The 2 blocks are Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math In turn these 2 blocks contain 3 tests. In the EBRW block there are 2 tests which are the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test. In the Math block there is only one test, the Math test (Math SAT) which, in turn, has a part with a calculator and another without a calculator.
In essence, the SAT validates language skills in the EBRW block and math skills in the Math block.
SAT Prep help required?
What are the SAT dates in Spain?
Where can I take the SAT in Spain?
How is the SAT scored?
The SAT exam is scored from 400 to 1600 points. Each Reading and Writing and Math block has a score ranging from 200 to 800 points. Both blocks carry equal weight on the final SAT score.
The SAT is neither passed nor failed; simply, each student has to set a goal depending on the universities to which he or she wants to apply. We recommend that you read this article to find out what score goals you should set for yourself. In the case of students applying for an athletic scholarship, we recommend that you consult with your agencies for advice on what SAT score you need.
What does SAT optional really mean?
In recent years, the concept of SAT optional has emerged. Optional does not mean that the SAT is no longer relevant. It should be noted that when you apply to a university in the US the process includes: essays, personal interviews, letters of recommendation, high school GPA and SAT. As you can see, the first 3 elements are 100% subjective and the GPA is hardly comparable between different countries.
Therefore, at EPIC we understand that it is still very important to prepare a good SAT since it is the only element that allows universities to compare and rank candidates. Our advice is that if you want to apply to a prestigious university and it says it is test optional, you should take the SAT anyway. It can be the very factor that makes the difference between you getting admitted or not to the university of your dream.
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Should I prepare the SAT or the TOEFL?
If you are a foreign student who wants to study in the U.S., you will almost certainly be asked to take the SAT as academic validation and the TOEFL (or in some cases the DET) to validate your English proficiency.
The question should not be TOEFL or SAT but when and how do I prepare each of them. If you still have any doubts, please contact us and we will help you.
What is the Digital SAT?
Which do I choose the SAT or the ACT?
It goes without saying that at EPIC we prepare for both the SAT and ACT and both of these exams are validation exams accepted in the USA. However, there are certain differences that make us always recommend the SAT over the ACT:
- The ACT has an additional section (Science) that increases the content to be prepared.
- There are more questions on the ACT and the time per question is 44% higher on the SAT than on the ACT. In other words, you have 44% more time to solve a question on the SAT compared to the ACT.
Duration of the SAT exam
- Reading and Writing test: evaluates your linguistic skills.
- Section 1: 32 minutes.
- Section 2: 32 minutes
- Math test: evaluates your math skills.
- Section 1: 35 minutes
- Section 2: 35 minutes
How much does it cost and where do I register for the SAT?
To register for the SAT, you must register on the CollegeBoard website. When you decide to register for the test, you will be asked a lot of questions as CollegeBoard collects a lot of data for analysis, so be sure to have 15 to 20 minutes free to register.
The price to take the SAT is $55 and there is an additional cost of $43 for taking it in Spain. Therefore, every time you want to take the SAT in Spain you will have to pay $98.
When should I take the SAT?
For students in Spain, it is best to start preparing for the SAT between 4th ESO and 1st Bachillerato. The reason is twofold:
- The processes to apply to a good university usually end between 6 and 12 months before the start of the course. This means that if you want to apply to a university in the USA for the Spring, your last exam should be in August/October of the previous year. ,
- Good SAT preparations take months and candidates usually take the SAT test 2-3 times on average.
If you are a sophomore (4º of ESO) in high school, do not be afraid to start your SAT preparation. Most of the math concepts that are on the SAT math section, you have already learned. It is more a question of understanding how the SAT asks the question and how to approach the math questions effectively. For this reason, we recommend that you get an epic SAT preparation.
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