The SAT is one of the most well-known standardized tests in the world. It is used by colleges and universities throughout the admissions process as a criteria for admission.
But what does it really entail, and what do you need to know to do well?
Summary: Our team provides an overview of the SAT below. If you want to begin studying, check out the best SAT prep courses.
What is the SAT?
The SAT is used by many colleges and universities as an entrance exam and is usually taken by juniors and seniors in high school as they prepare for undergraduate study. The SAT is owned and developed by CollegeBoard, a private company.
Today, many colleges and universities, while still accepting the SAT, are no longer requiring students to take the test to apply. This all depends on your school of choice, so it’s important to pay close attention to the requirements of each school you plan to apply to.
Beginning in the spring of 2024, the SAT is switching to a digital format. This new digital SAT includes the following changes:
- Taken online
- Shorter exam
- Adaptive
- Formatting changes
Start preparing for the exam by taking one of our free SAT practice tests.
How Many Questions are on the SAT?
The old SAT (written SAT) contains 154 total questions. The new SAT (digital SAT) contains 98 total questions.
The digital SAT is adaptive. This means that questions you are shown will be easier or harder based on how you answered the previous question.
How Long is the SAT?
The old SAT (written SAT) is 180 total minutes. The new SAT (digital SAT) is 134 total minutes.
The digital SAT is more streamlined and shorter than the written SAT.
What is on the SAT?
The SAT is designed to test your knowledge of common high-school subjects and to predict your success in a college setting. In general, you will be tested on math, reading, and writing.
Review the tables below to see what is tested on the written SAT and on the digital SAT.
Old SAT (Written SAT) Overview
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
| Reading | 52 | 65 minutes |
| Writing & Language | 44 | 35 minutes |
| Math (With calculator) | 38 | 55 minutes |
| Math (Without calculator) | 20 | 25 minutes |
| Total: | 154 | 180 minutes |
New SAT (Digital SAT) Overview
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
| Reading & Writing Module 1 | 27 | 32 minutes |
| Reading & Writing Module 2 | 27 | 32 minutes |
| Math Module 1 | 22 | 35 minutes |
| Math Module 2 | 22 | 35 minutes |
| Total: | 98 | 134 minutes |
SAT Reading & Writing Section Breakdown
The SAT reading and writing section contains 2 modules. Each module consists of 27 questions and a 32-minute time limit.
Each module will cover questions from these 4 topics:
- Information and Ideas
- Craft and Structure
- Expression of Ideas
- Standard English Conventions
These questions will be multiple-choice.
All passages in the reading and writing sections will be between 25 and 150 words. The CollegeBoard has gotten rid of long reading passages.
Additional information from CollegeBoard.
SAT Math Section Breakdown
The Math section of the SAT is also split into two separate modules. Each module consists of 22 questions and a 35-minute time limit.
Each module will cover questions from these 4 topics:
- Algebra (13-15 Questions)
- Advanced Math (13-15 Questions)
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (5-7 Questions)
- Geometry and Trigonometry (5-7 Questions)
75% of the questions will be multiple-choice. The remaining 25% will be student produced responses. For these questions, you will be required to provide your own answer.
You will be permitted to use a calculator on all questions on the math portion of the exam. You will also be given common formulas.
Additional information from CollegeBoard.
How is the SAT Scored?
Each section of the SAT (math and reading/writing) is scored separately, with scores ranging from 200 to 800. Your final score will be the sum of these two scores, with the highest possible score being 1600.
The average SAT score is 1060, but different schools have different expectations and score requirements for entry. If you’d like more insight into what makes a “good” SAT score, you can check out our article on what is a good SAT score.
Registering for the SAT
Before you can take the SAT, you must first register and create a College Board account. It is important that you register at least five weeks ahead of your desired test date. To register, you’ll need:
- A photo ID
- A clear photo of yourself
- A form of payment
- Ability to print your admission ticket
College Board offers test dates throughout the year, which you can find in our SAT test dates guide.
The total cost to sit for the exam is $60, but there are also a number of add-ons you must consider, including:
- Late registration fees ($30)
- Cancellation fees ($25-$35)
- Test center change fee ($25)
- Additional score reports ($12 per report)
- Rushed score report ($31)
- Archived scores ($31)
- Hand score verification ($55)
Preparing for the SAT
Whether this is your third time taking the SAT or you’re just beginning to think about taking the exam, it can be a stressful period. There are a lot of options out there to help you become as prepared and confident as possible, such as our SAT practice test.
Many students also opt to enroll in an SAT prep course, which can greatly help them improve their scores and give them personalized support as they study.
The most important thing to do is give yourself enough time to prepare and study. If you are cramming before the exam, odds are you will not perform as well.
Is the SAT or ACT Better for Me?
Ultimately, whether you decide to take the SAT or ACT (or neither) is up to you. These days, most schools do not have a preference as to which test scores you submit in your application.
The main difference between the two exams is the format and time limits. The SAT and ACT contain similar material, but may be presented slightly differently. For a more complete breakdown of the differences between the two exams, you can check out our article on the ACT vs. SAT.
