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University Admissions Consulting
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Test Preparation
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Pre-University Preparation
What is the Sat?
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardized test widely used in admissions to US universities.
The SAT comprises four compulsory sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator) and Math (with calculator). These four sections are scored out of a total of 1600. The optional SAT Essay is no longer offered after June 2021.
| SECTION | No. of Questions | Total Time (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-based Reading & Writing | 96 | 100 |
| Reading Sub-test | 52 | 65 |
| Writing and Language Sub-test | 44 | 35 |
| Math | 58 | 80 |
| No-Calculator Sub-test | 20 | 25 |
| Calculator Sub-test | 38 | 55 |
All first-year applicants
Most transfer applicants
Applicants with IB Diplomas
Applicants with a C grade or lower for:
H1 General Paper; or
H2 Knowledge & Inquiry
Applicants without any of the following:
A-Level / IB
NUS High Diploma
Polytechnic Diploma
We recommend that students start preparing for the SAT at least 3 months prior to the exam.
Read more on how to register for the SAT.
May 7, 2022
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DECEMBER 3, 2022
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What is tested on the SAT?
52 Multiple Choice Questions testing critical reading and thinking skills across four genres: history, literature, natural science and the social sciences.
44 Multiple Choice Questions testing fundamental conventions of grammar and effective use of the English language.
38 Questions allowing the use of a calculator and 20 without. The main topics tested are algebra, functions, data analysis and geometry.
How do I register for the SAT?
Sign in to your free College Board account or register for a new account.
Provide your full name and other identifying information — this must be exactly the same as seen on your photo ID.
Choose to register for the SAT with or without the Essay. (Update: The SAT Essay is no longer offered after June 2021.)
Upload a photograph that meets the College Board’s specific photo requirements.
Make payment, and check out. Click here to learn more about testing fees.
Print out your Admission Ticket. Make sure you bring it with you on Test Day!
What is a superscore?
Superscoring is the process by which colleges consider your highest section scores across all the dates you took the SAT.
Schools will take your highest section scores, forming the highest possible composite “superscore”.
Verbal Score: 760
Math Score: 700
Total Score: 1460
Verbal Score: 720
Math Score: 750
Total Score: 1470
Verbal Score: 760
Math Score: 750
Total Score: 1510
What score should I aim for?
The SAT gives you a percentile ranking for your overall score (out of 1600) as well as for each of the two sections: Evidence Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Your percentile rank tells you how you did on the SAT compared to other test-takers. For example, if you have a percentile ranking of 90, it means that you scored higher than 90% of other students who took that test.
For most competitive universities, we recommend trying to score at least within the 90th percentile.
1550 - 1600
1500 - 1550
1450 - 1500
1400 - 1450
1350 - 1400
1300 - 1350
1250 - 1300
1200 - 1250
1150 - 1200
1100 - 1150
1050 - 1100
1000 - 1050
99+
99 to 99+
97 to 99
94 to 97
91 to 94
87 to 91
81 to 87
74 to 81
67 to 74
58 to 67
49 to 58
39 to 49
What are the differences between the SAT and the ACT?
Both tests are accepted by most universities in the US. However, as they have slight differences, it is recommended that candidates should take the test they would fare better in.
Should you be unable to decide which test might be more suitable for you, a good way to gauge your expertise is to attempt a full length practice test for both. IvyPrep offers free diagnostic tests for both the SAT and ACT. Upon completion of the tests, a detailed score report would be generated to assist with your decision in which test you should sit for.
Here are some key differences between the SAT and ACT:
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | Composite score of 400 - 1600 | Composite score out of 36 (average of all 4 sections) |
| Format | Paper and Pencil | Computerized |
| Dates | Offered five times a year: March May August October December | Offered seven times a year: February April June July September October December |
| Math formulas | Geometry formulas are provided | To be memorized |
| Calculator policy | Allowed in one Math sub-section | Allowed in Math section |
| Science section | No | Yes |
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
The types of questions in each section of the SAT and the ACT vary. Ultimately, the best way to know which test is a better fit for you is to attempt both. Click here to schedule a free SAT and/or ACT Diagnostic Test.
The key differences in concepts tested on the SAT and the ACT are here:
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Questions are always in chronological order; a number line is provided. You are given approx. 13 minutes per passage. | Questions are not in chronological order — being able to remember the location of exact details in passages gives you an advantage. You are given approx. 8 minutes per passage. |
| Writing | More focused on questions about writing style, language precision and vocabulary. | More focused on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and big idea questions. |
| Math | Focus on Algebra, along with other topics such as Data Analysis and Modeling. | Wider range of Mathematical concepts — such as logarithms, graphs of trigonometry functions, and matrices. |
| Science | No Science section. Scientific data and passages present in Reading and Writing sections. | Comfort with scientific terms and experience gathering scientific data from charts and graphs will give you a greater advantage on the ACT. |
| Essay | No longer offered after June 2021. | Analyze three perspectives on an issue and present your own. |