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COMPETITIVE EXAMS / SAT

About the SAT

The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the USA and other countries like Canada, Germany, Singapore, Netherlands, Hong Kong. In India, some colleges prefer students having SAT scores. The SAT is owned, developed, and published by the College Board, a private, not-for-profit Corporation in the United States.

Taking the SAT or its competitor the ACT, is required for admission to a majority of the top ranked colleges and universities in the USA. The test is intended to assess the readiness of a student for college. According to College Board President David Coleman, the New SAT introduced in 2016, reflects more closely what a student has learned in high school (class IX to XII).

According to College Board, the SAT measures literacy, numeracy and writing skills. The SAT also assesses the proficiency of test takers in analysing and solving problems. These are broadly the same skills that are needed for academic success in college. Therefore, College Board proclaims that use of the SAT in combination with high school grades provides a better indicator of success in college than high school grades alone.

The Composite SAT Score ranges from 400 to 1600, combining test results from two 800-point sections – Mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing. The minimum score in each section is 200. The Essay is scored separately and is rated on three dimensions – Reading, Analysis and Writing. The Essay will have three scores (one for each dimension), each ranging from 2 to 8.

Test Duration: The New SAT is 3 hours long. In addition, there is an optional Essay which has to be completed within another 50 minutes.

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