SAT: FAQ
Q: How big a role do SAT scores play in college admissions?
Colleges and universities use the SAT along with high school grades in admissions decisions. The use of high school grade point average with SAT scores gives a good insight into the students’ aptitudes.
Q: Is the SAT fair?
SAT is the most researched test in the world. It takes more than two years to develop the format to ensure that they are fair for all the students taking it. The SAT question goes through a series of at least four content reviews and a separate "sensitivity" review. If the statistical review called Differential Item Functioning, or "DIF," finds students with approximately equal knowledge and skill perform in substantially different ways on a test question, it is discarded or revised and reviewed again.
Q: How much time do I have to complete the SAT?
The student is expected to arrive at the assigned test center by 7:45 a.m. and testing should be completed between 12:30 and 1 p.m. The total testing time for the SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes—not including breaks, check-in time.
Q: When will I get my scores?
Your scores will be available online for free, about two weeks after you take the test. And after three weeks of taking the test, your scores will be mailed to you and the colleges that you have designated.
Q: Can I find out more detailed information about my results?
All students have access to a free, detailed, online score report on collegeboard.com. Using the online report, you can access a copy of your essay.
Q: What’s a good score on the new SAT?
There is no “good” score or a bad score on the SAT. Every score needs to be judged against the projected average SAT scores of the schools you want to attend.
Q: How do I register for the SAT Reasoning Test?
You can register by mail, or you can do it online at collegeboard.com. If you have taken the SAT before, you can re-register by phone.
Colleges and universities use the SAT along with high school grades in admissions decisions. The use of high school grade point average with SAT scores gives a good insight into the students’ aptitudes.
Q: Is the SAT fair?
SAT is the most researched test in the world. It takes more than two years to develop the format to ensure that they are fair for all the students taking it. The SAT question goes through a series of at least four content reviews and a separate "sensitivity" review. If the statistical review called Differential Item Functioning, or "DIF," finds students with approximately equal knowledge and skill perform in substantially different ways on a test question, it is discarded or revised and reviewed again.
Q: How much time do I have to complete the SAT?
The student is expected to arrive at the assigned test center by 7:45 a.m. and testing should be completed between 12:30 and 1 p.m. The total testing time for the SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes—not including breaks, check-in time.
Q: When will I get my scores?
Your scores will be available online for free, about two weeks after you take the test. And after three weeks of taking the test, your scores will be mailed to you and the colleges that you have designated.
Q: Can I find out more detailed information about my results?
All students have access to a free, detailed, online score report on collegeboard.com. Using the online report, you can access a copy of your essay.
Q: What’s a good score on the new SAT?
There is no “good” score or a bad score on the SAT. Every score needs to be judged against the projected average SAT scores of the schools you want to attend.
Q: How do I register for the SAT Reasoning Test?
You can register by mail, or you can do it online at collegeboard.com. If you have taken the SAT before, you can re-register by phone.