Should I take the test more than once?

Most colleges allow you to take the SAT up to three times without penalty, and they generally use your highest score in their admissions decisions. Unless you get a very high score during your first sitting, you should think about re-taking the test, since most students improve the second time around.

What material is covered on the test?

Writing

•    One 25- and one 10- minute multiple-choice section
•    A 25 minute student-written essay section
•    Concepts tested include grammar, sentence structure, and clear expression of ideas
•    Sample question:

               Because Lisa does not expect to go to college, she is taking little interest in school and doing poorly.
                        A.  she is taking little interest in school and doing poorly
                        B.  she too little interest in school and did poorly
                         C.  she takes little interest in school and does poorly
                        D.  school interested her little and did poorly
                        E.  she would take little interest in school and does poorly

Math

•    Two 25 minute sections, one 20 minute section
•    Two types of questions: multiple choice word problems and "grid-ins"
•    Concepts tested include algebra, geometry, algebra II and functions, probability, and data analysis
•    Scientific and graphing calculators permitted (and recommended)
•    Sample question:

               All numbers divisible by both 4 and 15 are also divisible by which of the following?
                        A. 6
                        B. 8
                        C. 18
                        D. 24
                        E. 45

Verbal

•    Two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section
•    Critical reading of short and long passages, sentence completion questions
•    Skills tested include reading comprehension and vocabulary usage
•    Sample question:

               The revolution in art has not lost its steam; it ____ on as fiercely as ever.
                        A.    trudges
                        B.    meanders
                        C.    edges
                        D.    ambles
                        E.    rages

SAT Test Dates for 2009-2010

SAT II: The Subject Tests

SAT II: Subject Tests are one-hour long tests offered in specific subjects such as physics, math, history, or foreign language. Some colleges do not require SAT IIs, while other colleges require up to two. It is best to take SAT IIs in May or June of your junior year when you have finished taking the corresponding classes in high school. The SAT II: Subject Tests are offered by the College Board on the same testing dates as the SATs, and you can take up to three SAT II exams during one sitting.  However, you can’t take both the SAT and SAT II on the same test date.