The SAT is a standardized test that assesses students' preparedness for college. It measures skills learned in high school like reading comprehension, writing, and math. The test has multiple sections - Reading, Writing and Language, Math with and without a calculator, and an optional essay. Scores range from 400-1600, with 1200 considered excellent. Thorough preparation is important, including taking full-length practice tests to manage time effectively and sharpen skills like problem-solving. Regular study habits like reading challenging materials and taking quizzes can help students polish areas tested on the SAT.

1. Decoding SAT: Basics You Should Know
The SAT, earlier called Scholastic Aptitude Test and now Scholastic
Assessment Test, is an admission test usually accepted by most of the
colleges and universities in the United States. It tests students’
preparedness to undergo higher education in US colleges.
Introduced in 1926, SAT has undergone several changes in its name
and scoring pattern over the years. The Educational Testing Service
(ETS) develops and administers the test on behalf of the College Board,
a private not-for-profit corporation in the United States.
Test Format
SAT is offered seven times a
year. It measures what you studied in
high school and the skill set
you would require sailing
through the college course. It has three
test components.
Reading Test
Reading Test is all about what you must have been doing for years. It
tests how well you assimilate and use information through reading.
It is a multiple-choice test with 52 questions and 65 minutes’ duration.
Test passages are drawn from high standard previously published
subjects of US and world literature, social studies and science, but it
does not call for prior expertise in the subject. The passages are
sometimes accompanied by informational graphics like tables and
graphs.
Writing and Language
You become an editor while doing the test, wherein you read, spot
errors and weaknesses in word usage and structures, and correct them.
You will have 35 minutes to answer 44 questions in all.
All questions are multiple choice and test passages are drawn from
history, social studies and science. This again does not necessitate any
prior knowledge in these subjects. Some passages may have
informational graphics like charts, tables and graphs but you do not
have to work out any math.
Mathematics

2. This test focuses a lot on your problem solving skills, modelling, using
tools strategically and using algebraic structure. You would apply the
math that you would most likely use in all sorts of situations. You may
have to take two math tests: ‘Math Test – Calculator’ with 38 questions
and 55 minutes’ duration and ‘Math Test – No Calculator’ with 20
questions and 25 minutes’ duration.
SAT essay
This component tests how well you use your reading, analysis and
writing skills in 50 minutes, as it is done in a college essay writing
assignment. This is optional, but some schools do require it.
Test length
The total SAT duration is 180 minutes with a 10-minute break after the
Reading test and a 5-minute break after the ‘Math Test – No Calculator’
section.
How to time the test
Running out of time is a common problem found among several SAT
takers. The best method to prepare for the extended duration and
intensity of SAT is to take strictly timed, full-length practice tests.
Familiarize yourself with test instructions and length before the SAT to
avoid nail-biting moments in the exam hall.
Move away from trickier questions; do not spend time poring over
them. Do not be tempted to go back to the question you left
unanswered in a dilemma. You may have to finish answering all the
questions before taking reattempts. If you are stuck with indecision,
eliminate the wrong choices first and choose from the remaining
answers.
SAT Scores
The new SAT is scored on the 1600 scale. If you score 1200, you are
rated as ‘excellent’ and ranked in the top 25 percent while a 1000 will
rate you as ‘good’, putting you in the average category.
What is the takeaway?
Apart from polishing your language skills, SAT gives you a valuable
opportunity to hone a variety of skills including problem-solving,
analytical thinking, accomplishing a task to its finest detail and finding
smart shortcuts.
Equipped with such a broad skill set, you are prepared to face the world
with full confidence, be it your academic front or personal/ professional

3. life. Your problem solving skills acquire a competitive edge that puts
you on par with international students.
Armed with a good SAT score, you have better prospects to apply for
colleges that offer scholarships and grants.
Preparation tips
Cramming words and facts is not the key to a creditable performance in
SAT. It tests you with simple questions posed in trickier ways. The more
you practice, the sharper your skills and the readier you are to fight the
battle.
Read challenging topics, take quizzes, and ask and answer a battery of
questions. Enrol yourself in a structured online learning portal for
anywhere-anytime personalized learning, to polish your language skills,
learn better time management and get fully prepared for SAT.
In your study plan, develop the regular habit of reading articles and
complex passages on unfamiliar topics. Familiarize yourself with the
test structure and rules. Above all, in the run up to the test day, stay
relaxed, eat healthy and sleep peacefully to feel well rested.
Catalyst Center for Learning
D - 201, Lancor Central Park South, Elcot Avenue
Sholinganallur, Chennai - 600 019
7598161122
http://www.catalyzecenter.com/