The SAT is a standardized test used by many colleges and universities for admission. The test is intended to measure a high school student’s preparedness for college.
SAT FORMAT AND TEST DATES
WHAT IS THE SAT?
SAT FORMAT
The SAT is a 2 hour 14 minute exam, consisting of two sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Each section is divided into 2 equal length modules, with 10-minute break between the Reading & Writing section and the Math section.
| SAT Test Section | # of Questions and Types | Content | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| READING & WRITING | 54 standard multiple-choice (27 questions per module) | Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions | 64 minutes (32 minutes per module) |
| MATH | 44 standard multiple-choice (22 questions per module) | Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Geometry and Trigonometry | 70 minutes (35 minutes per module) |
The SAT is a computer-based test administered at schools and sites around the country on select dates throughout the year. Students are allowed to take the test as many times as they want; most universities will only look at the highest score or the super-score (a combination of the highest sections). For more accurate information, please contact individual universities to confirm their score acceptance policy.
SAT SCORING/GUESSING PENALTY
College Board does not deduct any points for an incorrect question. This means that you should not leave any questions blank on the test. With the sections being quite long, pacing and timing are crucial. Your tutor will help you master these skills.
The SAT scoring model has become more complex, providing a more detailed analysis and breakdown of students’ scores. Area scores, each scored out of 800, are combined to create a composite score for a maximum possible score of 1600. For a more detailed breakdown of what each score means, please see the table below.
| Score Type | Score Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL SCORE | 400-1600 | This score is the sum of the two section scores |
| SECTION SCORES Reading and Writing & Math |
200-800 | Each section score will also be accompanied by a percentile, comparing your score against students around the world in the same grade. |
| TEST SCORES Reading Writing & Language Math |
10-40 | These scores tell you how you performed on individual test sections |
| KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Information and Ideas (R&W) Craft and Structure (R&W) Expression of Ideas (R&W) Standard English Conventions (R&W) Algebra (M) Advanced Math (M) Problem Solving & Data Analysis (M) Geometry & Trigonometry (M) |
1-7 (bar scale) | This section conveys your performance across 8 content domains measured on the SAT |
ORDER OF DIFFICULTY
Only the math sections are loosely based on order of difficulty for both the multiple choice and student-produced response questions. Depending on your performance, your tutor can use order of difficulty to choose the pacing and test-taking strategies that will help you achieve your highest possible score.
SAT TEST DATES
Below are test dates for the SAT’s 2025-2026. Please be advised these dates are subject to change. To view College Board’s official release of test dates, please reference this link.
| 2025 Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Online Score Release * |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | By web/phone: April 22, 2025 | May 16, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | By web/phone: May 27, 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
| August 23, 2025 | Estimated: Aug. 7, 2025 | Estimated by web/phone: Aug. 11, 2025 | Estimated: Sept. 5, 2025 |
| September 14, 2025 | Estimated: Aug. 28, 2025 | Estimated by web/phone: Sept. 1, 2025 | Estimated: Sept. 26, 2025 |
| October 4, 2025 | Estimated: Sept. 18, 2025 | Estimated by web/phone: Sept. 22, 2025 | Estimated: Oct. 17, 2025 |
| November 8, 2025 | Estimated: Oct. 23, 2025 | Estimated by web/phone: Oct. 27, 2025 | Estimated: Nov. 21, 2025 |
| December 6, 2025 | Estimated: Nov. 20, 2025 | Estimated by web/phone: Nov. 24, 2025 | Estimated: Dec. 19, 2025 |
* These dates are when multiple-choice scores will be first posted online. Complete scores are typically released within a week of these dates.
**Digital SAT scores will be available online via your College Board account portal. College Board hasn’t released specific dates yet, but scores will likely be available within 2 weeks of the test.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Don’t stop here! Check out our blog for new posts about preparing for the SAT. Below are a few posts you may find useful.
THE DIGITAL SAT TEST-TAKING EXPERIENCE
Unlike the ACT, which is in transition, the SAT has already gone fully digital. Fortunately, you can download the actual Bluebook app on which you will take the test and access free official practice tests with the same format and types of questions. On test day, you… READ MORE
WHEN TO START STUDYING FOR THE SAT
You’ve probably heard the solid advice that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to prepare for college admissions tests. But when is the right time to prep for the SAT or ACT? Here are some thoughts to consider… READ MORE
FIVE TEST-TAKING SECRETS FOR THE SAT
So you’ve taken a class, or even had a private tutor help you prepare for your test. Is there anything else you can do? While private tutoring remains the most efficient way to improve your score… READ MORE
