Complete Guide to SAT Exam Eligibility

SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test is an international standardized examination that evaluates the mathematical, writing, and reading skills of high school graduates. The examination assesses the readiness of high school students trying to get admission to the top foreign institutions. It measures a student’s eagerness and academic inquisitiveness and helps colleges in assessing the applicants for a particular undergraduate course. SAT exam eligibility and scores are crucial for high school graduates trying to get admission to various undergraduate courses and degrees in foreign countries.

A good SAT score also makes students eligible for scholarship programs. The examination makes it easier for the admission panels of colleges and universities to choose the right applicants. 

Eligibility for SAT Examination

The SAT examination conducted by the College Board has no official prerequisite or eligibility criteria. But there are some basic rules. 

Age Criteria

The SAT examination has no official age limit for applicants. It does not have any minimum or maximum age limit. However, the examination is mostly taken by students in the age group 16-19 years as it is intended for high school students. However, since it does not have any age limit the test can be taken by anyone aspiring for admission to top global universities.

Attempts

SAT examination is conducted 7 times a year. There is no limit to the number of attempts and students can appear for multiple tests till they achieve the target SAT score.

Documentation

Applicants for the SAT examination need to provide a valid passport. They need to produce a national photo ID proof or military identification card if they don’t have a passport.

English Proficiency

Fluency in English is a must. Applicants should be proficient in reading and writing English. The medium of communication and studies in most globally ranked universities is English. 

Check Out Our : SAT Score Calculator

SAT Eligibility Criteria for Students with Disabilities 

There is no additional criteria for students with disability who want to appear for the SAT exam. The only requirement for students with disabilities is that they should inform the governing body i.e., the college board about their disabilities in advance to take the SAT exam with added facilities. The approval for all the facilities has to be obtained from the college board’s services for students with disabilities unit beforehand. Once the application for the test with added facilities gets approval then it can be used for both SAT General and SAT subject tests. 

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Some of the facilities for Disabled Students for SAT Exam involve the following

• Use of Braille and large-print question paper for visually impaired candidates
• Allotment of extra time for SAT exam completion
• Implementation of computer for essays and
• Extra breaks during the exam

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SAT Eligibility Criteria for Application Fee Waiver

If you are seeking SAT fee waiver through College scholarship Service (CSS)  then the only criteria that you need to meet is belonging to a low-income group. Students in their 11th and 12th standard need to prove that they are financially backward i.e belonging to the families who make up to $100,000 a year and once they get shortlisted for the SAT exam fee waiver, the school counselor or a representative will guide them through the process. Indian students are also eligible for up to 90% SAT registration fee waiver under College Board India Scholars Program. The exam syllabus for SAT exam is designed to keep in focus the candidates that are in high school or are about to finish high school.

You can also read: SAT-accepting colleges in Australia

Top Universities that Accept SAT

Students preparing for the SAT examination should be aware of the top-ranked colleges and universities that accept the scores. Here’s a list of the top universities worldwide that accept SAT examination scores for undergraduate programs: 

Conclusion

SAT examination is an undergraduate entrance test for high school graduates to get admission to top-ranked universities and colleges globally. The SAT score makes the students eligible for admission in undergraduate courses in various disciplines. There are no eligibility criteria set by the conducting College Board. Applicants don’t need to meet any age criteria, educational qualification, or any prerequisite. However, English proficiency is a must-have for the test takers. The number of attempts is unlimited for aspirants.

The SAT exam stands as a critical milestone for students aspiring to enter undergraduate programs, particularly in the United States. Its eligibility criteria are remarkably inclusive, welcoming high school students of any nationality and background to demonstrate their readiness for college-level education. By not restricting candidates based on age or grade level, the SAT exam ensures that all aspiring undergraduates have the opportunity to showcase their critical reading, writing, and mathematical skills. This inclusivity not only underscores the SAT's role in democratizing access to higher education but also encourages a diverse and vibrant pool of applicants to pursue their academic dreams on a global stage.

For more queries related to SAT eligibility get in touch with counselors of upGrad Abroad.