SAT Exam Pattern - Sections, Duration, and Score
Updated on 03 January, 2023
Mrinal Mandal
Study Abroad Expert
Study Abroad Expert
Understanding the sat exam pattern is of paramount importance for all those who want to study undergraduate courses from universities or colleges abroad. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized examination conducted by the College Board. Before being renamed in 1990, the sat exam was earlier called the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The SAT exam structure is designed to assess aspirants' verbal, written, and mathematical abilities to check their readiness for entering college. Aspirants wishing to pursue undergraduate studies in the US and Canada have to clear the SAT examination. Subject tests are available in disciplines like Literature, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, History, and Sciences.
The SAT exam format depends on the type of examination for which a candidate is appearing. SAT Reasoning Test is for those applying for admission to undergraduate institutions. This general examination tests students' mathematical, verbal, and written capabilities. SAT Subject Test is a subject-based examination opted for by those who wish to study a subject in detail. It tests students seeking admission into a particular course/field of study. In the usual scenario, students appear for the SAT exam after high school to get into universities in the US. The examination spans 3 hours without the essay. If you select the essay, then the exam duration will be 3 hours and 50 minutes. Scoring is a vital component of the SAT exam structure. Every section of the examination is evaluated on a scale of 200-800. The total score is the sum of all section scores. A separate score is provided if an aspirant takes the SAT exam with the essay.
You can also read: SAT-accepting colleges in Australia
Here is a closer look at the SAT exam format for a better understanding.
Section of Examination | Question Count & Details | Duration or Time Limit | Score Scale or Range |
SAT Reading | 52 multiple-choice questions | 65 minutes | Evidence-based Reading & Writing score 200 to 800 |
Break | 10 minutes | ||
SAT Writing & Language | 44 multiple-choice questions | 35 minutes | |
No Calculator – Math | 20 (15 multiple-choice and 5 Grid in questions) | 25 minutes | Math score 200 to 800 |
Break | 5 minutes | ||
Yes Calculator – Math | 38 (30 multiple-choice and 8 Grid in questions) | 55 minutes | |
Break | 2 minutes | ||
SAT Essay (Optional) | 1 prompt | 50 minutes | Reading 2 to 8 Analysis 2 to 8 Writing 2 to 8 |
Total | 155 questions (with the essay), 154 questions (without the essay) | 230 minutes (with the essay), 180 minutes (without the essay) | 1600 (without the essay) |
Recommended Reads:
SAT Eligibility | SAT Scholarship for Indian Students | SAT Exam Centres |
SAT Exam Dates 2022 | SAT Syllabus | SAT Scores & SAT Results |
What does the Course include:
Other countries that accept sat scores are Australia and the United Kingdom.
It is $104 (INR 7,727) without the essay and $117 (INR 8,699) with the essay for Indian students.
SAT is conducted five times a year in India, and the students can take the test as many times as they want.
SAT and ACT (American College Testing) are standardized exams for students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the US. To understand which test one should take, it is advised to check the college website for the eligibility criteria and take the test mandated by the college.
SAT exam pattern is enlisted in the table given below:
Subject | Questions | Time-limit |
SAT Reading | 52 MCQs | 65 minutes |
SAT Writing & Language | 44 MCQs | 35 minutes |
No-Calculator – Math | 20 (15 MCQs and 5 Grid in questions) | 25 minutes |
Yes Calculator – Math | 38 (30 MCQs and 8 Grid in questions) | 55 minutes |
SAT Essay (Optional) | 1 prompt | 50 minutes |
The SAT exam is assessed out of 1600.
There is no negative marking in SAT exam.
There are 154 MCQs in SAT exam.
CHAT WITH US