Background
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The SAT is a standardized exam used for college admissions. Its meant to gauge a student’s college readiness – though not every college requires students to take it.
The test is developed by the U.S. non-profit, College Board, which first introduced the SAT exam around 1926.
College Board says SAT scores can help predict student success in college if colleges combine a student’s SAT score with his or her high school grade point average (GPA).
In the current version of the SAT:
- There are three 800-point sections in math, reading and writing.
- Students get three hours and forty-five minutes to complete the exam.
- It costs $49 in the U.S. and $75 International, excluding late fees.
- Possible scores range from 600 to 2400
The SAT used to stand for Scholastic Aptitude Test and later Scholastic Assessment Test, but now its an empty acronym.
Most U.S colleges don’t have their own college entrance exam like some colleges in other countries. Using ACT and SAT scores are supposed to help balance the differences in funding, curricula and grading in schools throughout the U.S., as well as among students who are home schooled or enrolled in private or specialty secondary schools.
The SAT’s competitor, the ACT, is another standardized exam for college admission.
