The SAT consists of three sections:
- Reading: This section consists of 52 multiple-choice questions based on four passages from fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. The questions test the student's ability to understand the main ideas and details of the passages, make inferences, and analyze the author's purpose and techniques.
- Writing: This section consists of two parts. The first part is a 25-minute essay in which the student must analyze and respond to a given prompt. The second part consists of 44 multiple-choice questions that test the student's knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and usage.
- Mathematics: This section consists of 58 multiple-choice questions that cover a wide range of mathematical topics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis. The questions range in difficulty from basic to complex, and some require the use of a calculator.
The SAT is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, with 400 being the lowest possible score and 1600 being the highest possible score. The total score is the sum of the scores on the three sections.
The SAT is an important test for college admissions, and many colleges and universities use the scores to make decisions about which students to admit. The SAT is also used to award scholarships and other forms of financial aid.