The Student Aptitude Test was started by the College Board, a non-profit membership program. Students can prepare for college while still in high school by finding schools, learning about the admissions process and taking standardized tests. College Board is responsible for the SAT, PSAT and the Advanced Placement program. The SAT started in 1926 and is still the "most reliable, effective measure of a student's college readiness," according to the College Board website.
The SAT is usually taken in a student's junior or senior year of high school. The test is administered throughout the country seven times a year and takes three hours and 45 minutes to complete. The SAT consists of 10 individually timed sections. There are three critical reading sections, three mathematics, three writing and one un-scored section that tests critical reading, math or writing. Throughout the test there are student-produced responses in the math section, as well as multiple-choice and essay questions. Each section is scored between 200 and 800.
Because the SAT is a standardized, objective measurement of a student's college preparedness, colleges accept SAT scores as part of the admissions process. The scores, along with high school grade point averages and transcripts present admissions committees with a basic outline of a students' abilities. According to the College Board website, most colleges require an admission test such as the SAT for each applicant. Students who take the SAT also have access to scholarship opportunities and aid through the College Board website.
Many high schools offer free SAT practice courses, or students can hire private tutors to help them prepare. The College Board website offers students an SAT Practice set to prepare for the test. For free, students can receive the "Question of the Day" emailed daily. They also have access to sample practice questions in each of the test's three sections and a full-length practice test. For a fee, students can buy "The Official SAT Study Guide," which offers 10 full practice tests, strategies and estimated scores.
To take the SAT, students must register in advance. Registration costs $45, though students who qualify financially may have the fee waived. This fee covers the test admission ticket and up to four score reports that can be sent to colleges. Students can register online or by mail. Students who are re-taking the test can also register by phone. On test day, arrive by 7:45 a.m. at your determined testing center. Bring your admission ticket, photo I.D., pencils and a calculator. Consider bringing a snack, extra calculator batteries and a watch.
In addition to the standard SAT, students can choose to take a one-hour subject test. Tests are offered in English, mathematics, history, science and languages. Though not required by most colleges, SAT subject tests help give admissions committees a wider image of a student's academic abilities. Consider taking a subject test if you are particularly strong in a specific subject. Tests are scored between 200 to 800 and have between 50 and 100 questions.