The SAT General Test, which is the most common SAT exam, consists of three sections:
* Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: This section measures critical reading, reasoning and writing skills. It includes passages from literature, social science, history, and science, as well as multiple-choice questions and a required essay.
* Math: This section measures mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills in various areas such as algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability.
* Optional Essay: This section is not required for all colleges and universities but is highly recommended for selective schools. It measures writing skills and the ability to develop an argument in response to a given prompt.
The SAT Subject Tests, also offered by the College Board, are optional one-hour tests that measure knowledge in a specific subject area, such as mathematics, literature, history, science, and foreign languages.
SAT scores are used by colleges and universities as one of the criteria for admissions decisions. The test is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, with 400 being the lowest and 1600 being the highest possible score. The average SAT score for the Class of 2023 was 1050 out of 1600.
The SAT is one of the most important tests for college-bound students in the United States. High SAT scores can improve a student's chances of getting admitted to their dream school and receiving financial aid.