Choice Tutoring
SAT FAQs
Back to the General FAQs
Questions about the Test
Registration Questions
- When is the SAT given?
- How do I register for the SAT?
- How much does it cost to register for the SAT?
- How can I get extended time on the SAT?
Score Questions
- How is the SAT scored?
- How is the SAT Essay scored?
- What is the average SAT score?
- When will I get my scores back?
Test Day Questions
Questions about the Test
What is the SAT?
The SAT is the nation's most widely used college admissions test and
is accepted by virtually all American colleges and universities.
Back to the Top
What is the format of the test?
The test is divided into ten sections, each of which falls into one of three
topics: Reading, Math, or Writing. The first setion of the test is always the essay,
which counts towards the writing score.
After the writing section there will be 6 long sections, comprised of two Reading
sections, two Math sections, one multiple-choice writing section, and an experimental,
unscored section which will not be identified as experimental and which may be Reading,
Math, or Writing. (Note: The experimental section is not included in Choice Tutoring's
practice tests.)
Finally, there will be a short Reading, a short Math, and a very short multiple-choice
Writing.
Back to the Top
How long is the test?
The timings for both the standard SAT and the extended-time SAT are shown in the table
below.
Section(s) Standard Extended Time
Long Sections (1-7) 25 minutes apiece 38 minutes apiece Short Sections (8-9) 20 minutes apiece 30 minutes apiece Very Short Section (10) 10 minutes 15 minutes Total Time 3 hours, 45 minutes 5 hours, 31 minutes
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Registration Questions
When is the SAT given?
The SAT test dates and registration dates for the 2009-2010 school year are:
2008-2009 Test Dates Test Registration Deadline Late Registration (fee applies) October 10, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests September 9, 2009 September 25, 2009 November 7, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 1, 2009 October 15, 2009 December 5, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 31, 2009 November 13, 2009 January 23, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests December 15, 2009 December 30, 2009 March 13, 2010 SAT only February 4, 2010 February 18, 2010 May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests March 25, 2010 April 8, 2010 June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests April 29, 2010 May 13, 2010
Back to the Top
How do I register for the SAT?
There are three ways you can register for the SAT:
- Visit the College Board website
and click Register Now. Follow all the steps that are described to
you. The process is very simple and clear.
- Register by mail. Go see your school Guidance Counselor or principal
and abtain a copy of the application that you can fill out and send in.
Fill it out as instructed and mail the application and check to the
posted address. (Never send paper money in the mail.)
- Register by calling their phone number: 1-609-771-7600
Back to the Top
How much does it cost to register for the SAT?
Registration for the SAT costs $45. If you miss the registration date for
the test, you can still register before the Late Registration deadline, but
you will be charged an additional late fee.
Back to the Top
How can I get extended time on the SAT?
Obtaining extended time for the SAT is a multi-step process. If you want
extended time, you should begin by talking to your school counselor. Additional
information can be found on
the College Board SAT Accomodations page.
Back to the Top
Score Questions
How is the SAT scored?
There are three sections on the test: Reading, Math, and Writing. For each section,
the student will be given a score from 200 to 800. These section scores will then be
combined to give the composite score, which ranges from 600 to 2400. These are known as
the scaled scores.
The scaled scores are based on the raw scores for each section. The raw score for a
section is calculated by taking the number of correct answers and subtracting one quarter
of the number of incorrect answers. This score will then be compared to those of other test
takers to obtain the scaled score.
There are a couple of things to take note of. First, the score from the essay portion of
the test accounts for approximately one third of the total writing section score. Also,
there are Math section questions called "Student-Produced Response Questions"
which do not count against the student if answered incorrectly.
Back to the Top
How is the SAT essay scored?
The essay is graded by two separate essay graders using
this Scoring Guide on a scale of 0 to 6. The two scores are then added together
to produce the final score. If, however, there is more that a point difference between
the two scores, an additional grader will be brought in to ensure fairness.
Back to the Top
What is the average SAT score?
Up-to-date information on this year's average SAT scores can be found on
this website.
Back to the Top
When will I get my scores back?
Generally, scores are available online 2 weeks after the day of the test. You should receive
them in the mail in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Back to the Top
Test Day Questions
What should I bring to the test?
There are several things you MUST bring with you to the test:
- Your admission ticket
- Acceptable photo identification (more information here)
- Two No. 2 pencils and a soft eraser (pens and mechanical pencils are not permitted)
- An acceptable calculator (information about acceptable calculators is available here)
In addition to these required items, you should also bring:
- A watch without an audible alarm (or one that is set to silent)
- A snack and a bottle of water (for breaks ONLY)
- Extra batteries for your calculator and, if possible, a backup calculator
- A bag or backpack to carry all of these things in
Back to the Top
What should I NOT bring to the test?
The following items are not allowed, and should be left in the car or at home:
- Cell phones, pagers, and other personal electronic devices (except for watches)
- Scratch paper (there is plenty of room on the test for your scratch work)
- Any notes or books
- A compass, protractor, ruler, or other measuring or drafting device
- Highlighters, pens, mechanical pencils, and colored pencils
- Portable listening or recording devices
- Cameras or video cameras
- Stop watches, clocks, or watches with audible alarms
Back to the Top
What is the SAT?
The SAT is the nation's most widely used college admissions test and is accepted by virtually all American colleges and universities.
Back to the TopWhat is the format of the test?
The test is divided into ten sections, each of which falls into one of three topics: Reading, Math, or Writing. The first setion of the test is always the essay, which counts towards the writing score.
After the writing section there will be 6 long sections, comprised of two Reading sections, two Math sections, one multiple-choice writing section, and an experimental, unscored section which will not be identified as experimental and which may be Reading, Math, or Writing. (Note: The experimental section is not included in Choice Tutoring's practice tests.)
Finally, there will be a short Reading, a short Math, and a very short multiple-choice Writing.
Back to the TopHow long is the test?
The timings for both the standard SAT and the extended-time SAT are shown in the table below.
| Section(s) | Standard | Extended Time |
|---|---|---|
| Long Sections (1-7) | 25 minutes apiece | 38 minutes apiece |
| Short Sections (8-9) | 20 minutes apiece | 30 minutes apiece |
| Very Short Section (10) | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 3 hours, 45 minutes | 5 hours, 31 minutes |
When is the SAT given?
The SAT test dates and registration dates for the 2009-2010 school year are:
| 2008-2009 Test Dates | Test | Registration Deadline | Late Registration (fee applies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 10, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | September 9, 2009 | September 25, 2009 |
| November 7, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | October 1, 2009 | October 15, 2009 |
| December 5, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | October 31, 2009 | November 13, 2009 |
| January 23, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | December 15, 2009 | December 30, 2009 |
| March 13, 2010 | SAT only | February 4, 2010 | February 18, 2010 |
| May 1, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | March 25, 2010 | April 8, 2010 |
| June 5, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | April 29, 2010 | May 13, 2010 |
How do I register for the SAT?
There are three ways you can register for the SAT:
- Visit the College Board website and click Register Now. Follow all the steps that are described to you. The process is very simple and clear.
- Register by mail. Go see your school Guidance Counselor or principal and abtain a copy of the application that you can fill out and send in. Fill it out as instructed and mail the application and check to the posted address. (Never send paper money in the mail.)
- Register by calling their phone number: 1-609-771-7600
How much does it cost to register for the SAT?
Registration for the SAT costs $45. If you miss the registration date for the test, you can still register before the Late Registration deadline, but you will be charged an additional late fee.
Back to the TopHow can I get extended time on the SAT?
Obtaining extended time for the SAT is a multi-step process. If you want extended time, you should begin by talking to your school counselor. Additional information can be found on the College Board SAT Accomodations page.
Back to the TopHow is the SAT scored?
There are three sections on the test: Reading, Math, and Writing. For each section, the student will be given a score from 200 to 800. These section scores will then be combined to give the composite score, which ranges from 600 to 2400. These are known as the scaled scores.
The scaled scores are based on the raw scores for each section. The raw score for a section is calculated by taking the number of correct answers and subtracting one quarter of the number of incorrect answers. This score will then be compared to those of other test takers to obtain the scaled score.
There are a couple of things to take note of. First, the score from the essay portion of the test accounts for approximately one third of the total writing section score. Also, there are Math section questions called "Student-Produced Response Questions" which do not count against the student if answered incorrectly.
Back to the TopHow is the SAT essay scored?
The essay is graded by two separate essay graders using this Scoring Guide on a scale of 0 to 6. The two scores are then added together to produce the final score. If, however, there is more that a point difference between the two scores, an additional grader will be brought in to ensure fairness.
Back to the TopWhat is the average SAT score?
Up-to-date information on this year's average SAT scores can be found on this website.
Back to the TopWhen will I get my scores back?
Generally, scores are available online 2 weeks after the day of the test. You should receive them in the mail in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Back to the TopWhat should I bring to the test?
There are several things you MUST bring with you to the test:
- Your admission ticket
- Acceptable photo identification (more information here)
- Two No. 2 pencils and a soft eraser (pens and mechanical pencils are not permitted)
- An acceptable calculator (information about acceptable calculators is available here)
In addition to these required items, you should also bring:
- A watch without an audible alarm (or one that is set to silent)
- A snack and a bottle of water (for breaks ONLY)
- Extra batteries for your calculator and, if possible, a backup calculator
- A bag or backpack to carry all of these things in
What should I NOT bring to the test?
The following items are not allowed, and should be left in the car or at home:
- Cell phones, pagers, and other personal electronic devices (except for watches)
- Scratch paper (there is plenty of room on the test for your scratch work)
- Any notes or books
- A compass, protractor, ruler, or other measuring or drafting device
- Highlighters, pens, mechanical pencils, and colored pencils
- Portable listening or recording devices
- Cameras or video cameras
- Stop watches, clocks, or watches with audible alarms
