About
the SAT I Reasoning Test
SAT Test Schedule | SAT
Test Centres in Canada
SAT I: SAT Critical Reading | SAT
Math | SAT Writing
SAT II: Subject Tests
What is the SAT I?
The SAT I is a standardized examination designed to measure students’
abilities in three areas: reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning. Many
American colleges and universities, including the most prestigious, consider
SAT scores an important factor in judging the
quality of applicants.
Why do American schools care about the SAT? They care because it
provides a level playing field for applicants to demonstrate their
abilities. Since grading standards undoubtedly vary from one school
to another, there is no way to know whether one student with a 4.0
GPA is truly as talented as another student with the same GPA. Thus,
many schools rely on the SAT as a fair metric by which to judge a
student’s abilities against another. And this is no minor detail.
As a result of the intensely competitive nature of the application
process for the best schools, an impressive SAT score is all the more
desirable, because a superior test score could potentially provide
an applicant with that extra edge needed to prove successful.
Unfortunately or not, any student seriously considering any of the
most prestigious universities in the United States must recognize
the SAT as an important element of the application process. True,
a less-than-outstanding SAT score will not necessarily nullify an
applicant’s chances of acceptance, since other factors including
GPA, extracurricular activities, and application essays are also considered.
However, an outstanding score certainly helps.
For each of the three areas (reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning)
tested by the SAT, a score (ranging from 200 to 800) is determined,
giving a maximum possible total score of 2400. The median score for
each of the three areas is always 500, and thus the median total score
on the SAT is always 1500.
In March
2005, the format of the SAT changed significantly. The analogies section,
often thought of as the most difficult part of the test, has been removed.
A new writing section has been added, consisting of an essay-writing component
and multiple-choice grammar questions. The math section no longer contains
quantitative comparison questions, yet now tests material that was not previously
covered by the SAT.
The good news is that the changes made to the SAT in March 2005 have made
significant improvement a more achievable goal. Armed with serious diligence
and commitment, you have a greater chance than ever before to do well on the
SAT. And we at Ivy Global are prepared to equip you with the skills and strategies
needed to maximize your results. Ivy Global offers both SAT
preparation classes and SAT tutoring.
What is the format of the SAT?
The SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes long. It is composed of 10 sections:
One 25-minute essay-writing section
Five 25-minute multiple-choice sections
-- two mathematical reasoning
-- two critical reading
-- one writing skills
Two 20-minute multiple-choice sections
-- one mathematical reasoning
-- one critical reading
One 10-minute multiple-choice writing skills section
One 25-minute multiple-choice experimental section (not graded)
These 10 sections, along with two 10-minute breaks, compose the whole
of the SAT.
When can I take the exam?
The SATs may be taken by students in Canada in Jan, May, June, Oct, Nov or
Dec. See SAT Test Schedule.
How do I register?
Register at the College
Board website.
Do you offer SAT preparation?
We offer both SAT private tutoring and SAT
preparation classes at our Toronto or Vancouver office.
