Bring Your Goals Into Focus

The digital SAT is composed of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete the Math section for a total of 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Each section is divided into 2 equal length modules, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how students perform on the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.

Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some of the math questions ask you to enter the answer rather than select it.

On all questions, there's no penalty for guessing: if you're not sure of the answer, it's better to guess than leave the response blank.

The SAT exam is held 7 times a year. The registration deadlines are usually about 15 days before the exam date. Check sat.collegeboard.org for details.

Included in the report is the total score (the sum of the two section scores, with each section graded on a scale of 200–800) and three subscores (in reading, writing, and analysis, each on a scale of 2–8) for the optional essay. In addition, students receive two percentile scores, each of which is defined by the College Board as the percentage of students in a comparison group with equal or lower test scores.

SAT Prep courses involve 1-on-1 online tutoring by a 99th percentile test taker who has past experience tutoring high school students for the SAT and helping them achieve higher scores. In these courses, the student will get extensive study material on the concepts and topics tested on the SAT and will be introduced to effective strategies to answer questions. The courses also include extensive practice including completing practice tests which are the most effective way to prepare for the SAT. SAT Prep can help test takers at various levels of beginning proficiency achieve higher scores and the duration of these courses is flexible per the student’s needs.

The SAT is now fully digital and shorter, lasting around 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has an adaptable style, which means that the difficulty of the questions changes based on how well you do. The Reading and Writing sections are combined, with shorter passages and one question per passage. In Math, a calculator is allowed throughout, and a built-in digital calculator is provided. Scores are also released faster than before, typically within a few days.

Look for local or online programs with good reviews, experienced instructors, and proven results. Searching for SAT prep courses can help you discover both in-person and virtual options that suit your learning style and schedule.

Ideally, start preparing at least 3–6 months before your test date. This gives you enough time to build skills, take practice tests, and address weak areas.

Preparation options include study guides, tutoring, online courses, and full-length practice tests. Using SAT practice questions and taking timed mock exams helps improve performance and confidence.

Yes, you can take the SAT multiple times. Most colleges consider your highest score or allow superscoring, where they combine your best section scores from different test dates.

Yes, many online SAT prep programs offer interactive lessons, practice tests, and personalized feedback, making them just as effective, if not more flexible, than in-person classes.