Comprehensive SAT Test Guide from School.com

Many students look forward to traveling to complete their university studies in American or European universities or even any university with an advanced global ranking where the educational quality is high, which then provides better job opportunities; but as a result of the high competition for these universities and the difference in the educational system in the pre-university education stages in different countries, these universities had to guarantee the level of the student applying to them in some subjects, so these universities require passing the SAT test as a basic condition for admission.

Let's talk in more detail about the SAT test, what it is, its sections, preparing for it and everything you need to know about this test.

What is the SAT test?

SAT is an abbreviation for Scholastic Assessment Test, which is a recognized test in most countries of the world.

This test aims to measure students' abilities and skills to determine their readiness to join the university education stage. It is one of two main tests designated for this purpose, the other being the ACT test.

College admission itself may not require this test but passing it may help you get a scholarship.

It is organized by the College Board, an American non-profit organization that develops and administers tests for various educational institutions.

What are the types of SAT tests?

• SAT 1: It is a general test in English and mathematics.
• SAT 2: It is a specialized test in chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics.
• Admission to medical and pharmacy colleges, for example, requires:
• Chemistry.
• Neighborhoods.
• Physics.
• Admission to engineering departments requires the following subjects:
• Chemistry.
• Physics.
• mathematics.

Learn more about the difference between the SAT 1 and SAT 2 exams .

What are the sections of the SAT 1 test?

Knowing the format of the test and practicing it will help you prepare for it and then pass it easily. Compared to the ACT test, the SAT test time is relatively longer.

The SAT test consists of three sections:

Reading section:

• Test duration: 65 minutes.
• Number of questions: 52 questions.
• Question type: Most questions are multiple choice.
• Contents of this section:

This section contains 5 paragraphs, 4 of which are independent and 2 of which are read together. Each paragraph consists of 500-750 words.

The first paragraph is literary.

- A paragraph that talks about global topics such as freedom, justice, etc.

- A paragraph that talks about a topic in economics, sociology, psychology, or the like.

- Two paragraphs that discuss topics from basic sciences such as biology, physics or chemistry.

• You may come across many words in the test whose meaning you do not know. Although you do not have to memorize many strange words because you will try to guess them from the context and you will not be asked to define a word, having a large vocabulary will save you a lot of time in the test.

Writing and Language Department:

• Test duration: 35 minutes.
• Number of questions: 44 questions.
• Question type: Most questions are multiple choice.
• Contents of this section:
• This section contains 4 paragraphs, each paragraph followed by 11 questions.
• The first paragraph is narrative.
• The other paragraphs are varied, whether discussing an issue, news, or something else.
• Some paragraphs may contain tables, graphs, or charts.
• All questions ask you to either choose a better expression for a word or find the mistake, whether in sentence structure, grammar, punctuation or usage, and correct it.

Mathematics Department:

• Test duration: 80 minutes.
• Number of questions: 58 questions.
• Question type: Most of the questions are multiple choice, but some questions in this section may require you to write the answer rather than choose it.
• Contents of this section:
• 19 questions in algebra.
• 17 questions in data analysis.
• 16 questions in advanced mathematics.
• 6 questions in other branches.

• Using the calculator:

• A non-calculator part consisting of 20 questions (15 multiple choice questions + 5 grid questions) and the duration of this part is 25 minutes.
• A calculator-friendly section consisting of 38 questions (30 multiple choice questions + 8 grid questions) and the duration of this section is 55 minutes.

You can read more about: SAT Math Test .

What are the sections of the SAT 2 test?

SAT 2 , or what we can also know as the SAT Specialized Test, is intended for students who wish to enroll in specific specializations in university education. We can mention some of the subjects:

Biology:

• Test duration: 60 minutes.
• Number of questions: 80 questions.
• Question type: Multiple choice.

• ecology.
• Genetics.
• Evolution and diversity.
• Organic biology.
• Cell biology.

Want to go deeper? Read more about the SAT Biology test .

Physics material:

• Test duration: 60 minutes.
• Number of questions: 75 questions.
• Question type: Multiple choice.

• Electricity and magnetism.
• Mechanics
• Thermodynamics.
• waves.
• Modern physics.

You can read more details about the SAT Physics test .

Chemistry:

• Test duration: 60 minutes.
• Number of questions: 85 questions.
• Question type: Multiple choice.

• Structure of matter.
• States of matter.
• Types of interactions.
• Descriptive chemistry.
• Thermochemistry.
• Chemical equations.

Why not explore more about the SAT Chemistry test ?

What are the SAT test dates?

• The SAT test is given in the months of:
• August.
• October.
• November.
• March.
• May.
• June.
• Registration for the test is completed a month or several days before the test date, and then another period is given to change or cancel dates or for those who are late for the main registration dates.

Find out the details about SAT exam dates and how to register.

Where are the SAT test centers located?

There are many SAT test centers, whether in America or abroad. Here we will focus on some test centers in some Arab countries:

• Al-Hikma International School.
• The private school.
• Bayan School Bahrain.
• International Dialogue School.
• St. Christopher's School.

• AMIDEAST Center.
• British International School of Kurdistan.
• International School of Choueifat.
• Salahaddin University Language Center.

• Summit School.
• American University.
• AMIDEAST Center.
• International Leaders Academy.
• College of Islamic Studies.
• Modern American School.

• Al Bayan School.

• Indian School in Wadi Kabir.
• American International School Muscat.

• Al Manar International School.
• American School of Doha.

• Knights International School.
• Al Hamra Girls School.
• Discoverer International School.
• Al Rowad International School.

• Al Maarifa International Private School.
• American International School.
• Al Nahda School.
• Flower school.
• Dubai International School.
• Philadelphia Private School.

How to book the SAT test?

• Booking is done through the official CollegeBoard website .
• You create an account on the site and log in.
• The required data must be filled in accurately and a suitable and clear personal photo must be attached.
• The testing location is chosen for you.
• Test fees are charged and vary from country to country.

How is the SAT test scored?

The SAT is evaluated in a standardized and accurate manner to ensure that students' performance is measured fairly and equitably. The evaluation is divided into three main areas: critical reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics. Each section is evaluated on a specific point scale, in addition to the optional writing section, which is evaluated separately if chosen. We will provide you with how to conduct the evaluation:

SAT Overall Evaluation

The SAT scores range from 400 to 1600 points, with scores divided equally between the reading, writing, and mathematics sections, with each section rated on a scale of 200 to 800 points.

Critical Reading and Writing Department

This section includes two main parts, reading, writing and grammar, and their results are combined together to obtain the final score for this section.

• In the reading section, the student is assessed on his/her ability to understand and analyze written texts as multiple-choice questions require the student to provide answers based on the texts and each correct answer gives the student points.
• In the Writing and Grammar section, this part focuses on the student’s skills in editing and proofreading texts, where the student is evaluated based on his accuracy in improving sentences, choosing words, and correcting linguistic errors.

Department of Mathematics

The Mathematics section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points and includes two types of questions:

• Calculator-enabled questions cover topics such as statistics and advanced algebra and allow the student to use a calculator to solve problems.
• Questions that do not allow the use of a calculator involve simpler mathematical problems such as basic algebra and geometry and must be solved without the aid of a calculator.

Each correct answer gives the student points and there is no deduction for wrong answers which means the student does not lose points if he answers incorrectly.

Evaluation in the optional writing section

This section is optional and requires the student to write an analytical essay. The essay is evaluated based on three criteria:

• Assess the student's understanding of the text presented.
• The extent to which the student can analyze the text and construct logical arguments supported by evidence.
• Quality of writing in terms of organization, use of language, and coherence of ideas.

The student receives a separate score for each of these criteria, each of which is evaluated on a scale of 2 to 8, meaning that the student can receive a total score ranging from 6 to 24 points.

SAT preparation

Preparing for the SAT requires a comprehensive strategy that aims to improve your skills in three main areas: critical reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics. We will provide you with the most important strategies for preparing for this test:

Understanding the test structure

The first step in preparing for the SAT is to understand the structure of the test and its sections. The SAT consists of three main sections:

• Critical Reading and Writing This section includes critical reading, text analysis, and correcting linguistic errors.
• Mathematics covers topics such as algebra, statistics and geometry.
• Optional Writing This section is optional and requires you to write an analytical essay.

Knowing the type and style of questions helps determine which points you need to focus on while preparing.

Determine current performance level

Before you start studying it is important to know your current level. This can be done by taking a mock test to simulate the real exam experience. This will give you an idea of ​​the areas you need to improve and where your weaknesses lie.

Create an organized study plan

After determining your performance level, create an organized study plan based on the time available before the test date. You should make sure to divide your time fairly between the three sections, with the greatest focus on the areas that need improvement.

• Read a variety of texts from different fields such as literature, natural sciences and history where you should try to answer questions related to the texts and analyze them, also review the linguistic and grammatical rules that may come in the writing section.
• Review basic math concepts such as algebra and geometry as you should practice solving math problems without using a calculator and part with it as the test includes both types.

Use of available resources

There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you prepare for the SAT, including:

• There are many well-known books that provide practice tests and important tips.
• Many educational platforms offer free courses that explain test concepts and allow you to practice questions.
• Take practice tests regularly to measure your progress and improve your time management strategies as practice tests give you an accurate idea of ​​the style of questions and how to answer them within the given time.

Developing answer strategies

There are some strategies that can help you improve your performance on the test:

• Start by answering the questions you know well and then work your way back to the more difficult questions.
• On the SAT there is no point deduction for wrong answers so if you are unsure of the answer to a question take a guess instead of leaving it blank.
• If you have extra time, review your answers, especially in sections where you feel uncertain.

Maintain continuity and comfort

Continuous preparation over a long period of time is the key to achieving good results. You should allocate time daily or weekly to study and make sure that you have enough breaks to maintain your focus. Getting enough sleep and eating healthy also helps improve your mental performance.

Final review before the test

In the last days before the exam, review the basic concepts and practice tests that you have solved. You should also avoid learning anything new at the last minute and focus on reinforcing the concepts that you have studied.

General notes about the test:

• Unlike other tests, the SAT does not have a specific expiration date, but sometimes some universities may not recognize the SAT if it is several years old.
• Some scholarships are only given to those who take this test.

• Most questions cannot be re-corrected, but when you don't know the answer, it's better to try to guess it than to leave it blank.
• No one should be allowed to impersonate you during the exam.
• Electronic devices such as mobile phones are not allowed during the exam.
• You must not leave the test venue before the specified time, otherwise the test will be considered invalid.
• You must bring your identification card, a printed test booking ticket, your own calculator as exchanging calculators is not permitted during the test. It is preferable to bring a watch to keep track of time and a drink due to the long test time.

Is the SAT test hard?

Many students confirmed while preparing for the SAT that the matter is not exaggeratedly difficult, but it requires an organized plan. Some of them started preparing about 6 months before the test, at a rate of approximately 6 hours per day (remember that this rate is not mandatory, but rather varies from one student to another according to his time and personal abilities). It required the use of several sources and solving many tests; but after all that, the results were satisfactory to them.

You have to take the plunge and make it your own.

Get SAT practice .

School.com provides strategies and tips for achieving high scores on the SAT.

The SAT is one of the most important international tests that opens the doors of higher education for students at international universities. Passing it successfully requires effective strategies and precise guidance to help students achieve the highest grades. For this reason, Madrasa.com provides a comprehensive set of tips and strategies that aim to provide students with the skills to excel in this crucial test.

Comprehensive understanding of test components

Madrasa.com helps students understand the basic structure of the SAT test , which consists of three main sections: Reading and Writing, Math, and Essay. By focusing on these sections, students can identify areas they need to improve and thus identify areas that need more focus.

Preparing an organized study plan

One of the most important strategies for success in the SAT is to develop an organized study plan. Almadrasah.com provides customized plans that take into account the student’s needs and allocate a specific time for reviewing each section. These plans help in achieving noticeable progress and ensuring that all topics covered in the test are understood.

Practice solving questions in a practical way

Madrasa.com provides sample questions that are exactly like the questions that appear on the SAT exam. Through these samples, students learn about the nature of the questions and how to deal with them in a practical way that helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses.

Develop time management skills

Time management skills are a crucial factor in the SAT exam . Madrasa.com provides effective tips on how to allocate time wisely for each section of the exam. Students are also trained on how to allocate the appropriate time for each question, ensuring that the answer is completed on time without rushing or wasting time.

Improve critical reading and analysis skills

In the reading section , the student must be able to deeply analyze texts and infer hidden meanings. Madrasa.com provides practical exercises in analyzing texts and understanding the context in a way that helps the student answer reading questions effectively and quickly.

Strategies for solving math problems quickly and accurately

Math problems on the SAT require a deep understanding of the underlying concepts and strategies for solving questions quickly and accurately. Madrasa.com offers interactive math lessons that include extensive practice in solving different types of problems, giving students the confidence to answer questions on this section.

Full-featured practice tests to assess progress

Madrasah.com offers comprehensive mock tests that simulate the actual SAT exam , helping students regularly assess their progress and see how prepared they are for the final exam. These mock tests help boost student confidence before taking the actual test.

Tips for Focus and Stress Relief

Preparing for the SAT test comes with stress and tension, so Madrasa.com offers effective tips on how to relax and focus while studying and during the exam. It also offers deep breathing and meditation strategies that can help students stay calm during the exam.

Periodic follow-up and continuous evaluation by specialized teachers

Madrasa.com provides an educational system that relies on continuous assessment by specialized teachers, who provide accurate feedback on the student’s performance in each section. This helps students improve their performance based on periodic assessments and accurate guidance that enhances their educational level.

Madrasa.com offers integrated solutions that make students more prepared and confident to take the SAT exam and achieve the highest scores. Through its precise strategies and continuous educational support, the platform contributes to guiding students towards excelling in the SAT exam and achieving their academic goals.

One of the most notable features of Madrasa.com is the continuous support it provides to students. The platform provides the ability to track students’ progress individually, giving them a sense of personal attention. This support consists of regular assessment sessions and personalized advice for each student based on their previous performance, which increases the chances of achieving high scores on the SAT.

Conclusion

Booking a seat in one of the international universities is not an easy matter as the competition is certainly fierce and therefore the criteria set by these universities to choose the best and the best are increasingly difficult. Reaching the dream requires a lot of effort and staying up late, but despite the SAT test requiring a lot of preparation, getting high scores on it is not a difficult matter.

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