16 June 2013

SAT Admission test for USA Details & exam procedure

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a globally recognized college admission test for USA. Most U.S. Universities ask for the SAT for admissions to their undergraduate programs.
About SAT
The SAT is split into SAT I: Reasoning Test and SAT II: Subject Tests. In general, universities only require SAT I, but the premier schools often require two or more SAT II Subject Tests.
SAT I
SAT I is a three-hour test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills that students have developed over time, alongside other traits they need to be successful at university. Good SAT scores can help you gain admission to premier schools and earn merit-based financial assistance.

SAT I comprise Verbal, Math and Writing components, each worth one-third of the final score. There are three Verbal sections, three Math sections and two Writing sections.
SAT II
In general, universities only require SAT I, but the most exclusive schools often require two or three SAT II Subject Tests. Students typically choose which tests to take depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools to which they are planning to apply. Prior to the first administration of the new SAT (which includes the writing section) in March 2005, some highly selective colleges required applicants to take three SAT Subject tests, including the writing test and two other tests of the applicant's choosing, in addition to the SAT. However, with writing now a standard component of the SAT I, most selective colleges recommend applicants to submit scores for any two SAT Subject tests. Engineering schools typically require Chemistry or Physics and prefer Math Level 2. A handful of the most competitive schools, such as Harvard University, still require three Subject tests in addition to the three sections of the SAT. It is important to consult the school's website to find out more information about Subject test requirements.
7 Times a Year
SAT is held seven times a year in the USA, Puerto Rico, and the US Territories, and six times a year in India.
Scoring
The total marks are 2400 (Math 800, Critical Reading 800 and Writing 800). Anything above 2000 is considered good.
Registration & Exam Fee
You can apply online at www.collegeboard.com or by through mail The exam fee for SAT is US $45 but in India total cost US $94 (Test & registration fee $45+International Processing Fee $26+$23 Additional fee for testing in India and Pakistan).
Validity of Scores:The SAT scores are valid for five years. While most universities/colleges accept scores up to five years old, but it is always better if scores are not older than 2 years.
Examination Section Break-Up
Writing Section
Time
Content
Item Types
Score
60 Min
Grammar, usage, and word choice
Multiple choice questions (35 min.) and student-written essay (25 min)
200-800

Critical Reading Section
Time
Content
Item Types
Score
70 Min (two 25-min sections and one 20-min section)
Critical reading and sentence level reading
Reading comprehension sentence completions, and paragraph-length critical reading
200-800

Mathematics Section
Time
Content
Item Types
Score
70 Min (two 25-min sections and one 20-min section)
Number and operations : algebra and functions ; geometry ; statistics, probability, and data analysis
Five-choice multiple choice questons and student produced responses
200-800

Why SAT ?
SAT is the most widely used college admission test for gaining admission in undergraduate courses in USA.
Study in USA
Majority of colleges and universities in the United States still require applicants to submit their SAT scores as part of their college applications. College admission departments look at these scores as a predictor of how well a student will handle the academic challenges of their college.

Recognized
SAT is conducted by The College Board, a non-profit organization and is developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It's taken by more than two million students every year and is accepted by virtually all colleges and universities.

Self Evaluation
The SAT Reasoning Test not only evaluates a student's ability in a dealing with fundamental language and verbal & mathematical reasoning situations from the scoring perspective but also enlightens him/her about his/her academic strengths and weaknesses.

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