The Scholastic Aptitude Test: What is the SAT exam?

What is the SAT?

Formerly an abbreviation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the SAT is now a standalone name.

The SAT is a standardised online test used primarily for US college admissions and measures a student’s readiness for college. Viewed alongside Grade Point Averages (GPAs), curriculum taken, interviews and personal statements, the SAT is valued by US college admissions teams and underperforming could prevent you from attending your chosen college. Outside the United States the SAT is valued as a standardised measure of aptitude globally and is used by universities in over 60 countries to help make informed decisions about admissions.

Over two million candidates took the SAT in 2025, and while it is not the only part of a college application, scoring well will greatly increase your chance of acceptance – distinguishing you from other candidates, or compensating for weaker aspects of your application.

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a very similar test delivered to a younger age range, used mainly to prepare for the SAT and to enable certain individuals to qualify for scholarship programmes.

What does the test involve?

The SAT exam is a fully digital exam delivered via the Bluebook application, composed of two sections, with each section made up of two modules, lasting two hrs and 14 minutes of testing and 98 questions in total, with a 10-minute break between sections:

1. Reading and Writing: 54 questions, two 32-minute modules
2. Mathematics: 44 questions, two 35-minute modules

As the SAT is an entirely online, adaptive test, the first module in each section tests candidates on a range of easy, medium and hard questions, while the second module adapts and adjusts the difficulty according to how well they performed in the first module. Adaptive testing enables candidates to best show what they know and what their strengths are, and reduces the appearance of questions that are either too hard or too easy, allowing candidates to optimise their time during the SAT.

The SAT section scores are determined by the total across both modules, so attempting to manipulate the adaptive testing system to procure easier questions in the second module will not benefit candidates. Instead, they should focus on each question as it comes and give it their best effort.

Most of the questions on the SAT are multiple choice but note that in some areas of the maths modules, candidates are not given choices and must enter their own worked answer.

Note: the SAT essay is currently being phased out, and no colleges require it, but it may still be part of your test if registered for ‘school day testing’ dependent on your state. Check with your school counsellor for specifics in your state. More guidelines about the current test cycle can be found here.

 

Cost

To register for the SAT in the 2026 test cycle, candidates are charged $68 if testing within the US, or $111 if testing outside of the US.

The above cost includes four free score reports if ordered within nine days of testing.

If eligible, candidates testing within the US or US students studying abroad may apply for funding via the College Board website. Candidates are advised to submit these applications at least two weeks prior to the registration deadline.

Additional fees:

• For certain test centres outside the US
• To change test centre
• To cancel
• If you register late
• For additional score reports
• To rush your report
• To verify your score

Enlisting an experienced tutor who holds expertise in the SAT can enhance students’ performance in the exam. Simply Learning Tuition offer an array of experienced tutors from a variety of specialisms who help students to realise their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to tackle each section of the SAT. We are proud of the fact that 96% of our university placement students receive an offer from one of their top two choices.

Exam dates and scores

There are typically eight test dates per academic cycle, with registration deadlines roughly three weeks prior to the test date. Exam dates for the 2025/26 and the upcoming 2026/27 cycle can be found on the SAT website.

Results are typically released online two-four weeks after testing.

When results are published, a score of between 400-1600 is provided, with both sections weighted evenly, and a percentile range showing candidates their score relative to others. Individual scores for the sections are provided alongside your total score.

Alongside their score report, candidates also receive a ‘careers insight’ list of jobs with demand in their state, providing examples of what growing career might be well suited to that candidate based off how they performed in each aspect of the test.

Can you retake the SAT?

There is no limit on how many times a candidate may take the SAT, and most colleges consider the highest SAT score when reviewing an application. Students are generally recommended to take the SAT twice. Our consultancy service can help provide advice on what the best course of action for you is – and we will factor in everything required to ensure you get the results you need and the place you deserve.

How to get the test results

Results are published on candidates’ College Board account via their student scores dashboard.

Score release dates can be found here.

If you’ve taken the test more than once, results published within the last year can be found via your account. If results are older than a year, candidates must get in touch with the College Board to access the archived results.

Note that a fee will be charged for accessing archived results.

SAT Grade boundaries

While there is not a set grade boundary, and each college views the SAT differently, scores are typically categorised as the following (example colleges have been provided based off the score of their middle 50% of enrolled students, the 25^th-75^th percentile):

• 1010-1180 (average): Accepted at many colleges, especially regional and open-admission institutions.

e.g. Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University.

• 1190-1340 (top 25%): Competitive at many mid-tier colleges.

e.g. University of Tennessee, Mercer University.

• 1350-1390 (top 10%): Strong score for more selective colleges and universities.

eg. University of Florida, University of Miami.

• 1400-1490 (Top 6%): Highly competitive for top tier and highly selective institutions.

e.g. Georgetown University, Villanova University.

• 1500+ (Top 1-2%): Extremely high likelihood of acceptance – recommended for Ivy League.

e.g. Harvard College and Stanford University. Note that they have no minimum test score required, but their middle 50% of students score within this range.

SAT Superscoring

Some colleges ‘superscore’ SAT results – taking the best sections from different SAT exams a candidate has sat, effectively reviewing the candidate off their highest marked sections to see their best potential. Candidates are advised to check if their SAT could be superscored via their chosen college’s website.

SAT vs ACT

The SAT and the ACT are both used by American colleges in their admissions applications, with neither given more preference. There are a few important distinctions candidates should be aware of, however.

SAT	ACT
The SAT doesn’t have a dedicated science section like the ACT	STEM candidates often prefer the ACT for the science as it allows them to show their specific interests and strengths.
The maths sections of the SAT does involve some integrated science questions, however, that display an understanding of contextual maths and science.	It is not an adaptive test- note that whilst it feels harder and may take more time on specific questions, it may not necessarily damage your score in relation to others.
The SAT is an adaptive test, whilst the ACT can feel harder on some questions as they haven’t been ‘adapted’ to your capabilities.	ACT can be over 3 hours (including optional modules)
The SAT is just over 2 hours. As well as being shorter than the ACT, there is more time per question – ideal for those who prefer thinking through logic-heavy questions.	ACT has a fast-paced style

How Simply Learning Tuition and Consultancy Can Help

Simply Learning Tuition offers expert, personalised support across all stages of college applications. Services include:

• Academic tutoring in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
• SAT preparation and practice
• Guidance on university selection and application timelines

Enlisting the help of an experienced tutor can vastly improve chances of success in the exam. Simply Learning Tuition offers a range of tutors specialised in getting students a head start on their preparation, feeling confident to take on the SAT, and ultimately achieving their desired results. Our educational consultancy team can further guide you along every step of the US Admissions process, from choosing colleges through to passing interviews. We ensure you have the best chance of getting into your college of choice, and we are proud that 96% of our university placement students receive an offer from one of their top two choices.

Get in touch today