What is SAT Exam 2025? Everything You Need to Know

SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standard test conducted by the College Board. So to answer the questions, what is SAT exam? It is an exam that checks how ready students are for college by testing their skills in English and Mathematics skills. The total score ranges from 400 to 1600. Most colleges in the US and Canada use SAT scores to decide who gets admitted. In this article, we will see SAT examination details and all about SAT exam

Why Take the SAT?

The following are the reasons why you should consider taking the SAT:

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  College admissions: SAT scores are accepted by many top universities in the US.

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  Scholarship opportunities: A high SAT score can help students qualify for scholarships.

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  Standardized comparison: It provides colleges with a way to compare students from different schools and backgrounds.

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  Global recognition: Students around the world take the SAT to apply to US universities.

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  Alternative to ACT: The SAT is many times compared with the ACT or American College Testing, and students can choose the one that suits them better. Both are accepted widely. Let us see how the SAT compares with the ACT from the table below:

Comparison between SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing):

Top 10 US Colleges Accepting SAT Scores 

Now, to further highlight the importance of the SAT, we have listed the top 10 US colleges that accept SAT scores:

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  Harvard University
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  Stanford University
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  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
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  Yale University
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  Princeton University
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  University of Chicago
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  Columbia University
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  University of Pennsylvania
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  California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• 
  Duke University

Additionally, if you want to learn more about US universities, courses offered and other information, you can read and learn everything about top US universities on our website. Along with this, we have a data-backed tool that can predict your admission chances to top colleges and you can use it free of cost.

SAT Test Details and Exam Structure 

Earlier, the SAT (SAT test full form is Scholastic Aptitude Test) was paper paper-based test but as of 2024, it has become completely digital and the duration has also been shortened to around 2 hours and 14 minutes. Now let us see SAT examination details for 2025. The exam has two main sections:

Section-1: Reading and Writing (RW):

The reading and writing section has the following important features:

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  Total Time: 64 minutes (two 32-minute modules)
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  Total Questions: 54
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  Focus: Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and understanding of tone and argument
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  Question Types: All multiple choice questions (MCQs) 
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  Basis: Questions are based on short passages.

Section-2: Mathematics (Math):

The reading and writing section has the following important features:

• 
  Total Time: 70 minutes (two 35-minute modules)
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  Total Questions: 44
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  Focus: Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics (Geometry and Trigonometry)
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  Question Types: Mix of multiple choice questions (MCQs) and student-produced responses which are also known as grid-ins.
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  Calculator Usage: Calculators are allowed for all math questions in the digital format.

Please note that the as per the latest SAT test format, optional Essay section has been removed.

Important Tip: There is a 10-minute break between the two sections. You can use it to clear up your mind and prepare for the next section. We recommend that when you practice a mock test, you take this 10-minute break to relax your mind for the next section and not to think about what happened in the previous section because what is done is done.

How SAT Scores Are Calculated?

As per the latest SAT exam information, the scores are calculated in SAT as follows:

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  Each section: Reading and Writing and Mathematics is scored from 200 to 800, making the total score range from 400 to 1600. 
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  Your raw score, that is the number of correct answers is converted into a scaled score. There is no negative marking. 
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  Students also receive percentile rankings to see how their performance compares to other test-takers. 
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  A score above 1400 is considered excellent for top universities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in SAT Preparation

The following are some of the most common mistakes that students make while preparing for the SAT exam:

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  Skipping Weak Topics: Focus on improving weaker areas instead of only practising strong ones. Always remember that the topics that scare you the most are the topics that need maximum attention.

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  Not Understanding the Question Types: Always read instructions and questions carefully. Many a time, the questions seem simple and straightforward, but there is a hidden concept that needs to be cracked.

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  Ignoring Practice Tests: This is the biggest mistake you can make while preparing for your SAT exam. Full-length tests build mental stamina and help with time management. Never ever skip full-length practice tests in real-life situations.

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  Poor Time Management: Keep a solid track of time spent solving questions. You need to know when to skip and when to dedicate extra time for particular questions in particular scenarios.

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  Guessing Blindly: Since there is no negative marking, make educated guesses instead of leaving blanks. This is also something you can practice when you dedicate a lot of time to your preparations.

SAT Preparation Tips 2025

Now, we have seen the common mistakes, let us see crucial preparation tips that can make all the difference:

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  Start early. It is recommended that you start 3 months before the exam.
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  Practice regularly with official SAT prep materials.
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  Watch YouTube videos on how to prepare for the SAT and for other tips
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  Take mock tests to identify weak areas and work on them to improve.
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  Build a daily schedule with time for both sections. Remember, that each section is equally important.
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  Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing them. It is your analytical and problem-solving skills that will be tested and not your ability to remember formulas.
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  Review your mistakes after every practice test.

The SAT is your gateway to some of the best colleges in the world. With the right preparation and strategy, you can score well and boost your chances of admission. And if you are considering education loans for your studies in the US, then we have great news for you. With GyanDhan, you do not have to worry about education loans. See this video to learn more about

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