sat without essay 2023

The Optional SAT Essay: What to Know

Tackling this section of the SAT requires preparation and can boost some students' college applications.

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Even though an increasing number of colleges are dropping standardized test requirements, students who must write the SAT essay can still stand to gain from doing so.

Although the essay portion of the SAT became optional in 2016, many students still chose to write it to demonstrate strong or improved writing skills to prospective colleges.

In June 2021, the College Board opted to discontinue the SAT essay. Now, only students in a few states and school districts still have access to — and must complete — the SAT essay. This requirement applies to some students in the SAT School Day program, for instance, among other groups.

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Whether or not to write the SAT essay is not the biggest decision you will have to make in high school, but it is certainly one that requires thought on your part. Here are three things you should know about the 50-minute SAT essay as you decide whether to complete it:

• To excel on the SAT essay, you must be a trained reader.
• The SAT essay begs background knowledge of rhetoric and persuasive writing.
• A growing number of colleges are dropping standardized test requirements.

To Excel on the SAT Essay, You Must Be a Trained Reader

The SAT essay prompt never comes unaccompanied. On the contrary, it follows a text that is about 700 words long or approximately one page. Before test-takers can even plan their response, they must carefully read and – ideally – annotate the passage.

The multifaceted nature of the SAT essay prompt can be distressing to students who struggle with reading comprehension. But the good news is that this prompt is highly predictable: It always asks students to explain how the author builds his or her argument. In this case, "how” means which rhetorical devices are used, such as deductive reasoning, metaphors, etc.

Luckily, the author’s argument is usually spelled out in the prompt itself. For instance, consider this past SAT prompt : “Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved.”

Due to the essay prompt’s straightforward nature, students should read the passage with an eye toward specific devices used by the author rather than poring over “big ideas.” In tour SAT essay, aim to analyze at least two devices, with three being even better.

The SAT Essay Begs Background Knowledge of Rhetoric and Persuasive Writing

Since your SAT essay response must point to specific rhetorical devices that the author employs to convince the reader, you should make it a point to intimately know 10-15 common ones. The more familiar you are with rhetorical devices, the faster you will become at picking them out as you read texts.

Once you have read the passage and identified a handful of noteworthy rhetorical devices, you should apply many of the same essay-writing techniques you already use in your high school English classes.

For instance, you should start by brainstorming to see which devices you have the most to say about. After that, develop a concise thesis statement, incorporate quotes from the text, avoid wordiness and other infelicities of writing, close with an intriguing conclusion, and do everything else you could imagine your English teacher advising you to do.

Remember to always provide evidence from the text to support your claims. Finally, leave a few minutes at the end to review your essay for mistakes.

A Growing Number of Colleges Are Dropping Standardized Test Requirements

In recent years, some of America’s most prominent colleges and universities – including Ivy League institutions like Harvard University in Massachusetts, Princeton University in New Jersey and Yale University in Connecticut – have made submission of ACT and SAT scores optional.

While this trend began as early as 2018, the upheaval caused by COVID-19 has prompted many other schools to adopt a more lenient testing policy, as well.

Advocates for educational fairness have long expressed concerns that standardized admissions tests put underprivileged students at a disadvantage. In light of the coronavirus pandemic , which restricted exam access for almost all high school students, colleges have gotten on board with this idea by placing more emphasis on other factors in a student’s application.

To assess writing ability in alternative ways, colleges now place more emphasis on students’ grades in language-oriented subjects, as well as college application documents like the personal statement .

The fact that more colleges are lifting their ACT/SAT requirement does not imply that either test or any component of it is now obsolete. Students who must write the SAT essay can still stand to gain from doing so, especially those who wish to major in a writing-intensive field. The essay can also demonstrate a progression or upward trajectory in writing skills.

The SAT essay can give a boost to the college applications of the few students to whom it is still available. If the requirement applies to you, be sure to learn more about the SAT essay and practice it often as you prepare for your upcoming SAT.

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About College Admissions Playbook

Stressed about getting into college? College Admissions Playbook, authored by Varsity Tutors , offers prospective college students advice on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, SAT and ACT exams and the college application process. Varsity Tutors, an advertiser with U.S. News & World Report, is a live learning platform that connects students with personalized instruction to accelerate academic achievement. The company's end-to-end offerings also include mobile learning apps, online learning environments and other tutoring and test prep-focused technologies. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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Which Colleges Require SAT Essay in 2022-2023?

If you’re wondering which colleges require sat essay in 2022-2023, this guide has all you need to know — including how to decide whether to take the essay..

Updated by TCM Staff on 3rd September 2022

3rd September 2022

College Board has recently made major changes to the SAT essay that can affect your application

If there’s one thing that many college applicants tend to feel intimidated by, it’s the need to do well in standardized tests like the SAT. Although fewer colleges and universities continue to require the submission of standardized test scores, many still do require them. And if doing well in the SAT wasn’t stressful enough, some colleges also require the SAT essay — so there’s an additional bit of pressure to do well in that, too. If you’re one of the thousands of applicants wondering which colleges require SAT essay scores to be submitted, this comprehensive guide is for you.

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a centralized examination that evaluates examinees on four grounds: critical reading, writing, mathematics, and the optional SAT essay. 

However, College Board announced in January 2021 that it would stop offering the SAT essay effective immediately. This means that no more colleges require you to take the SAT with an essay.

Read on to find out everything you need to know, including what the SAT essay is, how it is scored, what schools require the SAT essay, and more information about the news from College Board.

What is the SAT Essay?

The SAT Essay is a supplementary segment of the centralized Scholastic Aptitude Test. 

If you’ve heard about the SAT and the essay before, then you might be asking the question “is the essay required on the SAT?” The answer is simple. 

There was a time when an essay was a required portion of the test and everyone simply had to take it as part of sitting for their SATs. Because it was pretty much a required section of the SAT during that time, all colleges that required the SAT also required the SAT essay.

The essay evaluates the candidate’s comprehensive, writing, and time management skills. An argumentative passage is laid out for the applicant to study, analyze, and summarize. College Board usually assembled sample  SAT essay prompts for assistance. During the essay, examinees are allotted 50 minutes to read the prompt, analyze it, and write their responses in essay form.

It’s worth mentioning, however, that College Board made the essay optional in 2016. For this reason, many colleges and universities began dropping it from their application requirements. Even then, many colleges and universities continued to require the essay or at least recommend students to take it and submit their scores alongside their application.

Editor’s note: College Board has made a big announcement in 2021 that renders this information invalid. See their announcement below.

How is the SAT Essay Scored?

To understand how the SAT essay is scored, we must first take a closer look at the essay itself.

Every SAT Essay is comprised of a passage around 650-750 words long. You are given 50 minutes to read, analyze, and then respond to this prompt. The primary purpose of these essays is the assessment of your analysis skills. Strong essays focus on how you use evidence and reasoning alongside any other rhetorical techniques in building your convincing argument.

Essays are the same in every test. The only thing that will change is the passage or prompt you’ll be tasked to respond to.

Once you’ve completed your essay, two scorers will evaluate it. These scorers must assign a score between 1 to 4 in the three categories of reading, analysis, and writing. Once the scorers give you their ratings, scores are added up to give you a total between 2 and 8 for each of the three categories. But what do the scores mean?

• Reading - Graders will score you based on how well they think your essay showed your understanding of the passage and whether you used textual evidence to demonstrate this understanding.
• Analysis - Your score in this section is determined by how well you have analyzed the text. It also considers how you performed in explaining this analysis with reasoning, evidence, and other rhetorical techniques for persuasion.
• Writing - Your writing score is effectively based on how well you’ve used language. It takes into consideration factors such as how skillful you were in crafting responses, how clear your essay’s structure is, how clear your essay’s point or thesis is, and so on.

Do Ivy League Schools Require the SAT Essay?

It may seem surprising, but if you look at which colleges require the SAT essay, you may notice that most top schools do not make it a requirement. 

In recent years, no Ivy League schools have required applicants to submit their SAT scores with the essay. The same applies to other prestigious top-notch schools such as Caltech, Stanford, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, NYU, MIT, and more. 

Many liberal arts colleges also did not require or recommend you take the SAT with the essay.

However, it’s not just the essay that a good number of schools have been dropping as a requirement.

Many Schools Have Been Dropping the SAT Requirement

Many colleges and universities have begun dropping the standardized test requirement entirely, including some highly prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University. These three institutions, among many others, have made SAT and ACT scores entirely optional in their application process. Submitting your scores will get them considered during these schools’ holistic admissions process, but your SAT scores will not put you at an advantage over others who have chosen not to submit theirs.

The trend of dropping standardized test scores as a requirement was noted even as early as 2018. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has accelerated this process and prompted plenty of other institutions to make their testing policies more lenient overall. This trend is welcomed by critics who have for a long time expressed how standardized testing might put underprivileged and underserved students at a disadvantage.

To compensate for dropping the standardized testing requirement, colleges and universities have instead started placing more weight on the other factors comprising a student’s application. For example, to test a student’s writing ability, colleges will look more closely at the applicant’s personal statement or their grades in subjects like English.

Editor’s note: It’s worth mentioning that some institutions, such as Harvard, have simply suspended the requirement for the coming years. However, there is no telling whether Harvard will actually reinstate this requirement after this suspension period.

College Board’s Massive Announcement in January 2021: No More SAT Essay

In a surprise announcement on January 2021, College Board stated that they are no longer offering SAT Subject Tests and the optional SAT essay. As such, both were discontinued effective immediately and were completely phased out from the SATs. Moving forward from that point, the SAT essay is no longer available — unless in circumstances outlined below.

Students from certain states may still be required to sit for the essays if it is a part of their SAT School Day administrations . 

Through SAT School Day administrations, College Board allows schools, districts, and states to offer their juniors and seniors an equalizing opportunity: sit for their SATs during a regular school day in their home school. 

Few states continue to require the essay during SAT School Day administrations. 

States that continue to require it in the academic year 2021 to 2022 include:

• New Hampshire

College Board advises that if you are scheduled to take your SATs on a school day, you should inquire with your school if the essay will be required.

Why Did College Board Discontinue the SAT Essay?

According to College Board in its FAQ , they chose to discontinue the SAT essay simply because they are adapting to students’ and colleges’ changing needs. College Board believes that discontinuing the essay allows for the streamlining of the entire process, especially for students who have more relevant methods or opportunities to show their reading, analysis, and writing skills.

College Board states that despite this discontinuation, they will continue measuring students’ writing and editing skills in other ways. An example would be the tasks on the SAT’s reading, writing, and language sections. If you wish to demonstrate your skills in reading, analysis, and writing, it may benefit you to prepare better for the pertinent SAT sections.

Should I Take the SAT Essay? How to Decide

At this point, you are no longer given the decision of whether to take the SAT essay or not. Unfortunately, since the essay has been entirely discontinued, you will not be able to sit for it anywhere. The exception, of course, is if the essay is included as part of your SAT School Day administration. And again, if the essay is included, you are simply required to take it, with no option to avoid it.

For this reason, if you are scheduled to take your SAT on a school day, you may want to check with your school guidance office and find out whether the essay will be required. Doing so well ahead of time can help you prepare well for the SAT essays so you can up your chances of getting a good score.

Which Colleges Require SAT Essay in 2022?

After all that news, you may still be wondering “which universities require SAT essay?”

In light of College Board’s huge announcement in January 2021 that eliminated SAT subject tests and essays entirely, it is no longer possible to take the SAT essay unless in certain circumstances. It is for this reason that no more colleges or universities require students to take the SAT essays .

However, if you do take the essay, you can continue to submit your scores alongside your application. Admissions officers may choose to consider your essay scores along with the rest of your application, though the choice to do so is almost always up to their discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any colleges require sat with essay.

There was a time that there were indeed colleges and universities that required applicants to submit their SAT scores with an essay. However, since January 2021, College Board no longer offers the SAT essay. If you’re wondering about colleges requiring SAT essay, as of today there are no longer any.

Is the SAT essay still required?

If you’re wondering what colleges require the SAT essay, the answer is none. In January 2021, College Board discontinued SAT subject tests and the otional SAT essay, which means no more schools require it.

Does UCLA require SAT with essay?

UCLA was previously one of the schools that require SAT essay from their applicants. However, this is no longer the case since the essays have been completely discontinued.

Is SAT essay required for Harvard?

For the past couple of years, Harvard has suspended its requirement for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT in their applications to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. Harvard has pushed this suspension to the 2026 application cycle. Harvard no longer requires the SAT essay either, but if you have managed to take it you can still submit your scores for consideration .

Does SAT essay affect your score?

Since the SAT essay became optional, it no longer affects your overall SAT score. Essay scores are shown separately on your report. Note that the optional essay has been discontinued since January of 2021, and you can only take the essay under rare special circumstances discussed in the article above.

If you’re in the middle of preparing your applications for your dream schools, it only makes sense to wonder which colleges require SAT essay. Only a year or so ago, there would’ve been a big list of colleges that require the SAT essay, despite it being an optional section of the standardized test. 

However, since College Board discontinued SAT subject tests and the optional essay in January of 2021, there are no longer any colleges requiring you to submit your essay scores with your application.  

If you have managed to take the essay, you may still be able to submit your scores for consideration. Good luck!

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SAT Changes 2023-2024: What You Need To Know

The SAT, a widely recognized standardized test used for college admissions in the United States, is undergoing changes in 2023 and 2024. These changes aim to improve the test and provide students with a fair and accurate measure of their college readiness. If you're planning to take the SAT during these years, it's crucial to stay informed about the updates to ensure you're well-prepared.

Here's what you need to know about the SAT changes in 2023-2024.

Content changes:.

The SAT will have some adjustments to its content starting in August 2023. The College Board, which administers the SAT, has indicated that the changes will focus on streamlining the test and aligning it more closely with what students are learning in school. While specific details of the content changes have not been released yet, it's important to be aware that there may be adjustments to the test's structure, question types, and emphasis on certain topics.

Optional Essay:

The SAT Essay, which was made optional in 2021, will no longer be offered starting in June 2023. This means that students taking the SAT will no longer have the option to complete the Essay section as part of their test. However, some colleges and universities may still require or recommend the SAT Essay as part of their admissions process, so it's essential to check the requirements of the schools you're interested in.

Digital Testing

The College Board has been gradually transitioning the SAT from a paper-and-pencil test to a digital format. By 2024, the SAT will be predominantly administered digitally, with paper testing options limited to certain circumstances. This means that students may need to take the test on a computer or other digital device, and it's important to familiarize yourself with the digital testing format and practice using it beforehand.

Score Reporting Changes

The College Board has introduced a new policy called "Score Choice" that allows students to choose which scores they want to send to colleges. Starting in September 2023, students will have the option to send only their best scores from individual sections of the SAT, rather than sending their entire test scores. This policy change provides more flexibility for students to strategically send their best scores to colleges, and it's important to understand how it may affect your score reporting strategy.

Fee Waivers

The College Board has also expanded access to fee waivers for eligible students, starting in the 2022-2023 school year. Fee waivers can help reduce or eliminate the costs associated with taking the SAT, including registration fees, late fees, and additional score reports. Students from low-income backgrounds or who meet other eligibility criteria may be eligible for fee waivers, and it's crucial to explore these options to ensure that cost is not a barrier to taking the SAT.

Test Dates and Deadlines

The SAT test dates and deadlines may also change in 2023-2024. It's essential to check the College Board's website for the most up-to-date information on test dates, registration deadlines, and other important dates related to the SAT. Planning ahead and registering early can help ensure that you secure a spot on your desired test date and avoid late registration fees.

Preparation Strategies

With the changes to the SAT, it's important to adapt your preparation strategies accordingly. As the test content may change, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest information from the College Board and adjust your study materials and strategies accordingly. Additionally, practicing with digital test formats, familiarizing yourself with the online tools and features, and taking practice tests in a digital format can help you prepare for the digital SAT.

When Are the SAT Changes 2023? 

The College Board has announced that the SAT changes for 2023 will be implemented starting in August 2023. This means that the updated content and format of the SAT, including the elimination of the optional Essay section and the introduction of digital testing, will be in effect from the August 2023 test administration onwards. It's important for students planning to take the SAT in or after August 2023 to familiarize themselves with the changes and prepare accordingly. It's also recommended to regularly check the College Board's website for the most up-to-date information on SAT test dates, registration deadlines, and other important updates.

Why Is the SAT Changing? 

The SAT is changing in response to feedback from students, educators, and colleges. The College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, aims to create an exam that is more relevant to students' learning and that reflects the skills needed for success in college and beyond. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to the college admissions process, leading to adjustments in standardized testing requirements and formats. The changes to the SAT aim to address these challenges and to provide a fair and accurate assessment of students' abilities.

What Are the Main Changes to the SAT? 

The main changes to the SAT in 2023 include:

Test format

The SAT will move from a paper-based test to a computer-based test. This means that students will take the test on a computer, rather than filling in a bubble sheet with a pencil.

Test content

The SAT will focus more on knowledge and skills that are important for college and career readiness. This includes a greater emphasis on math, as well as more advanced math topics like trigonometry and statistics.

The optional essay section of the SAT will be removed. This means that students will only take the main SAT test, which includes reading, writing and language, and math sections.

The overall test time will be reduced from 3 hours and 50 minutes to 3 hours. This includes removing the essay section and reducing the number of questions in other sections.

The SAT will return to the 1600-point scale, with separate scores for the math and reading/writing sections. The scoring system will also include subscores and cross-test scores to provide more detailed information about a student's performance.

Tips for Prepping for the Digital SAT

Preparing for the digital SAT requires some adjustments compared to preparing for the paper-based SAT. Here are some tips to help you effectively prep for the digital SAT:

Familiarize yourself with the digital format

Get comfortable with the computer-based testing environment by taking practice tests on a computer or a similar device. Familiarize yourself with the navigation tools, features, and functions of the digital SAT platform.

Practice time management

The digital SAT has a reduced overall test time, so practice managing your time effectively during the test. Pace yourself and make sure you are able to complete each section within the allocated time.

Enhance your digital skills

Since the digital SAT is taken on a computer, it's important to develop and improve your digital skills. Practice typing and using the on-screen tools effectively, such as highlighting, underlining, and flagging questions for review.

Practice with official digital SAT practice tests

College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, provides official digital SAT practice tests on their website. Utilize these practice tests to get a feel for the digital format and to practice your skills in a realistic testing environment.

Review test content thoroughly

Although the digital format may be different, the content of the SAT remains the same. Review all the test content thoroughly, including reading, writing and language, math, and any other sections that may be part of the SAT you are taking.

Use reliable study materials

Choose reputable study materials that are specifically designed for the digital SAT. Look for materials that closely mimic the format, content, and difficulty level of the actual test.

Take breaks

Just like with the paper-based SAT, taking breaks during your digital SAT prep can help you maintain focus and concentration. Take regular breaks during your study sessions to avoid burnout and to keep yourself refreshed.

Practice under test-like conditions

When taking practice tests, try to simulate test-like conditions as much as possible. Sit in a quiet environment, time yourself, and avoid distractions to create a realistic testing environment that closely resembles the actual test.

Analyze your practice test results

Review and analyze your practice test results to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on areas that need improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Seek additional help if needed

If you're struggling with certain concepts or sections of the test, don't hesitate to seek additional help. Consider getting a tutor, attending test prep classes, or utilizing online resources to reinforce your understanding of the material.

Preparing for the digital SAT requires adjusting to the computer-based format, but with practice and preparation, you can perform well on test day. Utilize these tips to effectively prep for the digital SAT and increase your chances of achieving a high score.

In conclusion, the SAT changes in 2023-2024 aim to make the exam more relevant, accessible, and equitable for all students. The key changes include a reduced number of questions, an optional essay section, and a focus on essential skills like analysis, problem-solving, and data analysis. The new digital format will also offer more flexibility and features for test-takers. To prepare for the new exam, students can take advantage of practice tests and resources available online, and work on developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Overall, the SAT changes are designed to better align with the needs and expectations of today's students and higher education institutions.

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How Long Is the SAT?

Last Updated on April 20, 2023

The SAT booklet is the same length and width as standard U.S. Letter paper. So, the SAT is about 11 inches long (and 8.5 inches wide) … Ha!

Now that we’re all smiling, let’s dive into the two closely interrelated meanings of “How long is the SAT?” that you came here for:

• Duration: How much time does the SAT take ?
• Total volume: How many questions are on the SAT?

We’ll also touch on other factors related to SAT timing, including scheduled start time, breaks, and proctors’ warnings.

Here are the topics we’ll cover:

What is the total testing time, how long does the sat last, start to finish, how long will i spend in the test center.

• What Warnings Will My Proctor Give?

When Should I Get to the Test Center?

Who completes the essay, what is the length of the sat with essay, what’s next.

Let’s start by taking a look at how long each section of the SAT is.

How Long Are the SAT Test Sections?

The 2022-2023 SAT will have four sections. As shown on the College Board website , the sections will always appear in the same order, with the following durations:

The total testing time for all four sections of the 2022-2023 SAT (without the essay)—for the test sections only, NOT counting breaks—is 180 minutes.

The total testing time for the 2022-2023 SAT (without the essay) is exactly 3 hours.

When Are the Breaks During the SAT?

There are two scheduled breaks between sections:

• Between Sections 1 and 2 , the two verbal sections, you’ll get a 10-minute break .
• Between Sections 3 and 4 , the two math sections , you’ll get a 5-minute break .

Pay attention to the designated areas where you need to stay during the SAT. During these two breaks, you’ll most likely be restricted to the testing area, restrooms, and the adjoining hallway. If you stray from the designated areas, or if you’re overheard discussing any part of the exam with others, you’ll be dismissed and your scores will be voided!

Including breaks, the 2022-2023 SAT will last 195 minutes, or 3 hours and 15 minutes.

This is definitely more of a marathon than a sprint! So, at home before the test, be sure to eat a nutritious, well-balanced meal that is rich in both protein and complex carbohydrates. (But don’t stuff yourself.) This type of meal will be the ideal breakfast to fuel your brain for the duration of the SAT, so you’re unlikely to ‘crash’ partway through the test or experience big swings in your alertness. A balanced breakfast can also help regulate your stress levels during the SAT .

From start to finish, including breaks, the 2022-2023 SAT lasts for 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The entire duration of your 2022-2023 SAT experience on test day will include the time needed for preliminary procedures: filling out your personal information on the answer sheet, signing and dating your forms, and going over rules and procedures with your proctor.

These initial formalities should take about half an hour, for a grand total of 3 hours and 45 minutes of closed-door time inside the test center.

Since you can be admitted up to 15 minutes early, you could be inside the test center for up to 4 hours.

How Can I Track Time During the SAT?

Your testing area should have at least one clock prominently displayed where you can easily see it without having to wheel around or crane your neck.

In addition, your proctor will issue a predetermined set of time cues out loud for all test-takers to hear.

What Time Warnings Will My Proctor Give?

Here is the entire slate of time cues that your proctor will be instructed to speak aloud.

SECTION 1: Reading (65 minutes)

At the beginning: Time starts now.

After 30 minutes: You have 35 minutes remaining in Section 1.

After 60 minutes: You have 5 minutes remaining in Section 1.

After 65 minutes: Please stop work and put your pencil down.

10-Minute Break

The proctor should post the clock time that ends the break, when testing will resume. The proctor will not be required to give any time cues out loud during the break.

SECTION 2: Writing & Language (35 minutes)

After 15 minutes: You have 20 minutes remaining in Section 2.

After 30 minutes: You have 5 minutes remaining in Section 2.

After 35 minutes: Please stop work and put your pencil down.

SECTION 3: Math, No Calculator (25 minutes)

After 10 minutes: You have 15 minutes remaining in Section 3.

After 20 minutes: You have 5 minutes remaining in Section 3.

After 25 minutes: Please stop work and put your pencil down.

5-Minute Break

The proctor should post the time when testing will resume. The proctor will not necessarily issue any cues aloud.

SECTION 4: Math, With Calculator (55 minutes)

After 25 minutes: You have 30 minutes remaining in Section 4.

After 50 minutes: You have 5 minutes remaining in Section 4.

After 55 minutes: Please stop work and put your pencil down.

Your proctor will issue spoken time warnings on the schedule above. These will be valuable no matter what, but especially if there is any issue with the clocks in your testing room.

For Saturday administrations of the 2022-2023 SAT, the doors at your test center will open by 7:45 AM. The doors will close at 8:00 AM sharp.

Don’t be late! If you arrive after the doors close, you’ll be turned away and your test will be canceled.

What About the Optional Essay?

The optional SAT essay of previous years is no more. The weekend administrations of the 2022-2023 SAT, on nationwide test dates, will not offer an essay section.

However, there is a small group of test-takers in certain states who will, in fact, see an essay on their 2022-2023 SAT. If you’re one of these test-takers, you’ll write the essay as an additional section, after you finish the four sections that make up the SAT without essay.

The only 2022-2023 SAT administrations with an essay will be given during school hours, in states that have adopted the SAT as part of their mandatory statewide 11th grade public-school assessment testing. These states are Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma.

If you’re a rising junior at a public high school in one of these states, you’ll take the SAT with essay at school sometime in March or April 2023. If that’s you, please check with your high school guidance counselor or your college admissions advisor for exact test dates and times.

If you’re one of the “chosen few” who will take the 2022-2023 SAT with essay, you’ll have all the same timings and proctor cues as above, plus an additional 2-minute break and a 50-minute period during which to plan and write your essay.

Therefore, for these in-school administrations, the following times apply:

• The total testing time will be 230 minutes (3 hours and 50 minutes).
• The total duration from start to finish will be 247 minutes (4 hours and 7 minutes).
• Your total time spent inside the testing area will be at least 277 minutes (4 hours and 37 minutes).

Good luck, and enjoy your test prep!

Now that you know everything about SAT testing time, check out some tips for motivating yourself to study for the SAT .

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Ron is an inveterate strategist who has always delighted in discovering ‘hacks’ in every corner of his life—cracking standardized tests, charting optimal routes through Southern California's infamous traffic, finding and negotiating bargains, tweaking his own diet and sleep patterns, and more. And in his very first teaching job, back in high school sharing SAT strategies with his own classmates, Ron found the same passion for paying his accumulated knowledge forward. Since those days, Ron has taught in high-school and college classrooms, coached youth track-and-field athletes, and, of course, made a career in test preparation. Ron enjoys long trips on the open road; a bewildering variety of music, from classical to hip-hop to forró to electrocumbia; sharp, well-fitted, and slightly idiosyncratic outfit choices, on himself and others alike; 105-115ºF (40-45ºC) summer days with endless sunshine; and, most of all, building a life with his wife, muse, and kindred spirit, Sarah.

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What Colleges Require the SAT Essay?

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If you’re going to be applying to college soon, there’s a good chance that you’re already thinking about the SAT. Most colleges still require standardized test scores, and millions of students across the country tackle this exam each year. 

As you begin your college search, it’s important to understand the exact standardized test requirements of the colleges on your list. Some will be test-optional . Others require scores from the SAT or ACT. In addition, some will require that you submit scores from the optional essay portions of these tests. There may also be schools that require or recommend SAT Subject Tests. Knowing the exact testing policy at each school you’re considering will help you plan your test taking strategy, and begin test prep well in advance. 

If you’re planning to take the SAT, you won’t want to miss this complete overview of what colleges require the SAT essay. 

What is the SAT Essay? How is it Scored?

Before we dive into which schools require it, let’s take a closer look at what exactly the SAT essay is, and how it is scored. 

On the SAT Essay, students are provided with a written argument that they must read and analyze. Students have 50 minutes to read the passage, plan the essay, and write their response. Most successful responses stick to the standard five-paragraph essay format. To see an example prompt and scoring rubric, check out the Essay Sample Questions on the College Board website. 

It’s important to note here that the SAT Essay score is separate from your overall composite SAT score. It does not impact the score ranging from 400-1600 as reported on your score report. Instead of being included in your composite score, it is provided in addition to it. 

The Essay is scored on a scale from 2-8 in three areas of evaluation—Reading, Analysis, and Writing. Each essay is reviewed by two scorers, and scores between 1-4 are awarded in each dimension. These scores are then added together so that you’ll receive three scores for the SAT Essay—one for each dimension—ranging from 2–8 points. A perfect score on the essay would be 8/8/8, but the mean score on the essay is a 5 for Reading and Writing, and 3 for Analysis. This means if you can achieve any score over 5/3/5, you have scored above average on the essay. For a more complete look at how the test is scored, don’t miss our post What is a Good SAT Essay Score?

Should I Take the SAT Essay?

First of all, the SAT essay is technically an optional section, so no, you are not required to take it. That being said, some colleges do require applicants to take the SAT with Essay. If you choose not to take the essay portion of the test, you will not be an eligible applicant for any of these schools. 

The SAT Essay used to be required at many top colleges, but it has become optional at many schools. Now, among elite schools, only the University of California schools require the Essay. Other selective colleges like Duke University, Amherst College, and Colby College recommend the Essay, but it’s not required. 

Take a look at the colleges on these lists, and see if there are any you plan to apply to. Also be sure to double-check on your schools’ webpages, as these policies can change. 

If you think you might change your mind about which schools you want to apply to, you should take the SAT Essay to leave those doors open. This is why we generally recommend taking the essay, regardless of whether or not it’s required. After all, you can’t go back and just take the SAT Essay if you decide to change your mind and apply to a school that requires it—you’d have to retake the entire SAT.

Some colleges don’t require the essay, but do recommend it. In these cases, we always direct students to do what the college recommends. 

That being said, there is currently no option to withhold your essay score if you do terribly on it. Your essay scores will always be reported with your other test scores from that day, even to colleges that don’t require them. 

What Colleges Require the SAT with Essay?

There colleges request scores from the SAT with Essay in order to apply.

Schools that Require the SAT Essay:

• All of the University of California schools
• Benedictine University
• City University London
• Delaware State University
• DeSales University
• Dominican University of California
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Howard University
• John Wesley University
• Kentucky State University
• Martin Luther College
• Molloy College
• Schreiner University
• Soka University of America
• Southern California Institute of Architecture
• Texas A&M University—Galveston
• United States Military Academy (West Point)
• University of North Texas
• West Virginia University Institute of Technology
• Western Carolina University

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These schools do not require the SAT Essay, but do recommend that students submit it. At CollegeVine, our best advice is to always follow a college’s recommendations. 

Schools that Recommend the SAT Essay:

• Abilene Christian University
• Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Allegheny College
• Amherst College
• Art Institute of Houston
• Augsburg University
• Austin College
• Caldwell University
• California State University, Northridge
• Central Connecticut State University
• Central Michigan University
• Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
• Coastal Carolina University
• Colby College
• College of Wooster
• Colorado School of Mines
• Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
• Corban University
• Cornerstone University
• Dallas Christian College
• Duke University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Eastern Nazarene College
• Easternn University
• Endicott College
• Five Towns College
• Gallaudet University
• George Washington University
• Georgia Highlands College
• Greenville University
• Gwynedd Mercy University
• High Point University
• Hofstra University
• Holy Family University
• Husson University
• Indiana University South Bend
• Indiana University Southeast
• Indiana Wesleyan University
• Inter American University of Puerto Rico: Barranquitas Campus
• Juilliard School
• Keiser University (West Palm Beach)
• Lehigh University
• Madonna University
• Manhattan College
• Marymount California University
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• McMurry University
• Mercy College
• Modern College of Design
• Montana Tech of the University of Montana
• Morehouse College
• Mount Saint Mary College
• Mount St. Joseph University
• National-Louis University
• New Jersey City University
• Nichols College
• North Park University
• Occidental College
• Ohio University
• Oregon State University
• Purdue University Northwest
• Randall University
• Randolph-Macon College
• Reading Area Community College
• Rowan University
• Rutgers University—Camden Campus
• Rutgers University—Newark Campus
• Saint Michael’s College
• Sciences Po
• Seton Hill University
• Shiloh University
• Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
• Silver Lake College of the Holy Family
• Southern Illinois University of Carbondale
• Southern Oregon University
• Spring Hill College
• Sul Ross State University
• SUNY Farmingdale State College
• SUNY University at Stony Brook
• Tarleton State University
• Texas A&M International University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas State University
• The King’s College
• United States Air Force Academy
• University of Evansville
• University of La Verne
• University of Mary Hardin—Baylor
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Minnesota: Twin Cities
• University of New England
• University of Northwestern—St. Paul
• University of the Virgin Islands
• University of Toledo
• University of Washington Bothell
• VanderCook College of Music
• Virginia Union University
• Wabash College
• Webb Institute
• Webber International University
• Wesleyan College
• William Jewell College

If any of the schools you are considering appear on either of the lists above, we recommend taking the SAT with Essay. In fact, we recommend that most, if not all, students take the SAT essay since it leaves more doors open in your college search. However, if you’re absolutely sure you won’t be applying to colleges that require or recommend the SAT with Essay, you can skip it.

Regardless, as you consider which colleges to add to your list, you’ll want to be certain you know what colleges require the SAT essay so that you can plan ahead for this part of your test. 

For help figuring out which schools might be a great fit for you, don’t miss our customized and innovative Chancing Engine and School List Generator . Here, we use a proprietary algorithm backed by over 100,000 data points to develop a school list based on your real admissions chances and preferences.

Want to know how your SAT score impacts your chances of acceptance to your dream schools? Our free Chancing Engine will not only help you predict your odds, but also let you know how you stack up against other applicants, and which aspects of your profile to improve. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to gain access to our Chancing Engine and get a jumpstart on your college strategy!

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Your Complete SAT Guide for 2023

Bonus Material: PrepMaven’s SAT Guide

Looking for an industry-leading SAT guide? You’ve come to the right place!

If you’re applying to college, you’re likely planning on taking either the SAT or the ACT .

Navigating either test can be challenging, especially for students who are unfamiliar with standardized tests! If you’re taking the SAT, you likely have a lot of questions.

What even is the SAT? How is it scored? How do you prepare for the SAT?

We spend a lot of time researching, creating, and publishing high-quality SAT content. Hundreds of people (like you!) consume and download our SAT guides and workbooks. Every day.

As a result, we’ve become a top resource for the SAT, and we consult with schools and families on a regular basis. 

This SAT Guide highlights some of our best research and addresses the most frequently asked questions about taking the SAT. Plus, we give readers access to our free SAT Guidebook, which is even more comprehensive. Grab it below now if you’d like!

Bonus Material: PrepMaven’s SAT Guidebook

• Details about SAT scoring, content, testing options, and more
• An introduction to PrepMaven’s SAT strategies
• Information about SAT prep resources
• Application essentials for the top U.S. colleges

Click here to download a copy of our digital guide!

Here’s what we cover in this SAT guide post:

• What’s on the SAT?
• SAT Scoring
• SAT vs. ACT
• Registering for the SAT
• Standard SAT Test Dates
• SAT Testing Accommodations
• Next Steps: The Ultimate SAT Guide

SAT Guide Part 1: The SAT in a Nutshell

The SAT is a college entrance exam administered by a company called the College Board . 

It is a critical component of college admissions, which means that many U.S. colleges and universities require applicants to submit SAT test scores as part of their application.

According to the College Board , the SAT is “focused on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education” and measures what students learn in high school and what they need to succeed in college. 

Not all colleges require standardized test scores from applicants–an increasing number are test-optional or test-flexible . But some may still consider SAT scores for other purposes, including:

• Advising and placement
• Financial aid and scholarships
• Athletic recruitment

What weight do U.S. colleges place on standardized test scores when reviewing applications?

This is a hard question to answer. Most institutions aren’t that forthcoming when it comes to discussing what they prioritize in making their admission decisions. There is some data available, however, for certain schools.

In a Common Data Set from 2019-2020 , for example, the University of Notre Dame specifies the following:

• Standardized test scores are “important” to the admissions decision (but not “very important”)
• The university does make use of SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Test scores in admission decisions 
• The university uses the SAT essay or ACT essay for advising purposes only (but does not require it)

Such data sets are not available for all U.S. colleges and universities. However, it is safe to assume that, if required, SAT or ACT scores can range from slightly to very important in informing the college admissions decision.

1) What’s on the SAT?

There are five sections on the SAT:

• SAT Evidence-Based Reading
• SAT Writing & Language
• SAT Math: No-Calculator
• SAT Math: Calculator
• SAT Essay ( optional and to be discontinued mid-2021 )

Here’s the timing and question breakdown for each of these section:

SAT Section 1: Evidence-Based Reading 

On SAT Evidence-Based Reading , students have 65 minutes to answer 52 questions. Those 52 questions are associated with 5 passages of varying length. Each passage comes with 9-10 questions. 

In general, students can expect to see passages from the following genres:

• Literary narrative (1)
• Science (2)
• History / Social Studies (2)

One of these five passages will be a dual passage. This means that students will actually have to read and compare two shorter passages.

It’s important to note that the literary narrative passage will always come first. The other passages, however, can take any order.

The Evidence-Based Reading section will ask students questions that zero in on the most important aspects of each passage. Of course, “most important” is a relative phrase! What does “important” mean in the eyes of the College Board?

In general, the most important aspects of each SAT passage will include:

• Author’s purpose
• Literal comprehension

Students can, accordingly, expect to see the following question types:

This means that students should really work to find evidence for every answer they select. Remember that the Reading section of the SAT is called the Evidence-Based Reading section for a reason. The College Board has even incorporated a question type–Command of Evidence–that reinforces this process:

This also means that there is no outside content knowledge required for this section (unlike Math and Writing & Language). It is purely strategy-based. 

Pro-tip: For more insight into SAT Reading, check out these 16 easy SAT Reading tips or this SAT Reading passage walk-through .

SAT Section 2: SAT Writing & Language

The SAT Writing & Language section is the second section of the SAT.

On this section, students have 35 minutes to answer 44 questions. This section consists of four passages of various topics. Unlike the Reading section, however, questions occur throughout each passage, rather than at the end.

Here’s what this looks like:

The Writing & Language section does require content knowledge and understanding of effective writing principles. Students can thus expect half of those 44 questions to concern straight-up grammar and punctuation.

The other half will cover general writing strategies, such as writing effective introductions & conclusions, using appropriate transition words, and analyzing evidence.

We’ve broken these categories into concepts in the following chart.

What’s the easiest way to tell the difference between an Expression of Ideas and English Conventions question on SAT Writing and Language? In general, most Expression of Ideas questions will have a question in front of them:

Most Conventions questions do not have a question in front of them:

SAT Section 3: SAT Math (No Calculator)

There are two math sections on the SAT:

• No Calculator Permitted
• Calculator Permitted

SAT Math – No-Calculator is shorter, with only 20 questions to be completed in 25 minutes. 

The first 15 questions are standard multiple-choice. The final 5 questions, however, are grid-in questions. For these questions, students must supply their own answers in the provided grid:

Questions on SAT Math always go in order of increasing difficulty. The savvy SAT test taker can use this structure to her advantage, prioritizing those easier (i.e., earlier) questions first!

Yes, you can complete all questions on the No-Calculator section without a calculator–as daunting as that sounds.

In general, students can expect to see questions from the following four content areas:

Common algebra topics include:

• Single Equations
• Simplification
• Substitution
• Percentages
• Inequalities

Common geometry questions include:

• Volume / Area

“Advanced Math” on the SAT is not necessarily the same as “Advanced Math” in high school. In fact, the College Board calls these questions “ Passport to Advanced Math ” questions. Many of these can be classified as advanced algebra questions.

SAT Advanced Math topics include:

• Polynomials
• Systems of Equations
• Translating Words into Math
• Fractions 
• Ratios 
• Imaginary Numbers
• Square Roots

SAT Section 4: SAT Math (Calculator)

The second math section of the SAT is longer. It permits students to use a calculator to complete its 38 questions in 55 minutes. Just like the No-Calculator Math section, the questions here are arranged in order of increasing difficulty.

The first 30 questions are multiple-choice. Questions 31-38 are grid-in questions.

Content on the Calculator section will be largely similar to what students see on the No-Calculator section. The primary difference lies in how frequently certain content areas are tested. Check out this chart as an example:

Notice how the Calculator section is particularly heavy with respect to data analysis, often in the form of Charts and Graphs questions. It also still contains quite a lot of algebra.

Students rarely encounter extensive geometry or trigonometry questions here. Indeed, many students realize that SAT Math can be pretty wordy, requiring some active translation and complex problem-solving. This is all part of the College Board’s attempt to give students “real-world math” on the SAT.

SAT Section 5: The Essay (Optional)

The fifth and final section of the SAT is the essay. It is optional, and as of January 2021, the College Board will also be discontinuing the SAT essay following the June 2021 SAT administration.

We wont spend much time on it here for that reason, but encourage students taking the essay in June 2021 to check out the following posts:

• How to Get a High Score on the SAT Essay
• The SAT Essay: What to Expect
• Should You take the SAT/ACT Essay?

2) SAT Scoring

So how is the SAT scored ?

SAT test takers can earn a maximum score of 1600 on the SAT and minimum of 400 . This composite score is a combination of students’ CR/WR and Math scores.

A student’s scores on SAT Reading and SAT Writing & Language are combined into an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score on a scale of 200 – 800. (This section score does not include the SAT essay.)

For SAT Math, test graders calculate how many total questions a student gets right on both of the Math sections. They then convert this raw score to a sectional score. On SAT Math, a student can earn a minimum section score of 400 and maximum of 800.

Unlike the rest of the test, the SAT essay ( which will be discontinued after June 2021 ) does not have a composite score. Two separate readers give each student a score between 1 and 4 for three categories: reading, analysis, and writing. The SAT test graders then add these two sets of scores together per category. Students can thus receive a score of 2 – 8 on each of the three sections.

SAT Percentiles

There’s one more aspect to scoring on the SAT that parents and students should emphasize throughout their test prep: SAT percentiles.

When students receive their SAT score reports, they will also receive percentages based on their performance. Students receive sectional percentiles and composite percentiles.

These are quite different from high school percentages, which often translate directly to how many questions students got right . SAT percentiles reflect the percentage of test-takers an individual student out-performed. An SAT composite percentile of 77%, for example, signifies that a test-taker earned a higher score than 77% of all students who took that particular test.

Percentiles are important, especially when assessing eligibility for more competitive colleges. When it comes to test prep, however, it is often more valuable to establish a goal score range rather than a goal percentile range.

A “Good” SAT Score

Students taking the SAT for the first time often ask what a good SAT score is , and what they need to do to get this score. We have two definitions for a “good” SAT score:

• “Good” is anything that is “above average” with sectional scores and percentile rankings
• “Good” is anything that will look competitive on a college application

Definition #1: The Above Average SAT Score

With this definition, in very basic terms, a good SAT score for 2020 could be anything above 1059 . This was the average national composite SAT score for the graduating class of 2019.

A good SAT CR/WR score could be anything above 531 and a good SAT Math score could be above 528 , based on the same data released by the CollegeBoard . 

An SAT score–composite or section–always comes attached to a percentile ranking. This percentile indicates the percentage of comparison students an individual test-taker out-performed. There are two comparison groups: “SAT Users” (actual SAT test-takers from the classes of 2018 and 2019) and a “nationally representative sample.”

A student who scores 1350 on the SAT, for example, will likely have a composite percentile of 94 (nationally representative sample) and 91 (SAT user percentile). This means that this student out-performed roughly 91-94% of SAT test-takers in these two comparison groups.

SAT scores are also usually normally distributed. This means that the bulk of students’ composite SAT scores hover around the middle of the curve. Far fewer scores appear on the higher or lower end of the SAT score range between 400 and 1600.

The middle-of-the-road (or median) SAT composite percentile is the 50th. Students in this percentile range out-performed 50% of all test-takers and under-performed 50% of all test-takers. Students with a 1080 SAT composite are in this 50th percentile.

What does this mean? Students who score higher than 1080 on the SAT are above average nationally from a percentile basis. These students also hold a 51% or higher SAT percentile. Thus, a great SAT score on a national scale is above 1080. 

As a point of reference, in 2018, students in the 75th SAT percentile scored about 1215. This is nearly 400 points away from a perfect score, and yet it is a higher score than 75% of all test-takers achieved! 

Definition #2: The College Competitive SAT Score

In the context of college entrance, one student’s “good” SAT score could be vastly different than another student’s. It just comes down to where you are applying and the average SAT scores of admitted applicants.

So, we like to say that, under this definition, a ‘good SAT score’ is the one that is right for you given your college aspirations. This will probably be close to the SAT scores of admitted applicants. 

If a student is aspiring to attend a highly selective institution like Princeton University, for example, a “good” SAT score likely surpasses the 90th percentile. 

Plenty of universities specify score ranges and percentiles of successful applicants on their websites (although some are not public with this information). Most do so by specifying the ‘Middle 50,’ or the 25th and 75th percentile of accepted students’ SAT scores– this is not to be confused with SAT score report percentiles! 

Here’s a sampling of the Middle 50s from various elite institutions:

When researching competitive applicant SAT scores, keep in mind range . Successful Vanderbilt applicants, for example, often have an SAT CR/WR section score of 710-770. Successful Barnard College applicants have an SAT CR/WR section score between 660 and 760.

Those ranges are actually significant. Yes, the higher your score in these cases, the better. But, technically, students on the lower end of these ranges still earned acceptance!

3) SAT vs. ACT

All U.S. colleges and universities accept ACT and SAT scores equally. So which test should you take?

The answer to that question depends upon your personal strengths. At the end of the day, you’ll want to take the test most likely to give you the highest possible score.

You can learn more about choosing your best fit test–as well as 5 easy questions to ask to do so–in our detailed post, Should I Take the SAT or ACT? . We also encourage students to download our 2021 SAT Guidebook, which includes all of the information in this post (and more), absolutely free .

SAT Guide Part 2: Preparing for the SAT

So far in this SAT guide, we’ve discussed the fundamentals of the test itself, including its format, scoring, and relevance in the context of college admissions.

In the second part of this SAT guide, it’s time to discuss what it means to prepare for this college entrance exam.

Students can prepare for the SAT in a variety of ways. Yet in our many years of helping students succeed on the SAT and earn acceptance into their dream schools, we have learned that effective test prep boils down to three things:

1) Timeline

How much time students allocate to SAT test prep has to do with a lot of things, including:

• When they take the SAT for the first time
• When they take it for the final time
• When they intend to apply to college
• How many times they take the SAT
• Their target SAT score

When should I take the SAT for the first time?

In December 2017, we polled 89 of our tutors, the vast majority of whom were Princeton undergraduates or graduates. 80% of our tutors polled took the test for the first time sometime in Junior year, with Fall and Spring the most popular times.

Determining your first official testing date, however, has a lot to do with your college application timeline, which we discuss in our responses to the next questions.

Students should also plan to take the SAT for the first time after they’ve finished Algebra 2, as much of the test’s math content spans this subject area.

What is my latest possible testing date?

Answering this question can be vital for helping students establish a viable test prep timeline. The latest possible testing date is often the last SAT a student can take and still be able to submit official scores to colleges. Most schools will also indicate on their websites latest recommended testing dates.

When do I intend to apply to college?

Do you intend to submit regular decision applications? Early action? Early decision? A mix of all of the above? Whatever the case, be aware of application deadlines and school policies for final testing dates. 

For most schools:

• Regular Decision deadline = January 1st
• Early Action/Early Decision deadline = November 1st

It usually takes about a month after your testing date before schools receive your scores, so these are the latest recommended testing dates:

• December SAT if applying Regular Decision
• October SAT if applying Early Action/Early Decision

How many times should I take the SAT?

75% of our polled tutors took the SAT or ACT between 2 to 4 times. The ideal situation is to crush the test on the first try and be done with it. Realistically, you’ll probably need to take the test several times even if you’re hitting your target scores in practice.

Multiple testing dates are also likely to reduce test anxiety and mitigate potential unforeseen circumstances (i.e., getting sick). Students who take the SAT multiple times can also take advantage of Superscoring and Score Choice.

What is my target SAT score?

A target SAT score is essential for effective prep. It gives students a direction and can significantly impact their prep timeline.

To establish your target score, start by taking a diagnostic practice SAT and investigating the score ranges of competitive applicants to the schools on your list.

How much time should I plan between testing dates?

After receiving your scores, you might be super close to your target scores. In this case, you’ll probably want to sign up for the next available testing date. If you feel like you still have a lot of improvement to make, you might want to give yourself a couple more months before re-testing.

If possible, avoid scheduling back-to-back testing dates if they are only a month apart. Ideally, you’ll first want to receive your scores back before figuring out the best strategy moving forward.

We recommend planning several months between official SAT testing dates. Be sure to keep in mind potential scheduling constraints, including:

• Junior year workload
• SAT 2 Subject Tests (you cannot take the SAT and SAT 2 subject tests on the same date)
• College applications
• Summer activities
• Extracurricular obligations

How many hours should I plan on studying for the SAT?

Having an understanding of how many hours you plan on studying will help you plan out your study schedule and determine how soon you can take your first test. In general, we recommend:

• Minimum of 20 hrs
• Target of 40 hrs
• Ideal of 80 hrs
• Superstars put in 120+ hrs

Let’s say you want to get in 80 hours of studying before your first test and want to to take advantage of summer break. A 2-month study schedule might look like:

• 5 days/week

80 hours sound like a lot, but it’s more than doable if spread out over a period of time. In this scenario, you would be in great shape to take your first test at the end of the summer/ early fall. We do not recommend showing up cold to your first test without any preparation.

2) Practice

Consistent practice is essential for effective SAT prep, especially when it comes to assessing progress, building stamina, and maintaining grasp of content and strategies. Besides setting aside a sufficient timeline for their SAT prep, students should also make sure they have the right resources to set them up for success.

These include:

• Official practice tests
• Other practice materials
• Private tutoring and/or group classes

Official Practice Tests

The College Board has released several official practice tests , which you can find for free on their website or right here .

These are excellent resources for every test-taker, because they allow students to apply what they’ve learned to test-like questions.

They also serve as fantastic benchmarks. Students should start their SAT prep, for example, by taking a practice test, which can serve as a diagnostic of where they stand score-wise. Taking regular practice tests throughout a prep timeline can also be vital for assessing progress and honing specific skills.

Practice Materials

There are scores of other SAT prep resources out there. How do you know which ones to choose? We want to emphasize that it’s vital to prep as close to the source as possible. For this reason, we always encourage our students to utilize College Board resources first and foremost. 

This includes the following:

• The Official SAT Study Guide (2021): Book
• College Board Practice Tests
• Khan Academy (SAT Content)
• The College Board’s Daily Practice App

With the exception of the Official SAT Study Guide book, all of these resources are free to SAT students. 

When it comes to other resources, keep in mind that these are not as likely to be as representative of the official exam (although they can still prove helpful). Use these as a last resort, and be mindful that practice test scores may not be reflective of your current abilities. 

We recommend supplementing College Board official SAT practice with targeted content work through various reputable third parties. 

Online resources include:

• The Art of Problem Solving (math, $$)
• IXL (math and language arts, $)
• Khan Academy : General Math Topics and English Grammar (free)
• No Red Ink (writing & grammar, $)

Text resources include:

• Erica Meltzer’s guides to SAT Critical Reading and Grammar ($)
• The College Panda’s SAT Math books ($)

Private Tutoring & Group Classes

We strongly encourage test-takers to enlist the help of experts in preparing for this tough test! There are lots of options out there for this, but we find that our students have the most success when working with a private tutor and/or enrolling in a group class. At PrepMaven, we offer both!

3) Strategy

The SAT is a standardized test, which means that it is predictable in many ways. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be considered a fair benchmark in college admissions!

This also means that successful test-takers must rely on strategy as much as content knowledge. This is especially the case for the Evidence-Based Reading section, which is entirely strategy-based.

But strategy also relates to your overall approach to this standardized test. Students should spend significant time learning the test, much as they would learn a second language, and plan to take the test at least twice over a generous timeline.

Doing so can help them pinpoint their specific strengths and weaknesses, hone these strengths, and earn a competitive score.

We’ve compiled the very best strategies for all sections of the SAT–and by the very best, we mean the very best! We’ve seen these strategies help students achieve (or surpass) their target scores time and again.

Strategies for SAT Reading

• 16 Easy SAT Reading Tips to Get a High Score
• 5 Things You Should Know About SAT Reading
• SAT Reading: Passage Walk-Through

Strategies for SAT Writing & Language

• Your Complete Guide to the 13 SAT Grammar Rules
• Your Introductory Guide to SAT Writing & Language

Strategies for SAT Math

• SAT Math Tips
• SAT Math (No-Calculator) Tips
• SAT Geometry Strategies & Practice Questions

Strategies for the SAT Essay

Sat guide part 3: taking the sat.

At this point in this SAT guide, you’ve learned the basics about the SAT and how to prepare for this challenging test. Now it’s time to discuss the more administrative aspects of taking the SAT so you can feel extra confident on Test Day!

1) Registering for the SAT

Students can register for an official SAT either online or by mail. For ease and convenience, we strongly recommend that students register online.

Some schools offer SAT administrations on-site. For School Day administrations , students should check with their guidance counselors, as schools themselves will handle registration for these administrations.

Here’s how you register for an SAT administration online:

• Choose your test date (discussed in the next section).
• Create a free College Board account and log in to this account .
• Provide your full legal name and other “identifying information.” This information should match your photo ID.
• You’ll be asked other questions related to your interests and prospective colleges. These are entirely optional, but may be worth answering if you’re interested in colleges and scholarship organizations finding you.
• Sign up for the SAT Essay if applicable.
• Choose your test center location.
• Upload a photo of yourself that meets specific requirements.
• Check out and print your Admission ticket!

Depending upon your circumstances, you might need to enter the following additional registration information:

• If you’re using a fee waiver, enter the identification number on your fee waiver card.
• If you’ve been approved by the College Board to test with accommodations, enter the SSD number on your eligibility letter.
• If you’re home-schooled, enter 970000 when asked for a high school code.

Photo Requirements

The College Board is very strict when it comes to the photo that you’ll have to upload for registration. If your photo doesn’t meet these requirements, you won’t be allowed to test .

Here is what the College Board says is acceptable for your photo, which can be recent or taken at the time of registration:

• You’re easy to recognize.
• You’re the only one in the picture.
• There’s a head-and-shoulders view, with the entire face, both eyes, and hair clearly visible; head coverings worn for religious purposes are allowed.
• You’re in focus.
• There are no dark spots or shadows.
• Black-and-white photos are acceptable.

You won’t be allowed to test if any of the following is the case with your photo:

• One or both of your eyes are not visible or blocked (for example, if you are wearing sunglasses).
• Photos include more than one person.
• Poor photo quality makes you unrecognizable.
• You are wearing a hat or head covering that is not worn for religious purposes.
• Your photo has been digitally altered or tampered with in any other way.

ID Requirements

ID documents that students bring to at testing center must meet all of these requirements:

• Be a valid (unexpired) photo ID that is government-issued or issued by the school that you currently attend. School IDs from the prior school year are valid through December of the current calendar year. (For example, school IDs from 2015-16 can be used through December 31, 2016.)
• Be an original, physical document (not photocopied or electronic).
• Bear your full, legal name exactly as it appears on your Admission Ticket, including the order of the names.
• Bear a recent recognizable photograph that clearly matches both your appearance on test day and the photo on your Admission Ticket.
• Be in good condition, with clearly legible English language text and a clearly visible photograph.

Students will have to pay to register for the SAT. For standard registration, here’s what that looks like:

• Standard SAT without Essay: $52
• Standard SAT with Essay: $68

Students will have to pay extra fees for the following (full list and specifics on the College Board’s website ):

• Registering by phone
• Late registration
• Changes to registration
• Waitlist fees
• Score services

Fee waivers are available for many of these! Here’s what the College Board says about fee waivers :

SAT fee waivers are available to low-income 11th and 12th grade students in the U.S. or U.S. territories. U.S. citizens living outside the country may be able to have test fees waived.

You’re eligible for fee waivers if you say “yes” to any of the following:

• You’re enrolled in or eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
• Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
• You’re enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., Federal TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
• Your family receives public assistance.
• You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or are homeless.
• You are a ward of the state or an orphan.

2) Standard SAT Test Dates

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College Board has offered new test dates in an effort to give students as many opportunities as possible to take the test. That is why we encourage students to check the College Board’s website for the most recent and up-to-date information regarding testing dates.

At the time of writing this SAT guide, students anticipating taking the SAT in 2021 and/or 2022 will be able to do so on the following test dates:

• August 28, 2021
• October 2, 2021
• November 6, 2021
• December 4, 2021
• March 12, 2022
• May 7, 2022
• June 4, 2022

Registration deadlines are often a month prior to the official testing date. Students can register late for an added fee, and make changes to their registration often 10-14 days prior to the official testing date. Students can use this tool on the College Board’s website for locating a nearby testing center.

3) SAT Testing Accommodations

The SAT is a marathon of a standardized test! For students with learning challenges, it can be incredibly difficult to get through each of these sections in the time and minimal breaks allotted. The generic paper-and-pencil format of the SAT may also be an obstacle for students with sight impairment and/or other disabilities.

To ensure that such students are not at a disadvantage when taking the test, the SAT offers testing accommodations. These may include extended time, for example, or extra breaks, as well as accommodations for seeing and reading.

Accommodations apply to any test the College Board publishes, including the SAT, AP exams, SAT subject tests, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT.

Students must meet the College Board’s eligibility requirements in order to apply for (and ultimately receive) testing accommodations:

“Some students with documented disabilities are eligible for accommodations on College Board exams. Students cannot take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams with accommodations unless their request for accommodations has been approved by Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).”

The College Board boils this eligibility down to four criteria:

• Applicants must have a documented disability
• Participation in a College Board exam is impacted
• Students need the requested accommodation
• Applicants receive accommodation on school tests

Because requesting SAT testing accommodations can be complex and confusing, we’ve written an entire post about it –a valuable resource for students and families!

Work with an expert SAT tutor this 2021

In this SAT Guide, we’ve walked you through the ins and outs of the SAT, from what the test actually is to how to prepare for it. Now you have a great foundation for beginning your SAT prep!

To accelerate that prep, we encourage students to turn to the ultimate guide: a PrepMaven SAT tutor.

The SAT is a very specific test that is unlike any high school exam out there. Success on the SAT often boils down to gaining a deep understanding of the test itself and following through with a methodical preparation plan, which requires time and expert guidance.

Working one-on-one with an SAT tutor is the fastest and most effective way of preparing for the SAT–and getting that much closer to a competitive score.

At PrepMaven, we’re here to match students with the very best tutors in the industry, many of whom are Ivy League graduates. Learn more about SAT private tutoring with PrepMaven or our SAT Masterclass and Bootcamp offerings today!

Greg & Kevin

Greg and Kevin, Princeton graduates (and brothers) with over 20 years of education experience, are co-founders of PrepMaven and Princeton Tutoring. They apply research-backed problem-solving skills to the test prep and college preparation process. They also place a heavy emphasis on personal development, character, and service for successful college preparation.

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Your Guide: How Long is the SAT Without Essay?

Are you wondering about the duration of the SAT without the essay section? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the length of the SAT, its sections, and effective preparation strategies. Taking the SAT is an important step in your academic journey, and understanding the timing and structure of the test can help you maximize your performance. Let’s dive in!

• The SAT without the essay section is approximately 3 hours long, excluding breaks.
• The test consists of three main sections: reading, writing and language, and math.
• The reading section is 65 minutes, the writing and language section is 35 minutes, and the math section varies depending on whether a calculator is allowed.
• The essay section is optional and adds an additional 50 minutes to the test duration.
• Time management is crucial; prioritize easier questions first and utilize guessing strategies as there is no longer a penalty for guessing.

Now that you have a general understanding of the SAT duration without the essay section, let’s delve deeper into each section and explore effective strategies for success. By familiarizing yourself with the format and optimizing your time management skills, you can approach the SAT with confidence and achieve your desired results. Let’s get started!

Understanding the SAT Format

The SAT without the essay section lasts approximately 3 hours, excluding breaks, and features different sections with specific time allocations for reading, writing and language, and math. Let’s take a closer look at each section of the exam to understand the duration and format.

Reading Section:

The reading section of the SAT without the essay is 65 minutes long and consists of 52 questions. It assesses your reading comprehension skills through a variety of passages, such as literary fiction, social sciences, and natural sciences. The questions test your ability to analyze, interpret, and draw inferences from the given information.

Writing and Language Section:

The writing and language section allows 35 minutes for you to answer 44 questions. This section evaluates your ability to identify grammatical errors, improve sentence structure, and revise passages for clarity and coherence. It covers topics like grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills necessary for effective writing.

Math Sections:

The math portion of the SAT is divided into two sections: one without a calculator and the other with a calculator. The section without a calculator gives you 25 minutes to solve 20 questions, testing your ability to apply mathematical concepts and solve problems without the aid of a calculator. The section with a calculator provides 55 minutes to answer 38 questions, allowing you to use a calculator for more complex calculations.

These sections provide a breakdown of the SAT without the essay, highlighting the time limits and question counts. It is essential to manage your time effectively during the test to ensure you complete each section within the allocated duration.

To optimize your performance, prioritize answering easier questions first and allocate sufficient time for more challenging ones. Remember, there is no longer a penalty for guessing, so make sure to answer as many questions as possible. Preparing for the SAT with practice tests, understanding the test format, and getting enough rest are all key factors in performing well.

In the next section, we will delve into the reading section of the SAT without the essay, providing tips and strategies to tackle this part of the exam effectively.

Breakdown of the Reading Section

The reading section of the SAT without the essay consists of 65 minutes and includes 52 questions, testing your comprehension and critical analysis skills. This section evaluates your ability to understand and interpret various types of texts, such as passages from literature, social sciences, and natural sciences. It also assesses your ability to draw inferences, analyze arguments, and identify main ideas and supporting evidence.

During this section, you will encounter different question formats, including multiple-choice questions and passage-based questions. The passage-based questions require you to refer back to specific parts of the text to answer questions accurately. It is crucial to read the passages carefully and actively engage with the content to grasp the author’s main points and arguments.

To excel in the reading section, it is advisable to practice reading and analyzing complex texts regularly. Developing strong reading comprehension skills and effective strategies, such as skimming and scanning, can significantly improve your performance. Remember to manage your time wisely, as pacing yourself is essential to complete all the questions within the given time frame.

Key Takeaways:

• The reading section of the SAT without the essay lasts for 65 minutes and contains 52 questions.
• You need to demonstrate your comprehension and critical analysis skills.
• Practice actively engaging with various types of texts to improve your performance.
• Develop effective reading strategies and manage your time wisely during this section.

Strategies for the Writing and Language Section

With 35 minutes and 44 questions, the writing and language section of the SAT without the essay demands strong grammar and editing skills. Here are some strategies to help you excel in this section:

• Read the Passage Carefully: Before diving into the questions, take the time to read the passage thoroughly. Pay attention to the main idea, tone, and structure of the writing. This will help you better understand the context and make informed decisions.
• Focus on Grammar: This section tests your command of grammar rules. Pay attention to subjects, verb agreement, tenses, pronouns, and modifiers. Brushing up on grammar rules beforehand can greatly improve your performance.
• Manage Your Time: Time management is crucial in this section. Aim to spend no more than a minute on each question. If you’re stuck on a particular question, don’t dwell on it. Make an educated guess and move on to maximize your chances of answering all the questions.

Additionally, here’s a breakdown of the question types you might encounter in the writing and language section:

By implementing these strategies and familiarizing yourself with the question types, you can approach the writing and language section of the SAT without the essay with confidence. Remember to practice regularly, review grammar rules, and manage your time effectively to optimize your performance.

Navigating the Math Sections

The SAT without the essay includes two math sections, one without a calculator lasting 25 minutes with 20 questions, and another with a calculator lasting 55 minutes with 38 questions. Let’s explore how you can tackle these sections successfully.

When approaching the math sections, it’s important to manage your time effectively. Start by scanning through the questions and identifying those that you feel confident answering. Prioritize these easier questions to ensure you score valuable points early on. Remember, there is no penalty for guessing, so if you’re unsure about a particular question, make an educated guess and move on.

For the math section without a calculator, you’ll need to rely on mental math skills and problem-solving techniques. Utilize the scratch paper provided to perform calculations and work through complex problems. It’s crucial to double-check your work and ensure accuracy, as even a small error can lead to an incorrect answer.

When you reach the math section with a calculator, use it strategically. While a calculator can be a useful tool, avoid over-reliance on it. It’s still important to possess strong mathematical skills and understanding. Use the calculator for complex calculations, but be cautious not to waste time inputting simple calculations that you can solve mentally. Additionally, be sure to familiarize yourself with the calculator’s functions before the exam to maximize efficiency.

Math Sections Overview

By managing your time, leveraging problem-solving strategies, and practicing with sample questions, you can approach the math sections of the SAT without the essay section confidently. Remember, preparation and practice are key to achieving success on the test. Good luck!

The Optional Essay Section

While the essay section is optional on the SAT, it adds an additional 50 minutes to the test duration, but only in certain states where it is required. Let’s examine the importance of this section and whether it is necessary for your college admissions.

For students considering taking the optional essay section, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and expectations. The essay portion of the SAT allows you to showcase your analytical and writing skills, providing colleges and universities with an additional piece of information about your abilities. It tests your ability to critically analyze a given passage and construct a well-organized, coherent response within a limited timeframe.

While some colleges may require the essay portion, many have made it an optional component of their admissions process. It’s important to research the specific requirements of the institutions you’re interested in to determine if the essay section is necessary for your application. If you’re unsure, it’s recommended to take the optional essay section, as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate your writing proficiency and showcase additional skills that may enhance your application.

Remember, even if the essay section is not required for your top-choice colleges, it’s always beneficial to have strong writing skills. The ability to construct a well-argued, coherent essay is a valuable asset in college and beyond. Taking the optional essay section can help prepare you for the writing demands you may encounter in higher education and other aspects of your academic journey.

As you prepare for the SAT, consider your strengths in writing and time management. Reflect on the requirements of your target colleges and decide whether taking the optional essay section aligns with your goals. Remember to practice under timed conditions and review sample essay prompts to familiarize yourself with the expectations of this section. Taking the time to prepare will ensure that you can make an informed decision and perform your best on test day.

Time Management and Test Strategies

Proper time management is crucial for success on the SAT, and understanding how to utilize the allocated time efficiently can significantly impact your overall score. Let’s explore some key strategies for managing time effectively during the test.

1. Prioritize Easier Questions: When you first encounter a section, quickly scan through the questions and identify those that you find easier or more familiar. Answering these questions first will help you build confidence and save time for more challenging ones later.

2. Pace Yourself: The SAT is a timed test, so it’s essential to keep track of the time and allocate it wisely. Divide the time available for each section, and aim to complete the questions within the designated time frame. Remember, spending too much time on a single question can cost you valuable time on others.

3. Utilize Guessing: Since there is no longer a penalty for guessing, it’s in your best interest to answer every question, even if you’re unsure of the correct answer. Use strategic guessing techniques, such as eliminating obviously wrong options or making an educated guess based on partial knowledge.

4. Take Advantage of Breaks: The SAT includes breaks between sections, so make use of this time to recharge and refocus. Stretch your legs, have a snack, or take a few deep breaths to relax. These short breaks can help alleviate test anxiety and enhance your concentration for the next section.

By implementing these time management strategies and practicing them during your SAT preparation, you can optimize your performance and maximize your chances of achieving your desired score. Remember, preparation, practice tests, and getting enough sleep are also key factors in performing well on the SAT.

Important Considerations and Changes

When planning for the SAT without the essay, it’s important to factor in breaks, travel time, and any special accommodations that you may require. Additionally, recent changes to the test structure, including the optional essay and subject tests, are important to keep in mind.

The SAT without the essay section is approximately 3 hours long, excluding breaks. The reading section consists of 52 questions and lasts for 65 minutes. Following this, the writing and language section, with 44 questions, is allocated 35 minutes of test time. The math section without a calculator requires 25 minutes to answer 20 questions, while the math section with a calculator grants 55 minutes for 38 questions.

It’s worth noting that the essay section is only available in certain states where it is required, adding an additional 50 minutes to the test duration. To ensure an accurate schedule, there are breaks included in the test: a 10-minute break between the reading and writing sections, and a 5-minute break between the two math sections. Furthermore, test time may be extended by an additional 20 minutes for a pre-tested section.

Students should aim to complete the SAT between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m., considering travel time and potential special accommodations for those with medical conditions or exceptional circumstances. With recent changes to the test, the SAT no longer includes subject tests and the optional essay section will no longer be required after June. Time management is crucial for success on the SAT, so students should prioritize easier questions first and avoid spending too much time on any one section. Additionally, there is no longer a penalty for guessing, encouraging students to answer as many questions as possible within the given time limit. Adequate preparation, practice tests, and sufficient rest are pivotal factors in performing well on the SAT without the essay.

Updated SAT Test Structure

“The path to success on the SAT without the essay lies in careful planning. Consider your need for breaks, travel time, and any special accommodations you may require. Stay informed about the recent changes, such as the optional essay no longer being required after June. Prepare well, manage your time effectively, and remember to rest. Success awaits!”

To excel on the SAT without the essay, it is crucial to understand its duration, sections, and test-taking strategies, while also prioritizing preparation, practice tests, and getting sufficient rest. By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your performance on this important college admissions exam.

The SAT without the essay section is approximately 3 hours long, excluding breaks. It consists of several sections, each with its own time limit and number of questions. The reading section lasts for 65 minutes and includes 52 questions, while the writing and language section is 35 minutes long with 44 questions. The math section without a calculator is 25 minutes with 20 questions, and the math section with a calculator is 55 minutes with 38 questions.

It’s important to note that the optional essay section is available in certain states and adds an additional 50 minutes to the test. However, after June, the SAT essay section will no longer be required. Additionally, breaks are provided during the test, including a 10-minute break between the reading and writing sections, as well as a 5-minute break between the two math sections. The test time may also be extended by an additional 20 minutes for a pre-tested section.

In order to make the most of your SAT experience, consider travel time and any special accommodations required due to medical conditions or other circumstances. Remember, the new SAT has a total duration of 3 hours, or 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay section. Time management is key to success on the SAT, so prioritize easier questions first and don’t spend too much time on any one section. With the removal of the guessing penalty, feel free to answer as many questions as possible within the given time limits.

Ultimately, preparation, practice tests, and ensuring you get enough sleep are crucial factors in performing well on the SAT. By understanding the test structure, managing your time effectively, and implementing smart test-taking strategies, you can increase your chances of achieving a high score and opening doors to future educational opportunities.

Q: How long is the SAT without the essay section?

A: The SAT without the essay section is about 3 hours long, not including breaks.

Q: What is the breakdown of the SAT without essay sections?

A: The reading section is 65 minutes with 52 questions, the writing and language section is 35 minutes with 44 questions, the math section without a calculator is 25 minutes with 20 questions, and the math section with a calculator is 55 minutes with 38 questions.

Q: Is the essay section mandatory?

A: The essay section is only available in certain states where it is required and adds an additional 50 minutes to the test.

Q: Are there breaks during the SAT without the essay?

A: Yes, there is a 10-minute break between the reading and writing sections, and a 5-minute break between the two math sections.

Q: Can the test time be extended?

A: Test time may be extended by an additional 20 minutes for a pre-tested section.

Q: What time should students aim to finish the SAT without the essay?

A: Students should aim to finish between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m., but travel time and special accommodations should also be taken into account.

Q: How long is the new SAT without the essay section?

A: The new SAT without the essay has a total duration of 3 hours, or 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay section. The reading section is 65 minutes, the writing and language section is 35 minutes, and the math section is 80 minutes.

Q: Are there any penalties for guessing on the SAT without the essay?

A: There is no longer a penalty for guessing, so students can answer as many questions as possible within the time limit.

Q: What are some tips for success on the SAT without the essay?

A: Preparation, practice tests, and getting enough sleep are important factors in performing well on the SAT. Students should prioritize easier questions first and not spend too much time on any one section.

Q: Are there any recent changes to the SAT without the essay?

A: The SAT essay section will no longer be required after June, and optional subject tests have also been discontinued.

Source Links

• https://blog.collegeboard.org/how-long-does-the-sat-take
• https://www.collegeraptor.com/getting-in/articles/act-sat/your-guide-to-the-new-sat-timing-content-scoring-and-tips/
• https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-long-the-sat-is-and-how-to-manage-that-time

Baron Cooke has been writing and editing for 7 years. He grew up with an aptitude for geometry, statistics, and dimensions. He has a BA in construction management and also has studied civil infrastructure, engineering, and measurements. He is the head writer of measuringknowhow.com

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The SAT Essay 2022-2023: What to Expect

Last updated: March 2022

How to write the SAT essay:

• Read the prompt to understand the task.
• Read the sample passage, underlining the examples and evidence.
• Come up with a thesis statement.
• Outline your SAT essay.
• Write a draft.
• Edit it: check arguments and evidence, make sure there’s a logic in the essay.
• Proofread your SAT essay: check grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc.

Good news for those afraid of SAT essays:

This section is optional now. It means they won’t require you to write the SAT essay this year.

Many colleges still recommend it to see your writing and critical thinking skills.

What are those colleges that require SAT essays? How long is the SAT with essays? How to write it? And what is the SAT essay, after all?

Keep on reading to find out all the details, and get ready to earn the highest score for your essay this year.

Source: Unsplash

That’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

Table of Contents:

• Organization
• The SAT essay: to take or not to take?
• How to decide when to take the SAT
• How to register for the SAT
• Top changes to SAT essays in 2022
• How to write SAT essay?
• SAT essay tips
• Colleges that require SAT essay

What is the SAT?

Invented by Carl Brigham in 1923 , the SAT is owned and developed by College Board. It’s a not-for-profit organization in the USA, with over 6,000 schools, colleges, and universities being its members.

SAT Purpose

The purpose of the SAT is to measure your readiness for college. It’s focused on the knowledge and skills you’ve got in high school, and it provides colleges with one common score to compare all applicants.

College admission officers review the SAT score alongside with your other achievements such as:

• Your high school GPA.
• The admission interview.
• Your personal essay .
• Letters of recommendation from your teachers.
• The classes you took in school.
• Your extracurricular activities.

The higher your final score, the more options you’ll have for admission.

SAT Organization

The SAT includes three mandatory parts: Reading, Writing, and Math. As per 2016, an SAT essay is optional for applicants to take, though many colleges still require it.

You’ll have three hours to complete your SAT (without the essay). If you write the essay, you’ll have 3 hours 50 minutes to finish the whole test.

To succeed with the test, you should complete its all sections. If you leave some questions unanswered, your scores will be canceled.

The total you can get for your SAT is on a scale of 400–1600, with 200–800 for each of two sections: Reading and Writing + Math.

Sounds difficult?

Okay, here’s a kinda SAT score calculator for you:

If you write an SAT essay, you can get an extra 2–8 points for each of three criteria. What are these criteria, and what is a good essay score?

Two graders from College Board score each SAT essay on a scale of 1-4 across three criteria:

• Reading: it should be clear from your essay that you’ve understood the material. So, cover its main points and show how they interrelate.
• Analysis: an essay should include persuasive claims about the text’s main points. So, evaluate them and provide supporting evidence for its claims.
• Writing: an essay should be structured well. So, present your arguments logically, vary sentence structure, state a thesis, and avoid grammar/spelling mistakes.

Summed together from two graders, your SAT essay score can range between 2 and 8 for each criterion.

In 2018, the average SAT essay score was 5 out of 8 for Reading, 4 out of 8 for Analysis, and 5 out of 8 for Writing. ( Source )

As you see, the analysis was the most challenging part for students. That’s because it differs from what you do in standard essays:

In high school, you mostly write persuasive essays to give your personal opinion on the topic. In the SAT essay, they ask you to analyze the author’s opinion. It’s more like writing an expository essay . And although the structure of SAT essays doesn’t differ from that of a standard essay, it may be difficult for you to logically link the arguments and evidence of another person in a new paper.

SAT Dates in 2022-2023

As a rule, the SAT takes place on the first Saturday of November, December, May, and June. Other dates include late January, March or April, and late August or October.

In other words, you can take the exam almost every month. Just make sure you are ready and don’t miss a registration deadline for your chosen data.

Here are the SAT dates for 2022-2023:

The SAT Essay: to Take or Not to Take?

As you’ve read already, an SAT essay is optional now. However, there are many colleges and universities in the USA that still require it from applicants. So, if you decide not to write the SAT essay, you won’t be able to apply to these schools.

Later in this article, you’ll find the list of colleges that require the SAT essay. Make sure yours is not there; otherwise, you’ll have to write an essay. If you are still unsure of what college to apply, writing the essay would come in handy anyway.

The SAT with essay costs $57 as opposed to the $45 for the SAT without an essay section.

Pros and cons of taking the SAT essay:

How to Decide When to Take the SAT

Think strategically when choosing the date for taking your SAT:

• How much time do you need to prepare? Map it out, set goals, visualize your plan – and you’ll know what SAT date fits you best.
• How busy are you with other tasks at the moment? With tons of other assignments and commitments to complete, you’ll hardly find enough time for preparation. So, choose the season when your schedule is not that crazy.
• What is your college application timeline? You’ll need the SAT completed before you submit the application, so time accordingly.

How to Register for the SAT

First of all, choose the date, based on the tips above. Try to complete your SAT registration as soon as possible, because the late registration usually needs an extra fee.

Also, decide if you take the SAT essay. For that, find out if your chosen colleges require such essays. Also, check if they ask applicants to take SAT Subject Tests (they are given by College Board on individual subjects).

You can complete the registration on the College Board website , or fill in the Student Registration Booklet and send it by email. ( Ask your school counselor for this booklet .)

You’ll need to upload a picture of yourself and provide all your personal data. Make sure the photo and info match with those in your ID. Also, pay a registration fee.

Once your registration is complete, print out the Admission Ticket: you’ll need it when come to take your test.

Top Changes to SAT Essays in 2022

In case you don’t know, the SAT has changed since 2016. Many educational blogs and websites wrote about it because it was the year of the biggest change to this test, and it impacted students greatly.

Time, format, scores, sections… Everything is different now!

Here go the most significant changes to SAT essays in 2020 and later:

• The SAT essay is optional now.
• Students have 50 minutes for writing it. (The old SAT gave them only 25 minutes.)
• This essay is argumentative now, and it asks you to analyze another essay. (The old SAT required to answer a theoretical prompt in your essay.)
• The SAT essay is scored separately now. (The old SAT had an essay as a part of the Writing section, and the score range for it was 200-800.)

More changes to the overall SAT test are gathered and turned into the infographic by Student Tutor. Check here for details.

Or, let’s turn to SAT essay examples!

That’s what an SAT essay task looked back in 2016:

As you see, it’s focused on a more theoretical response. Graders didn’t estimate any analytical skills.

And that’s the example of a new SAT essay task:

It requires a more argumentative and analytical approach from students. Graders can see your critical thinking skills, not just your personal opinion on a given theoretical prompt.

Both examples are taken from Allen Cheng’s article at PrepScholar. He shared the complete guide to the SAT new rules and its most meaningful changes for students.

How to Write SAT Essay?

Below, you’ll find SAT essay tips that can help to improve your scores. But now let’s turn to an essay structure and your step by step tutorial on how to write SAT essays.

Lucky you are, the SAT essay structure is similar to any standard academic paper teachers asked you to write in class. Known as a 5-paragraph essay , its basic parts are:

• Introduction: 2-3 sentences with a hook and a thesis statement.
• Thesis statement: a central argument of your essay, so take your time to craft it.
• Supporting paragraphs (two or three, if time) : each of them should include a topic sentence, evidence, and a concluding sentence to demonstrate how it refers to your thesis statement.
• Conclusion: 3-4 sentences, summarizing your arguments in a concise manner.

Given that you have 50 minutes for writing the SAT essay, make sure to allocate this time like a boss:

• Read the prompt: 1 minute .
• Read the passage, annotating the core info: 15 minutes .
• Outline the essay: 5 minutes .
• Write an essay: 25 minutes .
• Check an essay: 4 minutes .

Don’t hurry up to read the passage: pay attention to the task (prompt) itself, as it will help you understand what information and evidence to concentrate. So, here we have the first step to writing a good SAT essay: read the prompt before the passage .

After that, read the sample passage carefully . Underline the evidence and examples you can use to answer the prompt in your essay. Remember, that your SAT essay will be scored for Reading , so you’ll need to demonstrate that you understand the text’s main points.

To get a high score for Analysis , you’ll need to explain and evaluate the author’s arguments. So, when reading the passage, identify his central claim and instruments he uses to support it (reasoning, evidence, stylistic elements). Focus on the most relevant and persuasive ones.

State your thesis . It should sum up your assessment of the author’s argument. Make it concise and clear, but don’t add any personal attitudes. Remember: you analyze the author’s view rather than share your own. Stay objective when reading the passage and then creating your central claim.

Now it’s time for outlining your essay. Map out it briefly in the introduction, then specify topic sentences and evidence for each paragraph of your essay’s body. Write the draft , with an essay conclusion restating your thesis and summarizing the whole paper.

Check your SAT essay: make sure to use effective language and word choice. Use a variety of sentence structures but stay clear and informative. Your essay gets scores for Writing too, and high scores go to works that are “cohesive and demonstrate highly effective use and command of language.” ( Source )

Source: Giphy

So, avoid low-level vocabulary, correct all spelling and grammar mistakes, and check if you use the right transitional phrases to describe relationships between the arguments in your essay.

SAT Essay Tips

Everyone loves tips, especially if they help to achieve goals and conquer new peaks. And when your goal is a high score for an SAT essay, you need tips more than ever. No wonder:

Who doesn’t want to get a magic bullet to hit the target at one stroke, right?

We asked our team of professional academic writers to give readers their recommendations on essay writing, and here go the essay tips they’ve shared:

What you can do to earn high scores for the SAT essay:

• Understand the scoring system.
• Study essay samples; analyze their structure.
• Practice a lot: take sample prompts and spend 50 minutes on writing essays based on them.
• Learn to analyze texts and see central claims and evidence in them.
• During the SAT, read the prompt before the passage. Always.
• Use accurate facts: support your points with evidence from the passage.
• Be objective: answer the prompt but don’t add any personal opinion or points.
• Take your time to organize the SAT essay, and don’t forget to revise it.
• Make your essay longer than one page: though they say length doesn’t matter, your short response might be not enough for graders to see your writing skills — and you score for the Writing criterion will suffer.
• Follow standard tips for essay writing: use straightforward language, give a clear thesis, structure your essay logically.
• Use a timer when practicing your SAT essay: remember that you’ll have 50 minutes only, so make time for analyzing, planning, writing, and revising it.

Colleges That Require SAT Essay

Your decision to take the optional SAT essay might heavily depend on which college you are going to apply.

So, let’s check what colleges require SAT essays. If yours isn’t in the list, feel free to catch a break: you won’t have to prepare for this writing test and spend money on taking it. However, we would recommend you to double-check with each school at their official websites. (Rules change, you know, and the information tends to go out of date in time.)

We took the most popular colleges among US students only. If your school isn’t on the list, check SAT essay policies of all educational institutes at the official College Board website.

SAT Essay Examples

As mentioned, you need to practice a lot to write the SAT essay worth a high score. That’s true. But what else you can do is pre-plan the examples and evidence you’ll use in the essay! For that, analyze SAT essay examples available online.

Yes, the specifics of your prompt will differ; but they can help choose the types of examples you’ll use to explain the author’s argument.

College Board shares many SAT essay examples with detailed analysis and explanations of why they gave these or those scores to students. They’ll help you understand what to expect from your essay and what writing weaknesses of yours to improve.

This is the SAT essay example that has got 2/1/1 from graders.

(Oops, you better don’t write like that!)

And this work has got 4/4/4 points! See the difference:

(c) College Board

Additional Resources to Check:

• The SAT Student Guide 2022, College Board
• SAT Essay Practice on Khan Academy
• Practice With a Redesigned SAT Essay Prompts
• Best Books to Prepare for SAT
• SAT Essay Prompts: The Complete List

Related posts

• What Is the Difference between Primary and Secondary Sources
• Common Types of Plagiarism with Examples
• Exemplification Essay – Ideas and Tips

Our Writing Guides

On January 19th, College Board announced a few significant updates in regards to its SAT Suite of Assessments, including the elimination of the optional essay portion of the SAT and the discontinuance of the SAT Subject Tests (SAT II tests). Let’s take a look at these changes and how they might affect students’ plans for the spring of 2021 and beyond.

In the release, College Board announced that the optional essay will be discontinued from the SAT following the June 2021 test date, with the exception of school day administrations in states which require the essay for evaluative purposes. Students currently registered to take the exam with essay between now and June will have the option to cancel the essay portion via their online account with no change fees up until the test’s registration deadline. In their statement, College Board observed: “This decision recognizes that there are other ways for students to demonstrate their mastery of essay writing. At the same time, writing remains essential to college readiness, and the SAT will continue to measure writing and editing skills.”

Although the vast majority of colleges no longer require (or even recommend, in many cases) students to submit SAT Essay scores, it is somewhat unclear what effect College Board’s announcement will have on the few schools that still utilize the essay portion of the exam in the admission process. Ultimately, the best advice for students and families is likely to check with any colleges they are interested in to see what they recommend, but it seems likely that the SAT essay will not play any role in college admissions for any students in the class of 2022 and beyond.

As a tutor aware of the pressures facing students preparing for the test, I see the announcement as a welcome change. The removal of the optional essay, which was only valued by a small number of schools and did not contribute to students’ overall composite score out of 1600, does offer many benefits to students preparing for the SAT. In addition to reducing the cost of the exam by $15, it shortens the already lengthy test by nearly an hour, which may allow students to devote more energy and focus to the four primary sections (Reading, Writing and Language, No-Calculator Math, and Calculator Math) which contribute to their overall score. Additionally, it allows students to allocate more study time towards other endeavors, whether those be further test prep, academic coursework, extracurricular activities, or even developing a stronger college admissions essay.

College Board Will No Longer Offer SAT Subject Tests

College Board also announced its discontinuation of the SAT Subject Tests, also known as SAT II tests, effective immediately in the U.S. and beginning June 2021 internationally. U.S students registered to take SAT Subject tests in this spring will have their registrations cancelled automatically and their registration fees refunded. Because the SAT Subject Tests are often used for a wider variety of purposes internationally, College Board will offer two final administrations of the exam to international students in May and June of 2021. As to how this might affect the applications of students who already took any SAT Subject Tests, College Board states:

We’ve reached out to our member colleges, and they’ll decide whether and how to consider students’ Subject Test scores. Students should check colleges’ websites for the most up-to-date information on their application policies.

Ultimately, this probably will not have a large role on the college admissions process for most schools . As of the time of the announcement, very few schools recommended students submit SAT Subject Test scores, and while each college is free to decide how to handle scores from previous administrations of the test and what effect this may have on its admission policies, it is rare for a college to alter its admissions policy in a way which penalizes a student for events that are beyond their control. 

College Board attributes its decision to discontinue the tests to the widespread availability of its AP testing, which they consider to render SAT Subject Tests as unnecessary in demonstrating students’ academic knowledge. Both AP exams and SAT Subject Tests are designed as content specific, supplemental exams which allow students to demonstrate their proficiency and interest in specific subjects, and both differ significantly from the standard SAT in their reliance on students’ prior knowledge and comprehension rather than on critical analysis and general problem solving ability. However, there are also some key differences students may wish to be aware of when deciding how to alter their test prep in absence of the SAT Subject Tests . Firstly, because AP exams offer students opportunities to earn valuable college credits, the level of rigor on the exams is closer to that of a first-year college course than to the high school curriculum covered on the SAT Subject Tests . Additionally, there are several key differences in the structure and scoring of the exams:

While the long term effects that these changes might have on students currently preparing for the exams of spring 2021 and beyond remain to be seen, understanding their immediate effects can help students develop effective plans and ease concerns. Additionally, the cancellation of the SAT Subject tests will likely allow schools to offer a greater number of seats to students seeking to register for the SAT this spring.

 I would encourage any students or families with questions or concerns to reach out to their guidance counselor or a test prep professional to discuss how this impacts their current plans.

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Editorial: Why it’s smart for universities to bring back the SAT requirement

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The SAT and ACT are making a small but important comeback after the tests were widely dropped as a requirement for college applications during the pandemic.

Most schools went test-optional, meaning students could submit scores if they wanted but not doing so wouldn’t count against them. The University of California won’t consider test scores at all.

Only a handful of schools have resurrected the testing requirement, but among them are heavyweights in the world of higher education: MIT, Dartmouth and Georgetown. Most recently, the University of Texas at Austin and Brown University joined the list and the University of North Carolina is considering it . Yale also will require standardized test scores, but tests such as Advanced Placement can be used in place of college entrance exams.

Opinion: So Dartmouth will require the SAT again. Here’s what really matters for Californians seeking degrees

Testing drama captivates the media, but most Americans aren’t pursuing the Ivy League and face bigger hurdles in pursuing higher education.

Feb. 13, 2024

Additional competitive schools are likely to join the group, along with schools that aren’t as selective. The University of Tennessee, which accepts 68% of applicants, decided a year and a half ago to bring the tests back .

The tests were criticized long before the pandemic as giving an unfair boost to more affluent students who could afford tutoring. And it’s true that scores are closely correlated with family income. But the pause in testing gave colleges a chance to study the issue more closely. They found that SAT scores were extremely effective at predicting whether students would succeed in college.

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No one should be surprised. The University of California convened a panel several years ago to study the issue at length and it reached the same conclusion . The standardized tests were more equitable than grades, the panel said, because grade inflation is more pervasive at affluent schools. Yet UC refuses to consider test scores, after bowing to pressure from critics. We hope that the trend toward reinstating the tests in admissions makes UC leaders rethink this position.

Making the tests optional was actually counterproductive, Dartmouth, Yale and Brown found. Their applicant pools became less diverse, because low-income students and students of color were less likely to apply even if they had good test scores, thinking they hadn’t tested well enough.

The whole debate has sadly ignored the bigger factors perpetuating the uneven playing field of college admissions. Yes, rich students can receive SAT tutoring, and it helps, though only a little. The most rigorous study of the topic found that tutoring could raise scores by about 20 points.

Editorial: Early decision admissions for college unfairly favor wealthy students

Legacy admission is on the wane but colleges are doubling down on early decision, another admissions practice that favor the wealthy.

Jan. 4, 2024

Meanwhile, some aspects of college admission tilt the field in favor of wealthier students more than test scores do. For example, teachers at more affluent schools have more time for writing letters of recommendation for college applications than teachers at low-income schools.

Athletes continue to get the upper hand on acceptance , and not just in commonly played games like football and soccer that most students have access to in high school. Golf, equestrian, fencing, gymnastics and crew are among the sports that require families to pay for their children to participate, and those athletes also get preferential treatment in college admissions.

Essays can be coached, heavily edited or even written by college consultants for a fee. A 2021 study at Stanford University found that the quality of essay content was closely correlated with family income among University of California applicants. Yet UC kept the essays and got rid of the tests.

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There is nothing inherently evil about the SAT or ACT. It all depends on how they’re used. They can act as a reality check — a student who didn’t get great grades might show a lot of potential in the test scores, and vice versa. And, as UC did before it scrapped the tests , colleges should consider the scores in context, such as, is this the best score in a generally low-scoring high school? A score might reflect the education at that school, not the student’s aptitude for college work.

These latest changes also point to a larger problem in admissions at selective colleges: Every school seemingly wants different things. Some want high SAT scores, others care more about AP exams, and others don’t want any standardized test scores. Some enhance grade-point averages depending on how tough the courses are, others don’t, and others in just some cases.

Of course, schools have a right to seek out the students who will fit best at their institution. But the lack of transparency and consistency has given rise to a nearly $3-billion-a-year industry of pricey college-admissions consultants.

Talk about tilting the playing field.

More to Read

Letters to the Editor: Hey, UC, who has ever thought, ‘I sure wish I had taken more algebra’?

March 22, 2024

Opinion: How to skip the college admissions rat race and still get a degree

Letters to the Editor: If the inequitable SAT is back, bring test prep to all high schools

March 21, 2024

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The Definitive Guide to the SAT 2024

Dec 12, 2023 | Articles , SAT , Standardized Tests

What is the SAT?

The Digital SAT is a standardized test created by the College Board and has been completely redesigned beginning with the March 2024 test. You’ll take the test on the SAT Bluebook™ app (unless you have paper-based accommodations) which you’ll want to download and practice with before test day. Typically, juniors and seniors take the test for college admissions, scholarship awards, and school assessments. The test takes about two and a half hours, including two short breaks. For some students in particular states, an optional Essay portion adds an extra fifty minutes at the end.

What are the sections of the SAT? 

The Digital SAT includes two sections with two modules each, Reading & Writing and Math . Each section counts for 50% of your composite score. This newly adaptive test contains a mix of easy to difficult questions in the first module for each section, then offers an easier or tougher second module depending on how well you answer the questions in the first section.  No Science section exists on the SAT as on the ACT, but knowledge of interpreting charts, tables, and graphs is assessed throughout all test sections. The SAT provides 68% more time per question than the ACT, and there’s no penalty for guessing.

Reading & Writing

The Reading & Writing section includes short (25-150 words) reading passages (or passage pairs) on subjects from literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.  Each multiple-choice question that follows a passage covers one of four domains:

• Information and Ideas.  Measures comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs).
• Craft and Structure.  Measures the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts.
• Expression of Ideas.  Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.
• Standard English Conventions.  Measures the ability to edit text to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.

The Math section requires a deep understanding of algebra, but the test provides basic geometry formulas. The Bluebook app includes a built-in calculator, or you can still choose to bring your own from an approved list . Most (approximately 75%) questions are multiple-choice; but for some questions, you’ll need to provide a specific answer. These student-produced response (SPR) format questions may have multiple correct responses, but you’ll only provide one answer. Questions measure your ability to apply essential math concepts and about 30% of questions ask you to evaluate an in-context (worded) scenario and determine how to apply your math skills to find the answer. Each question covers one of four content areas:

• Algebra. Algebra measures the ability to analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities as well as analyze and fluently solve equations and systems of equations using multiple techniques. (13-15 questions)
• Advanced Math. The Advanced Math area measures skills and knowledge central for progression to more advanced math courses, including demonstrating an understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations. (13-15 questions)
• Problem-Solving and Data Analysis. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis measures the ability to apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understand and apply unit rate; and analyze and interpret one- and two-variable data. (5-7 questions)
• Geometry and Trigonometry. Problems to solve include area and volume formulas; lines, angles, and triangles; right triangles and trigonometry, and circles. (5-7 questions)

How long is the SAT? 

How many questions are on the SAT? 

The SAT includes 154 questions. 

• Reading & Writing includes 54 questions in 64 minutes (average 71 seconds per question)
• Math  has 44 questions in 70 minutes (average 95 seconds per question)

What are the SAT dates? 

The SAT is offered seven times each year in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. This provides multiple opportunities to take the test and increase your scores. Many schools, especially in states where the SAT is mandated for all high school juniors, also offer the test during the school day for students, generally in the spring. Check with your school to see if and when they offer the SAT. 

What is the average SAT score?

SAT scores range from 400 to 1600. The average SAT score for the class of 2023 was 1028 , down 22 points from 2022. ( Curious what that would be on the ACT? ) A ccording to the College Board’s latest score report , only 7% of all test-takers scored higher than 1400. No one scored below 590, and 12% of test-takers scored between 600 and 790. The Digital SAT (March 2024 onward) may be difficult to compare with the previous version of the SAT.

How do you register for the SAT?

Register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org . Test centers can be found on the SAT website , where you can search by state and test date. B ring a photo ID with your admission ticket on test day. You can use a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you don’t have any of these IDs, the SAT offers alternative methods to prove your identity.   When you register, you can choose to include information to allow colleges and scholarship organizations to contact you. 

On test day, you are expected to bring your fully-charged device with the Bluebook testing app already loaded. You can also bring a pen/pencil and use the scratch paper provided at the test site.

How much does the SAT cost? 

For 2023, taking the SAT costs $60. Add $30 if you register late, after the regular deadline. You can send up to four free score reports up to nine days after the test date. Additional score reports or reports ordered after you take the test are $14 per report. The SAT offers fee waivers to eligible test-takers (free & reduced lunch, receiving public assistance, etc.). Students can use the waivers to take two free SATs (with or without the essay) and send unlimited score reports. If you think you may be eligible, work with your school counselor to submit your request. 

When should you take the SAT?

Taking the PSAT is a good introduction to the format and content of the SAT, during the sophomore or junior year of high school. You may only qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program by testing during your junior year. Register for the PSAT through your school. After taking the PSAT, consider taking the SAT at least four times. No one gets their best score the first (or even second) time. Try taking the test twice in your junior year and twice in your senior fall. This increases the chances of scoring your best and boosting potential scholarships and financial aid! 

Should you take the SAT or ACT? 

All colleges accept both the ACT and SAT, so try both, then decide where to focus your effort. The SAT has two Math sections compared to only one for the ACT. The ACT, however, has a Science and Data Interpretation section.   In general, the content on the SAT is more challenging, but more time is given per question, compared to the ACT. Th e most important thing is to take either test multiple times. Improve your scores through practice.

How long does it take to get SAT scores? 

SAT multiple-choice scores are usually reported within 2-3 weeks of your test date. A schedule for individual test dates is available. The College Board sends a ll score reports to your selected colleges within ten days. 

How do you improve your SAT scores?

Practice and preparation are two of the biggest ways you can improve your SAT score. Find SAT prep that’s fun and engaging but also gives you strategies to help take the test. Not all test prep is created equal, so research, read reviews, and look past flashy guarantees.   OnToCollege offers an effective video course that not only gives you strategies but also practice tests and solution videos to help you learn from your mistakes. Use actual SAT practice tests as you study, (three are included in our course) to learn the format of the test. Then take the actual SAT multiple times, ideally twice your junior year and twice your senior year. 

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The SAT is coming back at some colleges. It’s stressing everyone out.

A patchwork of admissions test policies is wreaking havoc on students, parents and college admissions consultants.

A California mother drove 80 miles this month to find an SAT testing center with an open seat where her high school junior could take the exam. During college tours this spring, a teen recalled hearing some would-be applicants groan when admissions staffers announced they could not guarantee test-optional policies would continue.

And across the country, college counselors are fielding questions from teenagers alarmed, encouraged or simply confused by what seems like the return of the standardized test in admissions — maybe? Sort of? In some places, but not in others?

“You could be expecting and preparing for a certain way to apply to a college and present yourself — but then they change it mid-application process,” said Kai Talbert, a 17-year-old high school junior in Pennsylvania. “That’s really confusing. It can set back a lot of people.”

Colleges nationwide have been updating their coronavirus-era policies on standardized testing, which many dropped when the pandemic shut down in-person testing centers. Some of the most selective schools are declaring they will require tests again — including, across the last two months, Dartmouth College and Yale and Brown universities. Others, such as the University of Chicago and Columbia University, won’t. And still others have not yet picked a permanent policy: Princeton, Stanford, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania have said they will remain test-optional for another year or two, and Harvard University plans to keep its test-optional policy at least through the 2025-26 application cycle.

Public universities have veered in different directions, too: The University of Tennessee system requires tests. The University of Michigan will be test-optional. The University of California system is test-blind, meaning schools refuse to consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions.

The patchwork of policies is wreaking havoc on applicants, parents and college admissions consultants nationwide, who are being forced to recalculate where and how they are willing to apply — or what to tell anxious teenagers about whether to test, retest or skip testing entirely — as decisions keep rolling out in real time.

Laurie Kopp Weingarten, founder of One-Stop College Counseling in New Jersey, said she has a new response whenever a student gives her a list of their school targets. She starts by going down the list, school by school, to review each institution’s testing rules and whether those seem likely to change.

Taking a breath, Weingarten rattled off a summary of the different testing requirements in place at every Ivy League school. It took her three minutes.

“Even just saying it, it sounds like insanity to me, and then we’re expecting kids to understand this?” Weingarten said. “Colleges should really analyze the data, come up with a decision and stop changing their mind.”

The shifting testing expectations are among many changes roiling college admissions this year. Colleges are still grappling with the fallout from the landmark Supreme Court ruling that ended the use of race-based affirmative action in admissions. Many are undertaking an array of experiments in response to the decision in a bid to maintain diverse admitted classes — ending legacy preferences in some cases, adding essay prompts on adversity or identity in others, or increasing outreach in low-income areas.

And the disastrous rollout of a federal financial aid form that was supposed to simplify the notoriously difficult process has left students, parents and schools scrambling .

This is the most hectic and distressing admissions cycle in recent memory, said Jennifer Nuechterlein, a college and career counselor at a New Jersey high school. She laid special blame on schools that reinstated testing mandates in the past two months, some of which affect the high school juniors who will begin applying in the fall. This class of teens will have to take the SAT or ACT, should they decide to do so, within the next six months.

“Students can’t just test overnight,” Nuechterlein said. “There are students who want to prep, there are students who are not math- or English-ready. ... Students are going to be unprepared.”

For the most ambitious, high-achieving students, the tests are another stressful hurdle to clear as they apply to the most selective colleges. And for many other students, the test scores — even if not required for admission — are mandatory if they want to qualify for some financial aid programs or, on some campuses, certain degree programs.

Critics of standardized tests have argued that they mirror, or exacerbate, societal inequities, in part because students from unstable homes or with limited resources cannot afford SAT or ACT tutors or testing preparation classes, or may not know of free resources such as Khan Academy . Even before the pandemic, some schools had moved to make the scores optional to avoid creating another barrier for students.

Then the pandemic hit, spurring a crisis response when students literally could not access spaces in which to take standardized tests, said Dominique J. Baker, a University of Delaware associate professor of education and public policy who studies admissions policies.

“There were a number of institutions that never would have chosen to have gone test-optional except the pandemic made them,” she said. “Those institutions, by and large, are going back to requiring test scores.”

MIT, Georgetown University and the University of Florida are among schools that quickly chose to reinstate the requirements, with MIT announcing the change in 2022. Many others have spent the years since the virus arrived studying what effect going test-optional had on their admitted classes.

At Brown, Yale and Dartmouth, officials said they had found something surprising: Considering test scores would help them identify more promising applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, not fewer. After looking at their own data, leaders at the three Ivy League schools say they concluded that SAT and ACT scores are highly predictive of students’ academic performance in college, more so than high school grades. They also found that some less-advantaged students withheld their scores when sharing them would have boosted their chances.

Depriving admissions officers of SAT and ACT scores meant they were less able to evaluate an applicant’s chances of thriving at Brown, Provost Francis J. Doyle III said in an interview this month .

“Our analysis suggested our admissions could be more effective if we brought back testing as an instrument,” Doyle said.

The University of Texas at Austin is also choosing to require testing again, the school announced earlier this month. Jay Hartzell, the school’s president, said he and others worried the cost and preparation associated with the tests could keep students from applying. But about 90 percent of UT Austin applicants in the latest round took the SAT even though it was optional, Hartzell said. And the school found that students who declined to submit scores were less successful once enrolled.

John Friedman, a professor of economics and international and public affairs at Brown, said he wouldn’t be surprised if more of those highly selective schools reinstate a testing requirement. He was one of the authors of the study from Opportunity Insights, a nonprofit at Harvard University, on standardized test scores and student performance at a dozen “Ivy-plus” universities.

“It’s not just about the test scores being a good predictor,” he said. “We show in the paper that students who attend a school, having been admitted without a test score, perform at the bottom of the distribution.” He said schools should look at their own data to determine their policy.

Nonetheless, most schools nationwide will probably remain test-optional, predicted Angel Pérez, the chief executive of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. For many institutions, he said, the policy has been a huge success, bumping up the number of applicants and diversifying admitted classes.

He added that most American high-schoolers are applying to schools that admit nearly all applicants, to public schools or to colleges close to home, he said: “So the majority of students aren’t going to be impacted.”

Morehouse College is among those maintaining a test-optional policy, which the historically Black college adopted in 2020. Since going test-optional, Morehouse has seen an increased number of applicants and an increased acceptance rate from admitted students, said Michael Gumm, Morehouse’s director of admissions and recruitment.

The majority of Morehouse applicants choose not to submit scores, Gumm said, and more students are completing their applications than in the past. He said Morehouse is looking for leaders, so essays and letters of recommendation carry a lot of weight.

Gumm said he often preaches to students: “Your test scores do not make you who you are.”

But for some students, the tests remain a priority. Alina Bunch, a 16-year-old high school junior in Texas, said that even when she saw schools dropping test requirements, she never altered her plan to take the ACT. The exam, she says, is a way to demonstrate determination and academic rigor.

She thinks it’s generally a good thing that schools are bringing back testing requirements, because they can function as a mechanism of standardization in a sometimes subjective admissions process. She does fear the effects of reinstating test requirements for students who cannot afford tutoring.

But for herself — after taking a summer course to prepare for the ACT and scoring high on the exam — she has no real worries. “It was never a question for me, of whether I should do it or not,” Alina said.

Many students pursued similar strategies, continuing to take standardized tests throughout the test-optional trend. After a dramatic drop in 2020 spurred by the sudden closure of test sites, the number of students taking the SAT nationally has risen every year since, per the College Board, and reached 1.9 million for the class of 2023. That’s about 300,000 short of the last pre-pandemic total, when 2.2 million members of the class of 2019 sat for the exam — the largest-ever group to do so.

Joan Koven, who heads college consulting company Academic Access in Pennsylvania, said she never expected standardized testing to suffer a real drop in popularity.

“The ACTs and the SATs are Burger King and McDonald’s,” she said. “They’re not going away.”

But in some places, counselors wish they would. Priscilla Grijalva, a high school counselor in California’s San Jacinto Unified School District, said the elimination of test requirements in the UC system and California State University campuses was a godsend for the nearly 300 students she works with every year, a mix of White, Black and Latino teens, most of whom are socioeconomically disadvantaged.

In the past, many of her students applied only to community colleges. But now she has seen a sharp rise in those willing to aim for state universities.

“It has changed our students’ mindsets,” Grijalva said. “Now it’s like, ‘Hey, I can do this.’ They’re more confident in their leadership and their grades.”

But the flurry of recent announcements from schools altering their testing rules has proved alarming, she said. Her students “do feel the pressure coming back,” she said. “They’re starting to talk.”

Claire Elkin, 16, overheard some of this nervous chatter when she was touring colleges this spring with her family — making visits to places including the University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At every school, recalled Claire, who took the ACT and intends to submit her scores, admissions tour leaders said something like: “Yeah, we’re test-optional now, but we can’t guarantee anything for you.”

Every time, the crowds of hopefuls around Claire broke into murmurs that ranged from anguished to angry, she said. She remembered one family whose daughters seemed especially upset, spurring the mother to jump into emergency action trying to calm the girls as the admissions presentation continued.

“A lot of kids my age can’t set a path right now for what they should be prioritizing when they’re applying for schools,” Claire said. “So there is definitely more panic.”

An earlier version of this article included incorrect information about the rise in the number of students who have taken the SAT since a drop sparked by the pandemic. The number of students taking the test reached 1.9 million for the class of 2023, about 300,000 fewer than for the class of 2019. The article has been corrected.

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John McWhorter

No, the SAT Isn’t Racist

By John McWhorter

Opinion Writer

That’s three down: Last week Brown University reinstated standardized testing as a part of its admissions requirements, following Yale and Dartmouth, which did the same earlier this year. For all that we have heard about how standardized tests propagate injustice, the decisions at these Ivy League schools are antiracism in action, and should serve as models for similar decisions across academia. (M.I.T. was an even earlier re-adopter of testing requirements, in 2022.)

Of course, for years, the leading idea has been precisely the opposite: that the proper antiracist approach is to stop using standardized tests in admissions. Many schools first suspended using them a few years back because their administration was too difficult during the peak of the Covid pandemic. But then, in line with racial reckoning commitments in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, many decided not to bring the tests back.

This was in line with longstanding claims, touted as higher wisdom, that the SAT promotes, rather than undercuts, racial disparities in admissions. The idea is that the test simply reflects socioeconomic level, with more affluent, disproportionately white kids able to afford test preparation classes to raise their scores. All the way back in 2001, the University of California president Richard Atkinson was warmly and widely celebrated for his call to eliminate the SAT from the schools’ admissions process. Enlightened consensus was that the SAT predicts nothing important. Grapevine wisdom has been that some test questions are biased against lower-income people (although exactly how many questions about things like regattas the SAT has included has never been clear ).

Given this perception, the wave of schools letting go of the SAT after 2020 seemed to many like an acceleration of social justice long overdue. But lately, evidence has mounted , steadily , that the SAT is in fact useful in demonstrating students’ abilities regardless of their economic backgrounds or the quality of their high schools. Some studies show scores correlate with student performance in college more strongly than high-school grades, and that without the standardized test data it is harder to identify Black, Latino and lower-income white kids who would likely thrive in elite universities. It was precisely this evidence that led the Dartmouth president, Sian Beilock, to be first out of the gate this year in daring to go back to using the test in admissions. I nominate her as Antiracist of 2024 so far.

Many might find it an awkward fit to label requiring the SAT for college admissions as antiracist. But we must attend carefully to what racism and antiracism actually are, as the words have come to occupy such broad swatches of semantic ground. In this light, the tacit sense of the SAT and similar tests as somehow anti-Black is dangerous.

This is because ideas have a way of undergoing mission creep. What an unspoken idea implies, a resonance in the air, eventually manifests itself as an openly asserted new position. In that vein, there is a short step between acknowledging that disadvantage makes it harder to ace the test — which is self-evidently true — and a proposition that is related but vastly more questionable: that Blackness is culturally incompatible with the test.

This is the ultimate source of the idea getting around in the education school world and beyond that it is “white” to cherish hard work, objectivity, the written word and punctuality. This conviction reveals itself both among white people (as in the creator of a graphic to this effect that the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture put online for a spell during the pandemic) and among Black people (such as a Black parent recalling a Black co-worker openly saying that standardized tests are unfairly imposed on Black kids because they “ can’t do math ,” with the implication of this as a general assumption).

And in turn, this sense of which whitenesses Black people will supposedly struggle with — math, objectivity, etc. — is the seedbed of university departments’ current conviction that attracting more Black majors and graduate students means loosening requirements. Hence classics without Greek or Latin , musicology without playing an instrument and physics without “ white empiricism .”

The people promulgating ideas like these are well intentioned. They think of themselves as clearing away outdated notions of merit, which sometimes do bear re-examination. But all of it together constitutes a general cultural mood that alarms me. The SAT as racist, objectivity as white privilege, making academic training easier to attract Black majors and graduate students — there is a family relationship between them. Namely, an assumption that it is graceless or unfair to require Black people to grapple with detail, solve puzzles and make sense of the unfamiliar. At least, we are not to be expected to engage in such things nearly as much as, say, white people.

But what is Blackness, then, if not these “white” things? It would seem that the idea is that we are a Dionysian people, given to intuition over deduction. (Perhaps this also includes a certain relationship to rhythm?) In any case, we apparently shine especially bright when we offer our “lived experiences,” most valuably when they concern our oppression.

I’m sorry, but I find this a diminished, not to mention depressing, and downright boring racial self-image. It just doesn’t correspond with so very much that Black people do, and are, and seek and always have.

The street mailbox, with its intricate door slot mechanism, was patented by a Black man, Philip Downing. The View-Master, fondly remembered today by those of a certain age, rose to popularity after being redesigned by a Black man, Charles Harrison . A recent splendid revival of the musical “Jelly’s Last Jam” at City Center Encores! has me thinking about how the person who fashioned the jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton’s music into an evening of theater for that show was Luther Henderson, who also contributed his dense and precise arrangements and orchestrations to countless Broadway musicals, including “white” ones. (Listen to his dance music after the title song of “I Had a Ball” here .) Octavia Butler’s science fiction oeuvre was the quintessence of close reasoning and thinking outside the box, as is historian Barbara Fields’s work on race in such books as “Racecraft,” written with her sister Karen.

I just cannot square a conception of Blackness that includes those people while asserting that exactitude is white, or that submitting Black people to standardized tests is a racist microaggression. No coherent admissions assessment would use the SAT as the sole measure of an applicant’s potential. However, the elimination of such tests from the process is less a favor to than an insult leveled against Black intelligence. I am glad to see the fashion fade.

An earlier version of this article misstated the year that the University of California system eliminated the SAT from its admissions process and the role of Richard Atkinson in that decision. He called for its elimination in 2001; he did not eliminate it that year. The system dropped its standardized test requirement in 2020.

How we handle corrections

John McWhorter ( @JohnHMcWhorter ) is an associate professor of linguistics at Columbia University. He is the author of “ Nine Nasty Words : English in the Gutter: Then, Now and Forever” and, most recently, “ Woke Racism : How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America.” @ JohnHMcWhorter

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, sat test dates: full guide to choosing (2023, 2024).

SAT Logistics , SAT General Info

The SAT is offered seven times a year, but which SAT test dates will work best for you and your schedule? What essential factors should you consider before creating an SAT schedule? What are the best SAT dates for juniors? For seniors?

In this comprehensive guide, we offer you the most current info on SAT test dates (domestic and international) for 2023-2024. We also give you our top tips for choosing the best SAT test dates for you as well as tons of resources to help you navigate the complicated web of SAT/ACT test dates.

SAT Dates and Deadlines 2023-2024

In general, the College Board administers the SAT on Saturdays, with more tests offered in the fall. If you can't take the test on a Saturday for religious or other reasons, Sunday alternate dates are usually available.

Below, we give you SAT test dates, normal registration deadlines, late registration deadlines, and score release dates for the 2023 and 2024 test dates. 

We've listed international test dates in separate tables since the registration deadlines are different. These dates are all administered digitally.

SAT Test Dates and Deadlines (2023)

The following dates are confirmed  by the College Board . The score release dates are projections and those for the international tests (now digital) are especially prone to change.

SAT Test Dates 2023 (US)

*All dates with an asterisk are projections and not yet confirmed by The College Board.

SAT Test Dates 2023 (International)

Sat test dates and deadlines (2024).

Some of the following dates are confirmed  by the College Board . However, the late registration score release dates are projections and subject to change. Starting with the March 2024 test date, all SATs will be administered digitally .

SAT Test Dates 2024 (US)

Sat test dates 2024 (international).

SAT Test Dates: 2023-2024 Visual Calendar and Trends

When it comes to choosing SAT dates, you don't want to simply register for the next available date. To help you select the best SAT test dates for you personally, we've created an easy-to-use visual calendar for the 2023-2024 SAT test dates. This infographic allows us to look at trends in SAT dates and see whether certain dates and deadlines overlap with others.

As you can see on this visual calendar, SAT test dates are tightly clustered in the late summer and fall. This is due to the fact that most college application deadlines are in the late fall and early winter. Essentially, the College Board is giving seniors multiple shots at hitting their SAT goal scores right before their applications are due.

In the spring, SAT dates are more spread out, with the exception of May and June. This is, again, due to the fact that there are fewer college application deadlines in spring than there are in fall and early winter. These dates are also geared more toward juniors and other students who'd like to take the SAT early.

Next, we can see that because of the high number of test dates in the fall, it's difficult to take two SATs in a row. By the time your score for one test comes out, the late registration date for the next test will have often already passed!

Even if you were to go ahead and register for another test without knowing your scores, you might end up ultimately wasting money on a retake if your scores are higher than you thought they'd be. Likewise, if you don't sign up for the following test, you might miss your only shot at raising your scores before your application deadlines.

Taking back-to-back SATs also doesn't give you enough time to make the most out of your retake; you'll likely see little, if any, improvement in your scores due to the lack of adequate prep time in between tests.

Choosing the Best SAT Test Date for You: 5 Essential Factors

It's critical you choose an SAT test date that'll work well for not just anyone but you specifically. Below are five major factors you'll want to consider before committing to a test date.

#1: When Are Your College Application Deadlines?

By far the most important factors are your college application deadlines. In the US, most deadlines fall around January 1 (for regular decision) and November 1 or 15 (for early action / early decision ).

The College Board sends SAT scores to schools (for your four free score reports ) within 10 days after you receive your exam scores , or approximately three to five weeks after the exam. However, not all schools process scores straight away; in fact, some might take a week or so to report scores . As a result, you might have to wait at most around six weeks after your test date for your schools to officially process your SAT scores.

And this doesn't even include the extra time needed to process orders for additional score reports (if you have more than four schools you want to send scores to). Ordering these reports will add at least another week or two once scores are released.

Therefore, as a rule, don't take the SAT less than five or six weeks before your college apps are due. If you'll be ordering additional score reports after your scores come out, stick with test dates more than seven or eight weeks before your deadlines.

Remember that if your schools don't receive or process your SAT scores in time, your application could get disqualified! So plan accordingly.

#2: Are You Applying for SAT Scholarships?

Another factor is SAT scholarships . Generally, school-based SAT scholarships will use the same deadlines as college applications. If you're not sure when your SAT scores are due, contact your schools directly to ask whether your scores should arrive earlier than or with your application.

#3: How Many Times Will You Take the SAT?

You should also consider whether you might want to retake the SAT if you're not getting the scores you need for college.

We typically recommend taking the SAT at least twice, possibly three times, depending on your score goals. Here's our suggested SAT schedule :

• Take the SAT in the fall of your junior year
• Take the SAT a second time in the spring of your junior year
• Take the SAT a final time in the late summer/early fall of your senior year

If you took your first SAT in the spring of your junior year instead of in the fall, you still have plenty of opportunities to take the SAT once or twice more. You could, for example, take the SAT a second time in June or August and a third time in October or November.

That said, avoid registering for back-to-back SAT test dates, especially in the fall of your senior year. Squeezing in too many SATs gives you barely any time to study and probably won't raise your score by any noticeable margin.

Furthermore, trying to balance so much prep during the school year—and as you're applying to college, no less!—is an incredibly stressful endeavor. So spread out your tests as best you can.

#4: How Much Study Time Will You Need?

Before you register for the SAT, decide how much time you'll need to dedicate to studying . We normally recommend setting aside three to six months for SAT prep. This amount of time allows you to space out your study sessions so that you're studying consistently without burning yourself out.

More importantly, though, you'll want a sufficient number of study hours. The number of hours you'll have to spend studying depends on the number of points you'd like to improve your baseline SAT score by. (A baseline score is the score you get on an official SAT practice test before you begin any SAT prep.)

Below are the (approximate) number of study hours required to make the following total point improvements on the SAT:

• 0-30 point improvement: 10 hours
• 30-70 point improvement: 20 hours
• 70-130 point improvement: 40 hours
• 130-200 point improvement: 80 hours
• 200-330 point improvement: 150 hours+

As you can see, the bigger the point increase you want, the more hours you'll have to study.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a ton of time to devote entirely to SAT prep. At a minimum, try to clock in at least 10 hours of prep.

If you only have a month or so before test day , you can still make large score increases—so long as you're willing to put in the effort. You can also use our last-minute SAT tips and strategies to help you get the score you want.

#5: Will You Have Any Obligations or Conflicts?

Finally, consider your own obligations. Is there anything you can't reschedule that'll be taking place on a certain test date? Do you have any ongoing commitments (school or otherwise) that could prevent you from being able to focus on your SAT prep? Obligations can be anything , from school plays and AP tests to sports tournaments and family vacations.

Before you choose a test date, make sure that you're keenly aware of your schedule. I suggest using a planner to take note of any big chunks of time during which you'll be too busy to study for the SAT.

Ultimately, if a certain test date feels overwhelming, choose another one for which you'll have far fewer obligations in the period leading up to it.

Quick Guide: What's the Best SAT Test Date for Juniors? For Seniors? For Early Action?

In reality, the "best" SAT test date varies for each student; however, sometimes you just want to know what a good test date is, generally speaking. Here, we give you a brief look at the best SAT test dates for four common scenarios.

Scenario 1: You're a Junior

• For 1st SAT: October, November, December
• For 2nd SAT: March, May, June

You should always take your first SAT as a junior, ideally in the fall. The October and November test dates offer lots of flexibility and plenty of time to study and prepare for round two should you want to take the SAT again.

In the spring, try to take the SAT in March or May—or at the latest, June. These dates ensure you'll have the entire summer to evaluate your scores, finalize your list of colleges, and decide whether you'd like to take the test again in August or autumn.

Scenario 2: You're a Senior

• Best Dates: August, October, November
• Riskier Dates: December

As a senior, you have up to four possible SAT test dates (for regular decision deadlines): August, October, November, and December.

As with all college prep, the earlier the better! Try to take the SAT in August, October, or November. These three test dates should have little trouble getting your scores to colleges in time, assuming your earliest deadline is somewhere around January 1.

Although you can opt for the December test date, too, I would only do so if your deadlines are January 10 or later. December scores aren't usually released until late December, so January 1 might be playing it a little too close for some colleges. Check with your schools directly to verify whether they'll accept SAT scores from the December test date before you register for it.

If your regular decision deadline happens to be especially early, like the University of California's November 30 deadline, opt for the August or October test dates instead.

Scenario 3: You're Applying Early Action/Early Decision

• Best Dates: June, August
• Riskier Dates: October

Most early action deadlines are November 1 or 15. A June or August test date (before your senior year) is an excellent choice since scores from either test date should definitely get to your schools in time. These dates also give you the fall to focus entirely on your college applications instead of on SAT prep.

The October deadline is a bit riskier, though, as its scores aren't normally released until the end of October. So if your deadline is November 1, October probably won't work. If your deadlines are November 15 or later, however, October should be fine.

Scenario 4: Your College Applications Aren't Due Until February or Later

Many schools have later-than-normal deadlines in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, and even September . So which SAT test dates will work for these late decision schools?

Below are the latest SAT test dates you can choose depending on your college application deadline. The latest recommended dates are pretty much guaranteed to get your SAT scores to schools in time, whereas the riskier dates might not get your scores in before the deadlines.

SAT Test Dates May Change Sign up to Receive Free Updates

Additional Resources for Info on SAT Test Dates

Need extra assistance with choosing SAT test dates? Our top resources below will help you pinpoint the best SAT dates for you:

• When Should You Take the SAT or ACT? Best Test Dates: Our popular guide to SAT/ACT test dates zeroes in on the four most important factors you'll need to consider when selecting a test date. You can also check out our more general guide to the other major factors that come into play when choosing a test date .
• SAT/ACT Test Dates & Study Plan for Sophomores and Juniors : Seeking advice on when to take the SAT or ACT your sophomore or junior year? This guide walks you through a typical SAT/ACT test-taking schedule and offers targeted tips for honing your weaknesses.
• 5 Step SAT/ACT Test Dates & Study Plan for Summer Before Senior Year : This step-by-step guide explains how to structure a personalized SAT/ACT study plan before your senior year.
• The Best SAT and ACT Test Dates for Senior Fall : Looking for a guide geared specifically toward seniors? Here, we lay out the SAT/ACT test dates in autumn and provide you with tips on how to choose the best date for you.
• Can I Get an Alternate SAT Test Date? : If there's a conflict with your current SAT test date, you might be able to schedule an alternate test date for the following week. Read our guide to learn everything you can do to ensure your request is successful.

The Final Word: What to Know About SAT Test Dates

Although exact SAT test dates change each testing year, the exam will always be administered a total of seven times across the following months (in the US):

For the most part, international test dates are identical to US ones, although the registration deadlines and score release dates can vary. Also, this year the international dates will all be administered in the new digital format .

To choose a test date that's right for you, consider the following four factors:

• When your college application and scholarship deadlines are
• How many times you want to take the SAT
• How much time you're willing to study
• Whether you'll have any obligations that might prevent you from taking the SAT on a certain date

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you now have a clearer and more confident sense as to which SAT test dates will work for you!

What's Next?

Planning ahead for 2024 or 2025? Then take a look at our handy (and updated!) compilation of future SAT test dates .

You've chosen an SAT test date—your next step now is to get online and register for the SAT . Our detailed guide offers easy-to-follow instructions to help walk you smoothly through the registration process.

Ready to get a great SAT score ? Consider the many different ways you can prep for the exam by reading our free eBook . And if you're hoping for a perfect score , check out our in-depth guide to getting a 1600 on the SAT , written by an expert full scorer!

Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Fred is co-founder of PrepScholar. He scored a perfect score on the SAT and is passionate about sharing information with aspiring students. Fred graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor's in Mathematics and a PhD in Economics.

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WAEC Releases Results Of First Computer-Based WASSCE (Cb-Wassce) For Private Candidates, 2024-First Series: Full Text

T he West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, wishes to announce to candidates, stakeholders, and the general public that the results of the first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB- WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2024–First Series, have been released.

Recall that the Council, in line with emerging best practices and continuous quest for excellence in its service delivery, commenced migration from the traditional Paper-Based Examinations (PBE) to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) for its Private Candidates examinations.

The novel CB-WASSCE entailed using a hybrid method where all questions were projected on the computer.

Whereas the answers to the multiple-choice questions were supplied on the computer real-time, answers to the essay and test of practical questions were supplied in booklets given to the candidates.

The examination was conducted between Wednesday, January 31 and Saturday, February 17, 2024. The Coordination of Examiners and Marking of Candidates’ Scripts were carried out at three Marking Venues in Lagos, Enugu and Kaduna from March 1 to 16, 2024.

A total of 459Examiners participated in the Coordination and Marking Exercise.

8362 candidates showed a 4.30% decrease in candidature when compared with the 2023 AND THIRTY-EIGHT (8,738). EIGHT THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY entry figure of 8,139candidates sat the examination at 140 CBTcentres spread across the country.

Amongst the candidates that sat the examination, 21candidates, with varying degrees of Special Needs, were registered for the examination. Out of this number, NINE (9) were visually challenged, TWO (2) had impaired hearing and TWO (2)were Albinos.

All these candidates with special needs were adequately catered for in the administration of the examination.

Of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, 3,862were male while 4,277were female, representing 47.45 % and 52.55%,respectively.

Out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, 8,006 ) candidates, representing 98.37%have their results fully processed and released while133candidates, representing 1.63 % have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them.

However, efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released, subsequently.

The analysis of candidates’ performance showed that out of the 8,139 candidates that sat the examination:

3,424 candidates representing 42.07 % obtained credit and above in a minimum of FIVE subjects (with or without English Language and/or Mathematics);

2,519 candidates representing30.95%obtained credit and above in a minimum of FIVE subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Of this number, 1,286 , that is, 51.05%were male candidates, while ONE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE (1,233), i.e. 48.95%were female candidates.

The percentage of candidates in this category in WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2022 and 2023 – First Series, that is, those who obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, were 26.32 % and 23.99 % respectively.

Thus, there is a marginal increase of 6.96 % in performance in this regard.

SIXTY-FIVE candidates’ results, representing 0 . 80 % of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, are being withheld for various reported cases of examination malpractice.

Comparatively, the reported cases of FOUR HUNDREDANDTHIRTEEN (413 ) candidates or 4.95% recorded for WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2023-First Series evidently reveal that the method of examination administration drastically reduced examination malpractices.

These reported cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for consideration. Thereafter, the Committee’s decisions will be communicated directly to the affected candidates. Meanwhile, candidates whose results are being held/withheld can apply for redress by visiting to register their complaints.

Candidates may check their results by visiting to ascertain their status before visiting the Digital Certificate platform () to access the digital copies of their certificates, which have been released along with their results. Candidates will be required to apply for the printing of the hard copies of their certificates online, through the WAEC Certificate Request Portal (e-Certman). The portal address is .

WAEC-Nigeria would like to congratulate all candidates who have worked hard and achieved great results. Our profound gratitude also goes to the government at all levels, Security Agencies, Ministries of Education, Staff, Supervisors, Invigilators, Custodians, Examiners, and other Ad-hoc personnel who, despite all odds, availed the Council of their services in ensuring the successful conduct of the examination and marking of scripts. The results are a testament to their dedication and hard work. We wish all the candidates the best in their future endeavours.

Once again, we assure all our stakeholders of our dedication and commitment to excellent service delivery.

Signed by: Moyosola F. Adesina (Ag. Head, Public Affairs)

For: Head of National Office

Issued by the Public Affairs Department on – Friday, 22nd March, 2024