SAT

Take the mystery out of the new SAT.  While the SAT is changing, we’re still helping students crack the code and achieve maximum results.

 The SAT is given seven times per year (October, November, December, January, March, March, May, June).   The test contains four required sections (Reading, Writing, Math: no calculator, Math: with calculator) and an optional Essay.

Scoring: The raw scores from the Reading and Writing sections are combined to get a scaled Reading/Writing score ranging from 200 to 800.  The raw scores from the no calculator and calculator Math sections are combined to get a scaled Math score ranging from 200 to 800.  There is no penalty for wrong answers.

 Here’s how the sections breakdown:

Reading: 52 questions in 65 minutes.  There are five passages total from the categories of science, literature, history/social studies, and social science.  While the revised SAT no longer contains obscure vocabulary, it now tests second and third definitions of more common words with multiple meanings in context.  The readings also feature charts and graphs.

Writing: 44 questions in 35 minutes. There are four passages with 11 questions each.  There will be one passage each from the categories of careers, history/social science, humanities and science.  The questions address issues of writing style, grammar usage and mechanics.  The writing passages will also feature charts and graphs.

Math (No Calc): 20 questions in 25 minutes.  This section requires basic algebraic skills normally handled by calculators.  In addition, this section places a high emphasis on word problems, real world applications, functions, statistics/data analysis, systems of equations, rate, sequences, and trigonometry.  While some 2-D and 3-D geometric formulas are provided at the beginning of the section, knowledge of additional formulas is required.

Math (with Calc): 38 questions in 55 minutes.  This section requires functional knowledge of a graphing calculator.  In addition, this section places a high emphasis on word problems, real world applications, functions, statistics, systems of equations, rate, sequences, and trigonometry.  While some 2-D and 3-D geometric formulas are provided at the beginning of the section, knowledge of additional formulas is required.

Essay (Optional): 50 minutes.  The student is presented with a passage and asked to provide a rhetorical analysis, explaining how the author builds an argument to persuade an audience.  The student must support his or her explanation with evidence from the passage.  It is recommended that students take the optional essay.

Wondering if the revised SAT is right for you? Get in touch with us for an assessment.