SAT Test

The Scholastic Aptitude Test for Reasoning is currently one of the most frequently used testing instruments for college admission in the United States. The SAT is a predictor of a student's critical thinking skills. It also measures a student's general knowledge against a standardized scale across the country.

While some people may be able to take the SAT test and succeed with minimal preparation, most test takers will benefit from allocating time to study beforehand and reading through a SAT Test Study Guide or practicing with a set of SAT Exam Flashcards. Regardless of your studying techniques, be sure that you plan ahead and leave yourself enough time in advance of the test day to become adequately prepared. Last minute studying is likely to be rushed and does not maximize your chances of being successful.

The SAT has three sections: critical reading, mathematics and writing. These three sections of the general test are required by most of the colleges in the United States. Special subject tests, including language, history, science and English, are offered by the SAT and may be required for college admission in a specified program.

The critical reading section tests college level reading skills. A student must be able to summarize and identify main ideas as well as draw conclusions from the test. Students are also tested on organizational strategies as well as vocabulary and sentence structure.

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A student's reasoning skills and mathematical concept knowledge is measured on the mathematics section. The test measures the knowledge learned in three years of college preparatory mathematics classes. Students have to analyze material that is presented as verbal, numerical, graphical and symbolical.

The writing section includes an essay. The essay will show skill in developing and expressing a point of view. Students have to recognize sentence errors and paraphrase in this section.

The SAT is offered on certain dates seven different times throughout the year in the United States. It is offered six times a year internationally. Dates and fees, as well as practice tests, suggestions for study, college listings and financial aid information, are found at www.collegeboard.com.