SAT Prep | About The Test
Who takes the SAT? What is it used for?
Juniors and seniors in high school are the ones most likely to take the SAT. College admissions personnel use your test results as a way to decide if you can be accepted to their school. Because high schools across the nation have a variety of grading systems, the SAT score is designed to put all students on an equal footing. Your SAT score, along with your grades and other school information, helps colleges predict how well you will do at the college level.
If you score poorly on the SAT, it does not mean you should change your plans about going to college. Nor does it mean you will not do well in college. It just means you scored low. Should this happen, remember that you have options:
First, you can register to take the SAT again. Use the time before the next SAT administration to prepare as best you can.
Second, a poor score does not automatically shut the door to all colleges. College admissions officers use several criteria when reviewing applicants including your high school grades, your extracurricular activities, and the levels of your courses in high school.
Who administers the test?
ETS, a client of the College Board, which owns the SAT, develops and scores the test and currently administers it with the assistance of educators across the United States.
When is it best to take the SAT?
You should take the test as a junior or senior in high school. We recommend taking the SAT early in the school year. This allows you more time to retake the test if you are not satisfied with your first set of scores.
When and where do I take the SAT?
The SAT is normally offered seven times a year nationwide. The test can be taken at hundreds of locations throughout the country, including high schools. The standard test day is normally on Saturday, but alternate days are permitted if a conflict—such as a religious obligation—exists.
For information on upcoming SAT testing dates, see your guidance counselor for an SAT Registration Bulletin or request a registration bulletin from ETS as follows:
Educational Testing Service Rosedale Road Princeton, NJ 08541 phone: (609) 921–9000 | e-mail: etsinfo@ets.org | www.ets.org
What about the registration fee?
You must pay a fee to register for the SAT. Some students may qualify to have this fee waived. To find out if you qualify for a fee waiver, contact your guidance counselor.
When will I receive my SAT score report? What does the report contain?
Your score report will arrive approximately four weeks after you take the test. Your high school, any colleges you indicated on your answer sheet, and select scholarship services will also receive your scores. Your SAT score report contains your total score for all three test sections and a list of the colleges you designated to receive your scores. Your total score will also be broken down into raw scores and scaled scores for the Critical Reading, Writing, and Math sections.
What is the Student Search Service?
The Student Search Service provides your SAT scores to colleges. Colleges enrolled in this service receive information about you, especially if you express interest in their school. On your SAT answer sheet, you can indicate that you want enrollment in this service.
