When preparing to take the SAT, it’s crucial to know the information needed.The SAT is a widely accepted standardised test used for college admissions applications. In this article, we will explore the key information needed to prepare for the SAT, including test dates, content structure, test fees, and other important details about the test. Whether you are taking the SAT for the first time or looking to improve your score, this article will provide you with important information on how to effectively prepare for and tackle the SAT.
August 2024–June 2025 Test Dates
The SAT is usually taken in November, December, January, March, May and June each year. Candidates can choose a test date that suits their schedule, but it is important to note that registration deadlines for test dates are usually several weeks in advance, so be sure to plan ahead. The table below shows the exact dates of the exams from August 2024 to June 2025:
|
SAT Test Date |
Registration Deadline |
Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, |
|
Aug 24, 2024 |
Aug 9, 2024 |
Aug 13, 2024 |
|
Dec 7, 2024 |
Nov 22, 2024 |
Nov 26, 2024 |
|
June 7, 2025 |
May 22, 2025 |
May 27, 2025 |
|
Mar 8, 2025 |
Feb 21, 2025 |
Feb 25, 2025 |
|
May 3, 2025 |
Apr 18, 2025 |
April 22, 2025 |
|
Nov 2, 2024 |
Oct 18, 2024 |
Oct 22, 2024 |
|
Oct 5, 2024 |
Sept 20, 2024 |
Sept 24, 2024 |
Content and Scoring Criteria
The table provides an overview of the content and scoring criteria for the SAT exam. It outlines the main sections of the test, including Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and the optional Essay section. Each section assesses specific skills and is scored according to different criteria, allowing you to prepare more comprehensively for SAT. To enhance your preparation, consider utilizing online platforms and applications such as Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/sat) that offer free SAT preparation resources.
|
Test Section |
Content |
Scoring Criteria |
|
Reading |
Includes reading comprehension and literary analysis, assessing the ability to understand and analyze texts. |
200-800 points |
|
Writing and Language |
Assesses grammar, rhetoric, and revision skills, requiring students to modify and improve given passages. |
200-800 points |
|
Math |
Covers problem-solving and data analysis, with both calculator and no-calculator question types. |
200-800 points |
|
Essay (Optional) |
Scored by two graders who each give a score from 1-4, with the final score being the sum of the two graders' scores, ranging from 2-8. |
2-8 points |
In addition to this, candidates need to be aware of the cost of the SAT as well as the approved testing equipment.The cost of the SAT depends on the location of the test and the service chosen, and candidates also need to be aware of what testing equipment is approved to be brought into the test centre.
Test Fees
For U.S.
|
Service |
Fee |
Details |
|
Change test center |
$29 |
For changing your test center only. (To change the test date, you must cancel and register for a new test.) |
|
Cancel fee |
$29 |
For canceling your registration by the change deadline. |
|
Late cancel fee |
$39 |
For canceling your registration after the change deadline, by Thursday 11:59 p.m. ET before test day. |
|
Late registration |
$34 |
For registering after the regular deadline but before the late registration deadline. |
|
Additional score reports |
$14 per report |
Unlimited free score reports with fee waiver. Your first 4 score reports are free if ordered within 9 days after the test date. Additional reports or reports ordered after that time incur this fee. |
|
Rush reports |
$31 |
Additional score report fees apply. |
|
Get scores by phone |
$15 per call |
Available at the same time as online scores. You must pay by credit card at the time of the call. |
|
Archived scores |
$35 |
Additional score report fees apply. |
|
Score Verification |
$35 |
Fee waiver available. For digital SAT, call Customer Service at 866-756-7346 (U.S. and Canada) or +1-212-713-7789 (all other countries). |
＊Please note that the fees and details are based on the information provided for test dates from August 2024 to June 2025.
For international
|
Service |
Fee |
Details |
|
Test center fee (select locations only) |
$24 |
View a list of test centers that are known to charge a test center fee. |
|
Late registration |
$34 |
For registering after the regular deadline but before the late registration deadline. |
|
Change test center |
$29 |
For changing your test center only. (To change the test date, you must cancel and register for a new test.) |
|
Cancel registration fee |
$29 |
For canceling your registration by the change deadline. |
|
Late cancel fee |
$39 |
For canceling your registration after the change deadline, by Thursday 11:59 p.m. ET before test day. |
|
Additional score reports |
$14 per report |
Your first 4 score reports are free if you order them by 9 days after the test date. Additional reports or reports ordered after that time incur this fee. See further information at Sending Scores. |
|
Rush reports |
$31 |
Additional score report fees apply. |
|
Get scores by phone |
$15 per call |
Available at the same time as online scores. You must pay by credit card at the time of the call. |
|
Archived scores |
$35 |
Additional score report fees apply. |
＊Please note that the fees and details are based on the provided information for test dates from August 2024 to June 2025.
Approved Testing Devices
|
Device Type |
Minimum Version |
Maximum Version |
Storage Requirement |
External Keyboard |
External Mouse |
Important Note |
|
Windows PC |
Windows 10 |
Windows 11 |
1 GB |
Not Allowed |
Allowed |
Avoid upgrading the OS before the test, ensure only Bluebook application is running |
|
Mac |
macOS 11.7.5 |
macOS 14.6.1 |
1 GB |
Not Allowed |
Allowed |
Avoid upgrading the OS before the test, ensure only Bluebook application is running |
|
iPad |
iPadOS 15.0 |
iPadOS 17.5 |
250 MB |
Allowed |
Allowed |
Avoid upgrading the OS before the test, ensure only Bluebook application is running |
|
School-Managed Chromebook |
ChromeOS 114 |
ChromeOS 120 |
1 GB |
Not Allowed |
Allowed |
Ensure the use of a school-managed Chromebook, not a personal one |
*On the day of the exam, you will need to bring the following items:
- A fully charged testing device with the Bluebook™ application installed and exam setup completed (please refer to detailed device requirements).
- Your up-to-date admission ticket from the Bluebook app. It’s preferred to bring a printed ticket, which you can access after completing exam setup (available starting 5 days before the test).
- An acceptable photo ID.
- Pencils or pens for scratch work.
- Your College Board username and password.
- An acceptable calculator for use on the Math section of the test (an embedded graphing calculator will be available within Bluebook).
- Epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) are permitted without the need for accommodations. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under the student’s desk during testing. For policies on other medications and medical devices, please contact Services for Students with Disabilities．
We hope that the information provided in this article will help you excel on the SAT and pave the way for your college admissions application. Good luck!