What is the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)?

The SAT is a test run by the College Board that is necessary for admission to many American universities. It has a Reading and Writing aptitude component and a Math section. Not every school requires it, but it’s better to be prepared by taking the test in case that one school you want to attend does require it.

You should read through the College Board website to find out about how the test is structured and how to take the test. The test is taken on your laptop in a testing centre. You must bring ID. Each section is divided into 2 modules, and there is a 10 minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Based on how you perform on the first module, the second module will either be more difficult or less difficult.

If you are in grade 12:

If you want to apply to American schools, you will want to take the test in time to meet the regular admission dates to US universities and colleges, which are generally in early January.

Register for the SAT here. Find your local testing center here. Register early because spots do fill up.

Before you take the test, it is advisable to build a study plan and do some practice tests. You can practice at the Khan Academy site but you should also take some practice tests using the College Board’s Bluebook app. You should download the Bluebook app and take practice tests to find out what testing strategies work best for you. For instance, should you flag a question if you can’t answer it in the first 30 seconds and come back to it later, or does that throw off your timing?

To set up your account with the College Board, go here.

After you take a practice test in Bluebook, you can review your answers, the correct answers and a review button that breaks down each answer choice in the My Practice section of your College Board account. For every official SAT practice test, Khan Academy also has a matching review course to walk you through each question. Not only can you read through a detailed answer explanation, but you can also jump immediately to a lesson that covers the skills you need to answer similar questions in the future.

If you are in grade 11:

It is recommended to start preparing for your exam 6 months ahead. You can study on your own, using the online resources provided by the College Board and Khan Academy mentioned above or with a local tutor, or the Princeton Review’s online tutoring. Plan to take the test in the spring of your grade 11 year to get practice with the test, and this will give you a competitive edge if you take it again during the fall of your Grade 12 year.

If you need assistance with the SAT, bring your questions to Guidance Counsellor, Lara Cerqueira.