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What is the SAT? A Complete Guide to the Exam

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Virtually every college’s admissions committee uses the SAT as a way to compare students from different educational backgrounds. It is managed and published by the College Board, which makes sure that the test covers skills relevant to colleges.

The SAT has changed a lot over its history, including what it measures, who uses the exam, and even what the letters stand for. We’re going to focus on what you need to know about the SAT as it exists today.

Why Should I Take the SAT?

The SAT demonstrates your academic ability to colleges, especially in language arts and math. Colleges use these scores to gauge if you are ready for college classes. Based on your score, they may even award merit scholarships or admission to their honors programs, and sometimes place you in higher-level courses.

The SAT is not the only test that colleges look at—there is also the ACT, an exam used in the same ways the SAT is used. Most colleges require either an official SAT or ACT score.

While used in similar ways, the SAT and ACT have different test structures, and most students prefer one style of test over the other. For example, the ACT has a science section, a different format for the essay portion, and tighter time constraints than the SAT. For more information on the two exams and how the SAT can help you earn scholarships, check out these posts:

• Should You Take Both the SAT and ACT?
• Which is Easier, the SAT or the ACT?
• Which Colleges Award Automatic Scholarships Based on SAT Scores?
• How Your SAT Scores can Help You Earn Scholarships

What is the SAT like?

How the sat is structured.

The SAT is structured into three tests with an optional fourth test: Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and an optional Essay.

The Reading Test measures your reading comprehension and analysis skills using excerpts from literary fiction or academic texts. You have:

• 65 minutes to answer 52 questions.
• 4 single passages in prose, social studies, and sciences.
• 1 pair of passages in either social studies or science.
• 10 to 11 questions for each single or paired passage.
• All multiple choice questions.

The Writing and Language Test measures your proofreading and editing skills using unfinished drafts. You have:

• 35 minutes to answer 44 questions
• 4 passages in narrative nonfiction, social studies, science, and career/industry
• 11 questions per passage.
• All multiple choice questions

Note that the questions may be in an unfamiliar format. Many questions refer to an underlined portion within the passage as a point of reference, and you will be asked to choose the answer that best improves the passage. These questions will also include a “NO CHANGE” option, which means that the way it appears in the passage is the best choice.

The Math Test measures your logic and problem-solving skills using math concepts. You have:

• Two sections, a no-calculator and a calculator section
• 15 multiple choice questions
• 5 gridded-response questions
• 30 multiple choice questions
• 8 gridded-response questions

The SAT Essay is optional and allows you to demonstrate your reading, analysis, and writing skills. You have:

• 50 minutes to respond to 1 essay question.
• The question involves analyzing a provided argument and explaining how the author develops the argument to persuade the reader.
• The 50 minutes includes time for reading the argument, analyzing it, planning your essay, and ultimately writing it.

The SAT was significantly modified in 2016, both in structure and scoring. For more information about the new SAT, check out these posts:

• Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Reading Test
• Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Writing and Language Test
• Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Math Test

What to Expect when Taking the SAT

The SAT is offered a handful of times throughout the school year, usually on Saturdays. Some high schools participate in SAT Day, where you take the SAT in school instead of having to go on your own time.

You will probably need to sign up for the SAT on your own at least once, and we’ve compiled a list of the SAT dates for 2018-2019 to get you started.

On test day, you’ll need to bring the following:

• Your admission ticket
• Two no. 2 pencils with erasers
• An approved calculator
• Recommended: a watch without an audible alarm (not a smartwatch), extra batteries for your calculator or extra pencils, water and snacks

For a complete list of which items you are allowed to bring, check out College Board’s Test Day Checklist .

No matter where you take the test, the testing center doors open at 7:45 a.m. and testing starts between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. You will be assigned a seat and the testing coordinator will read you the testing instructions.

You will work on the Reading, then Writing and Language, then Math, then Essay portions of the test in that order. If you have extra time, you can check your answers in the current section, but you can’t move onto the next section or go back to a previous one.

Most students have one 10 minute break and one 5 minute break. You may use the restroom or eat a snack during the break, but you may not charge electronic devices, such as a phone, or else your scores will be canceled.

For students who don’t take the essay, they usually finish the test around 12:00pm. For students who do take the essay, they usually finish around 1:00pm.

How the SAT is Scored

Although the SAT has a whole suite of score assessments, the most common ways that people report scores is with the total score and section scores . There are two section scores on the SAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is scored from 200 to 800 points.

The total score is the sum of the section scores, so it ranges from 400 to 1600.

Discover how your SAT score affects your chances

As part of our free guidance platform, our Admissions Assessment tells you what schools you need to improve your SAT score for and by how much. Sign up to get started today.

Tips for Doing Well on the SAT

To do well on the SAT, you should do your best to simulate a real test using one of College Board’s free practice tests . This will give you the best idea of what taking the official SAT will be like as well as the types of questions you can expect to see.

Analyze your score and reflect on what the test was like for you. Did you second-guess yourself? Rush through the test? Develop strategies to prevent negative test habits from happening and brush up on any academic skills you may need.

Depending on how much you want to improve your score, you’ll want to give yourself enough time to practice and study before taking the official SAT. Create a consistent study schedule and stick to it, using practice tests to measure the effectiveness of your strategies.

Need more tips? Check out our free guide  with our top 8 tips for mastering the SAT.

For more information about the SAT and improving your score, check out these posts:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• What to Do if You’re Not Improving on the SAT
• How to Set a Realistic Target SAT Score

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College Reality Check

What is the SAT? Ultimate Guide for Top Students

The SAT used to stand for Scholastic Aptitude Test and later on Scholastic Aptitude Test. These days, however, there is no particular SAT test meaning — SAT exams are simply called as such because the College Board wanted to get rid of “aptitude,” for it gave the idea that some individuals were born to attend college while some weren’t.

A standardized test, the SAT, is used by many colleges and universities as a part of the admissions process. It is a multiple-choice, paper and pencil examination that will soon go digital. Administered by the College Board, the SAT is employed not only for assessing the college readiness of applicants but also for determining scholarship eligibility at times.

Below, we will talk about some of the most important things you need to know about the SAT.

Is the SAT Important for College Admissions?

The SAT is an important exam for students to take if they are planning on applying to test-required colleges as well as certain scholarship programs. However, it’s completely up to college-bound individuals to take any of the college admission tests such as the SAT if the colleges they plan on applying to are test-required.

Read Also: 13 College Entrance Exams

Do You Have to Take the SAT?

The SAT may or may not be taken by college-bound students who are planning on applying to test-optional postsecondary institutions. It was back in 1969 when the test-optional movement came into being, and Bowdoin College was the very first college to implement a test-optional admissions policy. Many small liberal arts schools followed suit.

Simply put, the test-optional movement argued that standardized tests do not increase the value of college applications. As of this writing, there are more than 1,840 test-optional and test-blind colleges in the US.

Can Colleges See How Many Times You Took the SAT?

According to the College Board itself, nothing automatically allows colleges and universities to see how many times applicants took the SAT. The only test scores they will see are the ones that students include in their applications. However, some institutions of higher education require applicants to submit all test scores from all test dates.

Some colleges require the submission of all SAT taken to have a much better idea of an applicant’s academic capabilities as well as to look for positive trends that can help increase admissions chances.

What is on the SAT?

In the past, the SAT consisted of Critical Reading, Writing & Essay and Math sections. The new SAT, however, combined the sections Critical Reading and Writing & Essay. According to the SAT website itself, the standardized test was redesigned to make it more straightforward as well as connected to classroom learning.

How Many Sections are on the SAT?

The SAT is made up of 2 main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section and Math section. The EBRW section has 2 parts: Reading and Writing & Language. On the other hand, the Math section has 2 sections: Calculator and No-Calculator sections. Each section of the SAT has a different number of questions.

There’s another section of the SAT, which is optional, and it’s the Essay section. It was in 2016 when the Essay section became optional. The Writing section of the ACT, meanwhile, has always been optional.

However, these days, the Essay section is no longer available.

How Many Questions is the SAT

The SAT has a total of 154 multiple-choice questions. The SAT section with the most number of questions is the Math section, given that the said section is made up of 2 sections. The SAT section with the least number of questions, on the other hand, is the Writing & Language, which is a part of the EBRW section.

Here’s a table that shows the number of questions each section of the SAT has:

What Kind of Math is on the SAT?

According to the College Board itself, there are 4 types of math in the Math section of the SAT. The non-profit organization refers to them as the following: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics in Math. Each of them covers different math topics.

Let’s take a look at what each kind of math in the SAT’s Math section is all about:

• Heart of Algebra – mastery of linear equations and systems
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis – analyzing problems and drawing information
• Passport to Advanced Math – manipulation of complex mathematical questions
• Additional Topics in Math – geometry and trigonometry

Is There Science on the SAT?

Unlike the ACT, there is no Science section on the SAT. However, the Math section of the SAT is designed in a way that it demonstrates the critical and analytical thinking skills of test-takers, which are essential for attaining success in the STEM field. As a result of this, some students who excel in science prefer the ACT over the SAT.

Although the ACT has a Science section, it’s not technically designed to measure a student’s knowledge about science but assess his or her ability to read charts and graphs and draw conclusions from what they have read.

Is There Writing on the SAT?

The SAT has a Writing section, which is a part of the bigger EBWR section. However, despite its name, the Writing section is not similar to the optional Essay section of the SAT or the optional Writing section of the ACT. Instead, it’s all about evaluating the ability of test-takers to fix weaknesses and mistakes in the given passages.

Grammar, vocabulary in context and editing skills — these are what the Writing & Language section of the SAT is all about, and each of the questions to answer are multiple-choice questions.

What is the SAT Reasoning Test?

The SAT Reasoning Test was a former name of the SAT, which has undergone several name changes throughout its existence. Initially, the SAT was known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

After some time, it was referred to as the Scholastic Assessment Test. It then became known as SAT I: Reasoning Test, after which it was referred to as the SAT Reasoning Test.

Currently, the SAT does not stand for anything — it’s just the name of the standardized test.

How Does the SAT Work?

The SAT is a timed examination. The entire standardized test is comprised of 3 separately timed sections — 2 for EBRW section and 1 for Math section. The questions are multiple-choice kinds, and they are designed to evaluate the literacy, numeracy and writing skills of the test-taker, all of which are vital for college-level coursework.

What Does the SAT Measure?

The SAT is designed to measure the college readiness of students by means of their literacy, numeracy and writing skills, all of which are vital for attaining academic success in their postsecondary education careers. The SAT provides admissions officers with a common data point that they can use to measure applicants against one another.

However, it’s important to note that colleges and universities rarely make admissions decisions based solely on college readiness through SAT scores. Often, the SAT is just one of the various admissions factors taken into account.

Is the SAT Multiple Choice

The SAT consists of multiple-choice questions. As a matter of fact, the EBRW section, which is made up of Reading and Writing & Language sections, has questions that provide test-takers with multiple answer options. Because there is no penalty for wrong answers, students can make a guess each time they don’t know the answer.

In the past, every wrong answer had a 1.25 point deduction. However, since the new SAT came into being in 2016, no point deductions are made for each incorrect answer.

Is the SAT a Standardized Test?

The SAT is a standardized test in that it requires all test-takers to answer the very same questions. Similarly, all answers given by test-takers are graded in the same predetermined way set by the College Board.

Still, colleges and universities that consider the SAT in the admissions process may use SAT scores differently when making admissions decisions.

Both the SAT and ACT are standardized test scores. Similarly, college admissions officers see them equally — they have no preference between these exams during the review process.

When Do You Take the SAT Test?

The SAT is administered 7 times per year. In terms of at what grade level the SAT is taken, high school students may take the standardized test at any given time starting their freshman year. However, most students take the SAT for the very first time in the spring of their junior year and retake it, if necessary, in the fall of their senior year.

Here are the months when the SAT is given in the US for American high school students:

How to Guess on the SAT

To guess on the SAT, test-takers should first eliminate at least 1 answer choice, which gives them a 33% chance of getting the right answer. Meanwhile, eliminating 2 answer choices allows them to enjoy a 50% chance of giving the correct answer. It’s generally a good idea to guess the answer if the question is too confusing or time-consuming.

Just like what was mentioned earlier, there is no penalty for every wrong answer on the SAT, which means that guessing is welcome. As a matter of fact, students should answer all questions even if they need to guess.

How Long is the SAT?

It takes 3 hours to complete the SAT. Because there is a 10-minute break after the first section, which is the Reading section that’s 65 minutes long, and another 5-minute break after the Math – No-Calculator section, which is the third section and takes 25 minutes to complete, the entire SAT is 3 hours and 15 minutes long.

The following table shows the length of each of the sections of the SAT:

How Does SAT Scoring Work?

The SAT composite score can range anywhere from as low as 400 to as high as 1600. Each of the SAT’s main sections, EBRW section and Math section, is scored between 200 and 800, which is the scaled score. The scaled score, which is based on whether the SAT is slightly easier or slightly harder, is based on the raw score, which is the number of correct answers.

Each of the sections of the EBRW section contributes equally to the said section in the scoring process. On the other hand, the Math section is made up solely of the score for the Math exam.

What is a Good SAT Score?

Generally speaking, an SAT composite score that’s above the median or 50th percentile is considered decent because it means that the test-taker performed better than the majority of those who took the SAT. However, in a stricter sense, a good SAT score is something that can help the student get admitted to the college of his or her choosing.

Just about any score that’s higher than the average of all individuals who sat for the SAT on the same test date is considered above average and perfectly acceptable for many test-required or test-optional institutions of higher education.

Facts About the SAT

In this part of the post, we will discuss a couple of important facts about the SAT, including how it came into being and who came up with the standardized test that the College Board administers.

History of the SAT

During World War I, recruits of the US Army were tested for their intelligence. The examination was referred to as the Army Alpha, which was the very first mass-administered IQ test.

After WWI, the Army Alpha was made harder and used as an admissions test for a few college-bound students in 1926. In 1933, it was used at Harvard for scholarship eligibility.

Before the war, the College Board, which was established in 1900, administered a number of exams. But because of WWI, all of them were abolished. The SAT then became the basic standardized college test.

Who Created the SAT?

Carl Brigham, who was a Princeton University professor of psychology and a pioneer in psychometrics, is considered the father of the SAT. He adapted the Army Alpha, which was an intelligence test that was administered to US Army recruits, mainly by making it more difficult so that it could be used for college admissions purposes.

It was in 1926 when the SAT was first administered by the College Board, which is also the official SAT website. Since its creation, the SAT has undergone many changes. The biggest ever change happened in 2016, which gave rise to the new SAT.

What is the College Board?

The College Board is an American non-profit organization that was created in 1900 as the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) to make higher education more accessible. It’s a membership institution that now consists of more than 6,000 colleges and universities.

The College Board also conducts research and advocacy to serve students, teachers and schools.

According to the College Board itself, each year, it helps over 7 million students successfully transition through higher education by means of college readiness and college success programs and services.

How Many People Take the SAT?

Around 1.7 million individuals take the SAT in 2022, with the vast majority of them being students in their junior and senior high school years. On the other hand, in the same year, the number of people who took the ACT was about 1.5 million.

At that time, 1050 was the average SAT score, which was the lowest since the standardized test changed its format in 2016.

Compared to the ACT, the SAT is more popular. Despite this, colleges and universities that are test-required as well as test-optional do not prefer one examination over the other.

What is the SAT Designed to Predict?

Being a standardized college entrance exam, the SAT is designed to predict college readiness, which is all about a student’s potential for success in pursuing an undergraduate degree. It does so by assessing the knowledge and skills of a college-bound individual in math and reading and writing, all of which are vital for college-level coursework.

Opinions about the effectiveness of the SAT in predicting college readiness are divided. For instance, research done on students without standardized test scores usually do well in college as their peers who submit standardized test scores.

Is the Fifth Section on the SAT Scored?

The fifth section of the SAT is also known as Section 5 or the SAT Experimental Section. Simply put, it’s a section of the SAT that is used for testing out questions for future SAT examinations. Other than not being scored and thus won’t affect a student’s actual SAT score, the fifth section of the SAT is also completely optional.

It takes 20 minutes for the fifth section of the SAT to be completed. The questions can be either math or English or both. The fifth section of the SAT allows the College Board to determine the relative difficulty of experimental questions.

Does the SAT Have an Essay?

The SAT used to have an Essay section. Since the standardized test came into being, the Essay section has always been required for test-takers to take. However, in 2016 when the SAT underwent a change in its format, the Essay section became optional.

Back in 2021, however, the College Board announced that it would stop offering the optional Essay section.

Registration fee for the SAT with the optional Essay section, when it was still being offered, amounted to $68. Meanwhile, without the optional Essay question, the SAT cost $52 only.

Does the SAT Provide Calculators?

The SAT does not provide calculators to test-takers. Instead, individuals must bring their calculators with them to their respective test centers on their respective test dates. It’s important to keep in mind that there are certain restrictions on what type of calculators can be used as well as when during the SAT that calculators can be used.

The Math section of the SAT is divided into Calculator section and No-Calculator section. It’s possible for test-takers to answer the Calculator section without using a calculator, although it will surely consume a lot of their time.

SAT is Changing – Paper Based vs. Digital

Eventually, the SAT will turn from the current paper and pencil format to the digital format.

Other than having an entirely new format, the digital SAT is shorter — it will take 2 hours and 24 minutes (with breaks) to complete, whereas the paper and pencil SAT takes 3 hours and 15 minutes (with breaks) to complete.

Instead of the usual 154 multiple-choice questions, the digital SAT will only have 98 multiple-choice questions. But just like its paper and pencil counterpart, the digital SAT will have a couple of sections: EBRW section and Math section. Test-takers will have 64 minutes to complete the EBRW section and 70 minutes to complete the Math section.

Despite being online, the digital SAT will still have to be taken by students at designated test centers.

They can, however, choose to bring their personal laptops with them to test centers, although some test centers or schools may require students to take the digital SAT on the computers they have on site.

When Does the SAT Go Digital?

The College Board will administer the digital SAT first to international students at international test centers in spring 2023. On the other hand, the digital SAT will be offered in the US for domestic students in spring 2024.

How to Study for the SAT

Experts recommend preparing for the SAT about 3 months before the test date. It’s a good idea for students who are planning to sit for the standardized examination to take practice tests as it can help them determine what they already know and, more importantly, their weak points, so that they can dedicate more of their time to getting familiar with them.

The College Board offers free test preps for students, which, of course, are some of the best.

Other than those from the administrator itself of the SAT, high school students may also choose to take advantage of test preps in the form of online courses and guidebooks available on the internet.

A way to gear up for the SAT, which, as mentioned earlier, is ideally taken for the very first time in the spring of junior year and retake it, if unhappy with one’s scores, in the fall of the senior year, is by taking the PSAT. Short for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, the PSAT serves as a preparation for the SAT.

While most high school teens take the PSAT in the 11th grade to also qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the standardized test score may also be taken in the 9th and 10th grades.

SAT Practice Test

In this part of the post, I will give you a total of 10 sample SAT questions — 5 for English and 5 for math. I took the questions below from the SAT Practice Test #1 by the College Board itself.

The passage below will take you to the SAT sample questions for English:

The Consolations of Philosophy

Long viewed by many as the stereotypical useless major, philosophy is now being seen by many students and prospective employers as in fact a very useful and practical major, offering students a host of transferable skills with relevance to the modern workplace. (1) In broad terms, philosophy is the study of meaning and the values underlying thought and behavior. But (2) more pragmatically, the discipline encourages students to analyze complex material, question conventional beliefs and express thoughts in a concise manner.

Because philosophy (3) teaching students not what to think but how to think, the age-old discipline offers consistently useful tools for academic and professional achievement. (4) A 1994 survey concluded that only 18 percent of American colleges required at least one philosophy course. (5) Therefore, between 1992 and 1996, more than 400 independent philosophy departments were eliminated from institutions.

Q 4. Which choice most effectively sets up the information that follows?

Answer key:

And now, let’s take a look at 5 sample test questions for the Math section of the SAT.

1. Kathy is a repair technician for a phone company. Each week, she receives a batch of phones that need repairs. The number of phones that she has left to fix at the end of each day can be estimated with the equation P d = 108 − 23, where P is the number of phones left and d is the number of days she has worked that week. What is the meaning of the value 108 in this equation?

2. On Saturday afternoon, Armand sent m text messages each hour for 5 hours, and Tyrone sent p text messages each hour for 4 hours. Which of the following represents the total number of messages sent by Armand and Tyrone on Saturday afternoon?

3. A pediatrician uses the model h a = 3 + 28.6 to estimate the height h of a boy, in inches, in terms of the boy’s age a, in years, between the ages of 2 and 5. Based on the model, what is the estimated increase, in inches, of a boy’s height each year?

4. In the equations below, b and c represent the price per pound, in dollars, of beef and chicken, respectively, x weeks after July 1 during last summer. What was the price per pound of beef when it was equal to the price per pound of chicken?

b = 2.35 + 0.25x

c = 1.75 + 0.40x

5. A line in the xy-plane passes through the origin and has a slope of 1/7. Which of the following points lies on the line?

The sample questions above are from the following sites: www.serragotestprep.com quizlet.com

Should I Take the SAT or the ACT?

Both SAT and ACT scores are used by many colleges and universities in the admissions process as a part of their holistic admission policy. Similarly, a lot of institutions also use them to determine scholarship eligibility.

Admissions officers do not prefer the SAT over the ACT and vice versa.

So, in other words, it’s completely up to you whether it’s the SAT or ACT you will take — your choice of standardized test should be based on which one you can take with more self-confidence as well as ease. Needless to say, it’s highly recommended that you choose the exam that you are more likely to ace.

Because of this, you should familiarize yourself with the content of the SAT and ACT as well as the required testing strategies by taking some practice tests of both and then registering for one that you would feel more comfortable sitting for.

Read Next: ACT Tests Guide

Independent Education Consultant, Editor-in-chief. I have a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering and training in College Counseling. Member of American School Counselor Association (ASCA).

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How Long Does the SAT Take?

College Board

• February 8, 2024

The total time for the digital SAT  is 2 hours and 14 minutes, not including breaks, and the test consists of :

• Reading and Writing:  64-minute section with 54 questions (1 minute 11 seconds per question)
• Math:  70-minute section with 44 questions (1 minute 35 seconds per question)

Compared to the ACT ®, the SAT® provides 67% more time per question. 

Each section of the digital SAT   is divided into 2 equal-length modules, and there’s a 10-minute  break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section.

Because the digital SAT is adaptive , the same knowledge and skills can be accurately measured faster. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how you do on the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult. Either way, the module will always have the same number of questions.

What About the Essay Section? 

The Essay is only available in states where it’s required as part of SAT School Day administrations. Students scheduled to take the SAT on a school day can check with their school to see whether the Essay will be included. If it’s included, the Essay section will be an additional 50 minutes. 

When Does the SAT Start?

If you’re taking the SAT on a weekend , test center doors open at 7:45 a.m. on test day and close at 8 a.m. Once students are checked in and seated in their testing room, the proctor reads the preliminary instructions. The test begins between 8:30 and 9 a.m., based on how long these steps take.

How Do I Know How Much Time I Have Left?

A testing timer in Bluebook ™ will let you know how much time is remaining in each part of the test. You can hide it until 5 minutes remain. Then you’ll get an alert.

The proctor will be able to see when each student starts and finishes each section.

Other Time Factors

Travel Time  – Figure out travel time to your test center, and make sure you can be there before the doors close at 8 a.m. on test day.

Special Accommodations  – Students with specific needs due to medical conditions or other circumstances can get either extended or more frequent breaks or extra testing time for each section. If you think you may qualify, you can  request accommodations .

Additional SAT Test Day Information

Access more information on  what to expect on SAT test day  so there won't be any surprises to delay you or your fellow test takers. Don’t forget to bring your fully charged device with the Bluebook application installed, a valid ID, and a pencil or pen for scratch work. Use our  test day checklist   as a reminder of everything you need. And remember, the proctor will hold your electronic devices until the test is over.

Now you know how long the SAT takes and everything that impacts timing on test day. Good luck!

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How much does the sat cost, should you take the sat or act, everything you need to know about the digital sat.

SAT Essay Scores Explained

On january 19th, 2021, college board announced that they will no longer administer the sat subject tests in the u.s. and that the essay would be retired. read our blog post  to understand what this means in the near term and what the college board has in store for students down the road., our articles on subject tests and the sat essay will remain on our site for reference purposes as colleges and students transition to a revised testing landscape..

Why are there no percentiles for the essay on an SAT score report?

No percentiles or norms are provided in student reports. Even colleges do not receive any summary statistics. Given Compass’ concerns about the inaccuracy of essay scoring and the notable failures of the ACT on that front, the de-emphasis of norms would seem to be a good thing. The problem is that 10% of colleges are sticking with the SAT Essay as an admission requirement . While those colleges will not receive score distribution reports from the College Board, it is not difficult for them to construct their own statistics—officially or unofficially—based on thousands of applicants. Colleges can determine a “good score,” but students cannot. This asymmetry of information is harmful to students, as they are left to speculate how well they have performed and how their scores will be interpreted. Through our analysis, Compass hopes to provide students and parents more context for evaluating SAT Essay scores.

How has scoring changed? Is it still part of a student’s Total Score?

On the old SAT, the essay was a required component of the Writing section and made up approximately one-third of a student’s 200–800 score. The essay score itself was simply the sum (2–12) of two readers’ 1–6 scores. Readers were expected to grade holistically and not to focus on individual components of the writing. The SAT essay came under a great deal of criticism for being too loosely structured. Factual accuracy was not required; it was not that difficult to make pre-fabricated material fit the prompt; many colleges found the 2–12 essay scores of little use; and the conflation of the essay and “Writing” was, in some cases, blocking the use of the SAT Writing score—which included grammar and usage—entirely.

With the 2016 overhaul of the SAT came an attempt to make the essay more academically defensible while also making it optional (as the ACT essay had long been). The essay score is not a part of the 400–1600 score. Instead, a student opting to take the SAT Essay receives 2–8 scores in three dimensions: reading, analysis, and writing. No equating or fancy lookup table is involved. The scores are simply the sum of two readers’ 1–4 ratings in each dimension. There is no official totaling or averaging of scores, although colleges may choose to do so.

Readers avoid extremes

What is almost universally true about grading of standardized test essays is that readers gravitate to the middle of the scale. The default instinct is to nudge a score above or below a perceived cutoff or midpoint rather than to evenly distribute scores. When the only options are 1, 2, 3, or 4, the consequence is predictable—readers give out a lot of 2s and 3s and very few 1s and 4s. In fact, our analysis shows that 80% of all reader scores are 2s or 3s. This, in turn, means that most of the dimension scores (the sum of the two readers) range from 4 to 6. Analysis scores are outliers. A third of readers give essays a 1 in Analysis. Below is the distribution of reader scores across all dimensions.

What is a good SAT Essay score?

By combining multiple data sources—including extensive College Board scoring information—Compass has estimated the mean and mode (most common) essay scores for students at various score levels. We also found that the reading and writing dimensions were similar, while analysis scores lagged by a point across all sub-groups. These figures should not be viewed as cutoffs for “good” scores. The loose correlation of essay score to Total Score and the high standard deviation of essay scores means that students at all levels see wide variation of scores. The average essay-taking student scores a 1,080 on the SAT and receives just under a 5/4/5.

College Board recently released essay results for the class of 2017, so score distributions are now available. From these, percentiles can also be calculated. We provide these figures with mixed feelings. On the one hand, percentile scores on such an imperfect measure can be highly misleading. On the other hand, we feel that students should understand the full workings of essay scores.

The role of luck

What is frustrating to many students on the SAT and ACT is that they can score 98th percentile in most areas and then get a “middling” score on the essay. This result is actually quite predictable. Whereas math and verbal scores are the result of dozens of objective questions, the essay is a single question graded subjectively. To replace statistical concepts with a colloquial one—far more “luck” is involved than on the multiple-choice sections. What text is used in the essay stimulus? How well will the student respond to the style and subject matter? Which of the hundreds of readers were assigned to grade the student’s essay? What other essays has the reader recently scored?

Even good writers run into the unpredictability involved and the fact that essay readers give so few high scores. A 5 means that the Readers A and B gave the essay a 2 and a 3, respectively. Which reader was “right?” If the essay had encountered two readers like Reader A, it would have received a 4. If the essay had been given two readers like Reader B, it would have received a 6. That swing makes a large difference if we judge scores exclusively by percentiles, but essay scores are simply too blurry to make such cut-and-dry distinctions. More than 80% of students receive one of three scores—4, 5, or 6 on the reading and writing dimensions and 3, 4, or 5 on analysis.

What do colleges expect?

It’s unlikely that many colleges will release a breakdown of essay scores for admitted students—especially since so few are requiring it. What we know from experience with the ACT , though, is that even at the most competitive schools in the country, the 25th–75th percentile scores of admitted students were 8–10 on the ACT’s old 2–12 score range. We expect that things will play out similarly for the SAT and that most students admitted to highly selective colleges will have domain scores in the 5–7 range (possibly closer to 4–6 for analysis). It’s even less likely for students to average a high score across all three areas than it is to obtain a single high mark. We estimate that only a fraction of a percent of students will average an 8—for example [8/8/8, 7/8/8, 8/7/8, or 8,8,7].

Update as of October 2017. The University of California system has published the 25th–75th percentile ranges for enrolled students. It has chosen to work with total scores. The highest ranges—including those at UCLA and Berkeley—are 17–20. Those scores are inline with our estimates above.

How will colleges use the domain scores?

Colleges have been given no guidance by College Board on how to use essay scores for admission. Will they sum the scores? Will they average them? Will they value certain areas over others? Chances are that if you are worrying too much about those questions, then you are likely losing sight of the bigger picture. We know of no cases where admission committees will make formulaic use of essay scores. The scores are a very small, very error-prone part of a student’s testing portfolio.

How low is too low?

Are 3s and 4s, then, low enough that an otherwise high-scoring student should retest? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. In general, it is a mistake to retest solely to improve an essay score unless a student is confident that the SAT Total Score can be maintained or improved. A student with a 1340 PSAT and 1280 SAT may feel that it is worthwhile to bring up low essay scores because she has previously shown that she can do better on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math, as well. A student with a 1400 PSAT and 1540 SAT should think long and hard before committing to a retest. Admission results from the class of 2017 may give us some added insight into the use of SAT Essay scores.

Will colleges continue to require the SAT Essay?

For the class of 2017, Compass has prepared a list of the SAT Essay and ACT Writing policies for 360 of the top colleges . Several of the largest and most prestigious public university systems—California, Michigan, and Texas, for example, still require the essay, and a number of highly competitive private colleges do the same—for example, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.

The number of excellent colleges not requiring the SAT Essay, though, is long and getting longer. Compass expects even more colleges to drop the essay requirement for the classes of 2018 and 2019. Policies are typically finalized in late spring or during the summer.

Should I skip the essay entirely?

A common question regarding SAT scores is whether the whole mess can be avoided by skipping the essay. After all, if only about 10% of colleges are requiring the section, is it really that important? Despite serious misgivings about the test and the ways scores are interpreted, Compass still recommends that most students take the essay unless they are certain that they will not be applying to any of the colleges requiring or recommending it. Nationally, about 70% of students choose to take the essay on at least one SAT administration. When looking at higher scoring segments, that quickly rises to 85–90%. Almost all Compass students take the SAT Essay at least once to insure that they do not miss out on educational opportunities.

Should I prepare for the SAT Essay?

Most Compass students decide to do some preparation for the essay, because taking any part of a test “cold” can be an unpleasant experience, and students want to avoid feeling like a retake is necessary. In addition to practicing exercises and tests, most students can perform well enough on the SAT Essay after 1–2 hours of tutoring. Students taking a Compass practice SAT will also receive a scored essay. Students interested in essay writing tips for the SAT can refer to Compass blog posts on the difference between the ACT and SAT tasks  and the use of first person on the essays .

Will I be able to see my essay?

Yes. ACT makes it difficult to obtain a copy of your Writing essay, but College Board includes it as part of your online report.

Will colleges have access to my essay? Even if they don’t require it?

Yes, colleges are provided with student essays. We know of very few circumstances where SAT Essay reading is regularly conducted. Colleges that do not require the SAT Essay fall into the “consider” and “do not consider” camps. Schools do not always list this policy on their website or in their application materials, so it is hard to have a comprehensive list. We recommend contacting colleges for more information. In general, the essay will have little to no impact at colleges that do not require or recommend it.

Is the SAT Essay a reason to take the ACT instead?

Almost all colleges that require the SAT Essay require Writing for ACT-takers. The essays are very different on the two tests, but neither can be said to be universally “easier” or “harder.” Compass recommends that the primary sections of the tests determine your planning. Compass’ content experts have also written a piece on how to attack the ACT essay .

Key links in this post:

ACT and SAT essay requirements ACT Writing scores explained Comparing ACT and SAT essay tasks The use of first person in ACT and SAT essays Understanding the “audience and purpose” of the ACT essay Compass proctored practice testing for the ACT, SAT, and Subject Tests

About Art Sawyer

Art graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was the top-ranked liberal arts student in his class. Art pioneered the one-on-one approach to test prep in California in 1989 and co-founded Compass Education Group in 2004 in order to bring the best ideas and tutors into students' homes and computers. Although he has attained perfect scores on all flavors of the SAT and ACT, he is routinely beaten in backgammon.

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Hi! I’m a high school junior who took the October and November SATs. I got a 1500 on October and then retook it to get a 1590 in November. I’m very happy with my score, but my essays are troubling me. I got a 6-4-6 in October and thought I would improve in November, but I got a 6-3-6. I really cannot improve my actual SAT score, but I don’t understand the essay. I’ve always been a good writer and have consistently been praised for it in English class and outside of class. Is this essay score indicative of my writing skill? And will this essay hurt my chances at Ivy League and other top tier schools? None of the schools I plan on applying to require it, but, since I have to submit it, will it hurt my chances? Thank you so much.

Maya, The essay is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Honestly, a 6-4-6 is a fine score and will not hurt your chances for admission. It’s something of an odd writing task, so I wouldn’t worry that it doesn’t match your writing skills elsewhere.

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How to Interpret Your SAT Scores

Understanding how to read your score report is an essential component of the college admissions process. The information provided on your report will allow you to gauge your competitiveness and help you prep for the SAT.

[ RELATED: What’s a good SAT score? ]

SAT score by numbers

Your Evidence Based Reading & Writing score is calculated based on your performance on the Reading and Writing & Language tests, which are the first 2 tests on the SAT. Your Math score is calculated off your performance on the calculator and non-calculator portions of the Math section, which comprise the second half of the SAT.

In addition to your section scores, you’ll also receive a score for each of these tests—Reading, Writing & Language, and Math—on a scale from 10 – 40. If you take the optional SAT essay, you’ll receive 3 separate scores—each out of 8 points—for reading, analysis, and writing, which do not impact your overall SAT score out of 1600.

Understanding how you rank

Cross-test and subscores.

You’ll receive 2 cross-test scores for Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science, each on a scale of 10 – 40. Cross-test scores describe how well you performed on certain questions across the entire SAT. Your History/Social Studies score, for example, will be drawn from relevant questions in from History/Social Studies passages in both Reading and Writing & Language, as well as in certain questions on the Math test that require you to analyze historical or socio-cultural information.

Finally, your score report provides 7 subscores that break down your performance within each test. These scores range from 1 – 15.

The SAT will give you 4 subscores on the Reading and Writing & Language sections. These include Command of Evidence and Words in Context questions. Command of Evidence subscores are derived from your performance on questions that ask you to cite evidence for an answer choice. The Command of Evidence subscore also includes infographic questions and questions that ask you to identify how an author used evidence or asked you to revise a passage to clarify the author’s main idea.

The Words in Context subscore assesses vocab-in-context questions on the Reading Test as well as word-choice questions on the Writing & Language test. The Writing & Language test also includes 2 additional subscores: Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions.

What are SAT test scores vs cross-test scores?

How will these scores affect college admissions, if at all, what your sat score tells you.

Colleges and universities publish these ranges indicating what percentage of their entering class had score ranges above and below the 25 – 75 range. This means that 50% of their admitted freshmen had scores that fell between those 2 numbers, 25% of their admitted freshmen scored above the top number, and 25% of them scored below the bottom number.

So how do your SAT scores measure up? Just because your score is in the 25 – 75 range doesn’t mean you have a 50/50 shot at being admitted. On the other hand, SAT scores near the 75% and above range will give you confidence that you are a competitive applicant at that institution.

Score Reminder

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SAT/ACT Score Conversion Calculator

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Should I take the SAT over again?

Acknowledge the strengths that led to your test score.

Regardless of the composite score you received, there are parts of the exam in which you performed at or above average. Recognize and mark those as your strong points. To stay on top of your progress, you need to keep practicing those areas of strength.

Examine where you could have done better

Unless you got a perfect score, there were undoubtedly certain sections you struggled with more than others. Play close attention to those parts, write them down, and note why you got those questions wrong; then, let these reasons why be your guiding principles when you go back to study again. Don’t be concerned with just getting the right answer. Instead, fight to understand why you got it wrong so that you will not make the same mistake twice.

If you‘re not happy with your score, there’s still hope

An average or lower score does not mean that you should give up. Instead, it should motivate to prove your original score wrong. This time, study harder and use the knowledge you gained from the first exam to do even better on the second. If it’s too late to take it again, find alternative ways to showcase your abilities. Improving your GPA, becoming more involved in school, and volunteering are all great ways to show potential schools that you are a great student and that a test score does not define you. You should also consider searching for schools that match your score range.

If you are happy with your score, there’s still room to improve

If you got a good score on your first go-around, that’s an amazing feeling. However, do not let a good score make you complacent and underestimate your full potential. Always aim to improve—just a small increase in your percentile could help you get into your dream school. Remain focused in school and continue to push yourself.

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How Scores Are Calculated

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As part of the shift to digital, the SAT is now substantially shorter, lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes instead of 3 hours, with more time, on average, per question. The digital SAT is shorter while still assessing the same core reading, writing and math skills as the former paper and pencil SAT because it uses adaptive testing.

Adaptive Testing

The SAT and PSAT-related assessments use a multistage adaptive design. Each test section—1) Reading and Writing and 2) Math—is administered in two stages. Each stage consists of a module of test questions comprising half of the section's questions (20–25 operational questions and two pretest questions, which don't count for scoring, per module).

Students have half of the section time (32 minutes per module for Reading and Writing, 35 minutes per module for Math) to work through questions in the first module. During that time, they may preview upcoming questions, go back to questions, and change answers within the first module before time runs out.

The first module consists of questions with varying difficulty levels. Once time for the first module ends, the second module begins. The questions students are given in the second module are of mixed difficulty level, tailored to the student depending on how they performed on the questions in the first module, and their section score is based on how they did on all of the questions in both modules. As a result, students should try their best on every single question.

A range of section scores are possible no matter which second module a student sees. Students won't be advantaged just for seeing a higher difficulty set of questions in the second module, or disadvantaged just for seeing a lower difficulty set of questions in the second module. Students can also meet state and College Board benchmarks regardless of which second module they're routed to.

The digital SAT's multistage adaptive test design and use of Item Response Theory (IRT) methodology allow for precise measurement of students' knowledge and skills with fewer questions in less time than possible with traditional paper and pencil tests. IRT is used by many national assessments, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) suite from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), and many state assessments.

In the scoring model used for the digital SAT Suite, the scores students receive are a product of several factors, characteristics of the questions they answered right or wrong (e.g., the questions' difficulty levels), and the probability that the pattern of answers suggests they were guessing. One important implication of this method is that two students who answer the same number of questions correctly in a test section may earn differing section scores based on the characteristics, including difficulty level, of the particular questions they answered correctly.

Administrations of each digital SAT Suite assessment sample from the same content domains across the same range of skill/knowledge elements, meaning all students have an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their strengths. For most students who are trying their best on every question, it's better to guess than leave a question blank, especially if a student can eliminate one or two answer options before guessing.

Two pretest questions are also included in each module. The inclusion of these questions allows College Board to collect performance data on them and evaluate their suitability for possible use in future tests. Student responses to these pretest questions don't affect their scores.

Comparing Digital and Paper Test Scores

While the digital SAT Suite employs a different scoring methodology from paper testing, what the suite measures hasn't changed. The digital tests continue to measure the reading, writing, and math knowledge and skills that students are learning in high school and that matter most for college and career readiness. The digital SAT is still scored on a 400–1600 scale, and educators and students can continue to use digital SAT Suite scores to monitor growth over time.

Prior to the launch of the digital SAT in March 2023, two concordance studies established that scores from the digital SAT are comparable to scores from the paper and pencil SAT and can be used in the similar manner for college admissions and other intended purposes. For example, a score of 1050 on the digital SAT would correspond to and carry the same meaning as a score of 1050 on the paper and pencil SAT.

Additionally, the SAT College and Career Readiness benchmarks of 480 for the Reading and Writing section and 530 for the Math section are the same with the shift to digital testing. As we gather actual college performance data for students who have taken the digital SAT Suite tests, we'll empirically reexamine all benchmarks to validate and update them as needed.

How To Prepare For The LSAT: Resources And Common Questions

Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 8:06am

Law schools are known for their demanding admissions requirements. To apply to law school, aspiring law students typically write a law school personal statement , polish their résumés and send test scores to demonstrate their readiness to succeed in a rigorous curriculum.

The only standardized test accepted by every American Bar Association accredited law school is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)®. The LSAT tests your reasoning, reading comprehension and writing skills as they apply to concepts covered in law school. Law schools use the LSAT to determine whether applicants are well-suited for a J.D. degree program. While the test is not a legal aptitude test, law schools rely upon it because of its ability to predict academic performance in the first year of law school.

Find out what to expect from the LSAT in this guide, which explores the test’s subject areas, its structure and how to prepare for the LSAT.

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What Is The LSAT?

The LSAT—offered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)®—is a standardized test for prospective law school students. The test examines your skills in reading, writing and reasoning, measuring your potential success in a law program. The LSAT features multiple-choice questions and a writing portion.

LSAT Questions

The multiple-choice section tests your critical thinking and reading comprehension skills through four 35-minute blocks of questions. The questions cover the following topics:

• Reading comprehension. This section includes reading material typically found in law school. The questions gauge your ability to dissect information, draw conclusions and understand key points. The LSAT includes four reading passages, each with a series of follow-up questions.
• Analytical reasoning. This section presents scenarios featuring facts, rules and relationships. You’ll answer questions using problem-solving skills to assemble the puzzle of each scenario while adhering to relevant rules or limitations. Starting in August 2024, this section will be eliminated, and instead the exam will include two sections dedicated to logical reasoning.
• Logical reasoning. The LSAT’s logical reasoning portion includes source-based passages, each with up to two follow-up questions. The questions cover analogies, argument flaws and logical reasoning patterns.

The test also includes one unscored question section covering one of the above topic areas. LSAC uses these questions for quality assurance to strengthen the accuracy of future tests.

LSAT Writing®

LSAT Writing consists of a scenario prompt with two positions the writer can take. This section requires you to choose a side of an argument and use your reasoning and logic skills to support your choice in a persuasive essay. You complete this section separately from the rest of the LSAT, and you have 35 minutes to do so. LSAT Writing is monitored through live proctoring software, allowing test takers to complete it from their own homes, a development that came about, initially, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

LSAT Scoring

The LSAT counts each question you get right rather than subtracting questions you get wrong from a cumulative score. (In other words, there is no penalty for guessing.) LSAC does not score LSAT Writing samples.

The LSAT scoring scale ranges from 120 to 180. The final score report includes your score, your percentile rank compared to other test takers and a score band that highlights your proficiency in each area of the exam. LSAC sends your LSAT score report and writing sample to your law schools of choice.

Common Questions About the LSAT

How long does the lsat take.

The LSAT takes about three hours to finish, including all five sections and a break. You can take the 35-minute writing portion up to eight days before the day you take the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT.

The LSAT includes two 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions, followed by a 10-minute break. The test then continues with its final two 35-minute multiple-choice sections.

You can request additional breaks between each section if you qualify for accommodations.

How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?

You can take the LSAT up to seven times. However, you are limited to five tests per five-year reportable scoring period. These rules only apply to tests taken from September 2019 to the present. Therefore, any LSATs you took before that time don’t count toward your limit.

You can’t retake the LSAT if you receive a perfect score in the current or past five testing years.

Is the LSAT Required for Law School?

The LSAT isn’t required for all law schools. Some schools also accept the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)® or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)™. Law schools that accept the GRE or GMAT also accept LSAT scores.

What Can You Expect on LSAT Test Day?

The LSAT is administered online with a remote proctor and in person at professional testing centers. You get a 10-minute break halfway through the test. You can leave the room during your break, but you may not use electronic devices and you must check in with your proctor before beginning the second half of the LSAT.

LSAC allows you to have earplugs, tissues, water in a transparent container and medication on your desk if needed. The test no longer allows scratch paper except as an approved accommodation, but the LSAT Writing interface includes a digital scratch paper section.

You can take the written portion before or after completing the standard LSAT. The LSAT Writing takes place online with a live proctor only.

What Is a Good LSAT Score?

LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, and the median LSAT score is about 152. However, each law school determines its minimum LSAT score for applicants, with more competitive schools preferring scores of 160 or higher.

Common Questions About LSAT Writing

Is lsat writing required for law school.

LSAT Writing is not required for law schools that do not require the LSAT for admission; you may instead take the GRE for these schools. However, if your school does require the LSAT, you’ll need to complete LSAT Writing. Your school will not consider your LSAT complete if it doesn’t include LSAT Writing.

Is LSAT Writing Scored?

No, LSAT Writing isn’t scored. LSAC sends your writing sample to the law schools to which you apply. Those schools evaluate your writing sample based on their own requirements.

Do Law Schools Actually Read Your Writing Sample?

Law schools that require LSAT scores read each applicant’s writing sample. A school can weigh the importance of LSAT Writing samples however they’d like when determining whether an applicant qualifies for admission.

Does LSAT Writing Have a Minimum or Maximum Word Count?

LSAT Writing does not set a minimum or maximum word count. Instead, test takers should focus on writing a well-planned, organized and thorough essay during the 35-minute testing portion.

Common Questions About LSAT Prep

When should you start preparing for the lsat.

Anyone preparing for the LSAT should study relevant content for at least several weeks. If you have a lot of time to study, you might feel ready after just one or two months of preparation. However, some test takers might need three months or more to feel better equipped for the LSAT.

What’s the Best LSAT Prep Strategy?

Preparing for the LSAT is an intensive process and systems like memorization that might aid in a college exam do not help when taking the LSAT. As a result, preparing for the LSAT is a process that normally requires months of study, rather than weeks. For example, a preparation cycle of three to six months is very common.

A good starting point is to simply take a full practice test, often called ‘a diagnostic’ so that you can establish a baseline score. In addition to working through a formalized curriculum it is important to remember that taking practice tests after completing that curriculum will form the backbone of your preparation and will also help you objectively assess your readiness to take the test formally.

Are There Free LSAT Prep Resources?

Yes, there are several free LSAT prep resources, including official LSAC LawHub practice tests. Khan Academy also provides a free online LSAT prep course. However, given the correlation between your LSAT score and the cost of attending law school, test takers are strongly encouraged to invest in their test preparation, although spending thousands of dollars is rarely necessary.

LSAT Prep Resources to Consider

Studying for the LSAT and practicing under test conditions should acclimate you to the test and the conditions you will encounter on test day, the idea being that it will help you counter test anxiety and properly understand this very difficult exam. Below are some of the most popular resources for LSAT preparation.

LSAC’s LawHub is free for test takers who want extra practice before taking the exam. The plan includes exam-like testing modules and four official practice tests with instant scoring to determine critical study areas. However, it is important to remember that the level of instruction is going to be very different from that experienced in commercial test preparation offerings.

LawHub Advantage

LawHub Advantage is a paid version of the LawHub free study program, priced at $115 annually. It includes about 60 practice exams, educational resources and a status tracker for law school applications. This is an excellent resource for someone who has learned how to understand the test and needs to practice the test under increasing amounts of time pressure, and under test conditions.

LSAT eBooks and Prep Books

LSAC provides several official eBooks and test prep books for purchase on Amazon and other online retailers. One of its most comprehensive books, “The New Official LSAT TriplePrep Volume 1™,” includes three recent practice tests with answer keys, a scoring conversion table and three LSAT Writing prompts.

Other books include a single or bundle of practice tests. Each book generally costs between $10 and $25, with lower-priced e-book versions available. However, experts note that learning the test through the use of a book alone can lead to learning bad habits that can cause plateaus and which can be difficult to break.

Khan Academy Official LSAT Prep

The Khan Academy Official LSAT Prep program is a free study resource that identifies which exam areas you may need to develop. It then uses that information to create a custom plan with lessons and skills practice. Khan Academy is an excellent starting place, but with law school tuition costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, even at average schools, investing in quality LSAT preparation is strongly encouraged.

The Cost of LSAT Prep

The cost of LSAT preparation programs varies widely and depends on the experience of the tutor, whether the content is provided in person (more costly) or online and the level of student to tutor interaction. For instance, some providers offer subscription fees under $100 but with minimal interaction. Others range from anywhere between $1,000- $5,500 but spending such a large sum is rarely necessary. Test takers will also be encouraged to note that many providers allow waivers for those with an LSAT approved fee waiver.

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As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and former educator, Amy Boyington is passionate about researching and advocating for learners of all ages. For over a decade, Amy has specialized in writing parenting and higher education content that simplifies the process of comparing schools, programs and tuition rates for prospective students and their families. Her work has been featured on several online publications, including Online MBA, Reader’s Digest and BestColleges.

Parade of planets will align for a 2nd time this June. What will be visible in Delaware

Another planetary parade is in store this month, and it’s coming up this weekend. 

If you missed the last one or want a second chance to flex your telescope skills and snap some photos, here are the details. 

Planetary alignment on June 29, 2024 

Planetary alignment, also known as a planetary parade, is when several planets gather closely on one side of the sun at the same time, according to  Starwalk.space.  

NASA reports that June’s second planetary alignment, a few weeks after the first one on June 3, will occur on Saturday, June 29.

Before dawn on June 29, Saturn, the moon, Mars and Jupiter will be aligned in the sky. Sources like USA Today and SkySafari Pro share that Uranus and Neptune will also be visible during the event. While some planets will be visible to the naked eye, others like Neptune will need the aid of high-powered binoculars or a telescope to be seen.

How does planetary alignment work?  

All planets revolve around the sun along the same orbital plane, known as the ecliptic on Earth, and all of them travel along it and eventually catch up with one another over time. Once the planets meet, it looks as though they are aligned as they path Earth, but the line will not be perfectly straight, according to Space.com . 

With each planet moving at different speeds, the alignment will only last for a brief time, depending on each planet’s distance from the sun. This is also why planetary alignments do not always feature the same number of planets.   

• A conjunction is when two or more planets come close together in the sky.  
• A mini planetary alignment includes three planets.   
• A small planetary alignment includes four planets.   
• A large planetary alignment includes five or six planets.   
• A great or full planetary alignment features all solar system planets, and sometimes Pluto.   

Delaware whale sighting: Whale breach off Bethany Beach leaves nearby paddleboarders elated to capture it on video

Where to see the planetary alignment on June 29   

The planetary alignment will be visible almost everywhere in the U.S. on June 29, according to NASA, but the ideal time for tuning in may vary depending on your specific location. High mountains and tall buildings in your area could also hide the planets from view, according to Starwalk.space.   

The best spot for viewing will be a portion of dark sky without light pollution and a clear view of the horizon. 

When will the next planetary alignment be visible?   

If you end up missing out completely, planetary alignment is not as rare as it sounds, and there will be chances to witness the parade again.   

From Space.com 's perspective, it is quite common to see planets lined up along the ecliptic from our perspective on Earth, and it occurs a few times a year.  

In case the celestial event on June 29 doesn’t pan out for you, the next planetary parades to make note of will occur on Aug. 28 and Jan. 18, 2025, both featuring Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, according to Starwalk.space.  

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at [email protected] .       

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• Americans’ Views of Government’s Role: Persistent Divisions and Areas of Agreement

Wide majorities of Biden and Trump supporters oppose cuts to Social Security

Table of contents.

• Views on the efficiency of government
• Views on the government’s regulation of business
• Confidence in the nation’s ability to solve problems
• Views on the effect of government aid to the poor
• Views on government’s role in health care
• Views on the future of Social Security
• Trust in government
• Feelings toward the federal government
• Acknowledgments
• The American Trends Panel survey methodology

Pew Research Center conducted this study to understand Americans’ attitudes about U.S. government, such as its size and role.

This report is based primarily on a survey of 8,709 adults, including 7,166 registered voters, from April 8 to 14, 2024. Some of the analysis in this report is based on a survey of 8,638 adults from May 13 to 19, 2024.

Everyone who took part in these surveys is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for the report and its methodology .

While the economy, immigration and abortion have emerged as major issues in the 2024 election, Joe Biden and Donald Trump also have dramatically different ideas about the size and role of government.

These differences reflect decades-old divisions between Democrats and Republicans over the scope of government.

Among registered voters, large majorities of Biden supporters – roughly three-quarters or more – favor a bigger, more activist government.

• 74% say they would rather have a bigger government providing more services.
• 76% say government should do more to solve problems.
• 80% say government aid to the poor “does more good than harm.”

Trump supporters, by comparable margins, take the opposing view on all three questions.

The Pew Research Center survey of 8,709 adults – including 7,166 registered voters – conducted April 8-14, 2024, examines Americans’ views of the role and scope of government , the social safety net and long-term trends in trust in the federal government .

Democratic support for bigger government is little changed in the last five years but remains higher than it was a decade ago. Republicans’ views have shifted less over the last 10 years.

Among all adults, about three-quarters of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents favor a bigger government, up from about six-in-ten in 2014 and 2015. The share of Republicans and Republican leaners who prefer a bigger government has increased only modestly over the same period.

Democratic support for bigger government, while slightly lower than in 2021 (78%), remains at nearly its highest level in five decades. During Bill Clinton’s presidency in the 1990s, fewer than half of Democrats said they preferred a bigger government with more services.

Voters continue to express very different views about government’s role in specific areas than about the government generally.

A large majority of voters (80%) – including 82% of Biden supporters and 78% of Trump supporters – say that in thinking about the long-term future of Social Security, benefits should not be reduced in any way.

However, Biden supporters are more likely than Trump supporters to say Social Security should cover more people with greater benefits.

• 46% of Biden supporters favor expanding Social Security coverage and benefits, compared with 28% of Trump supporters.

Most Americans (65%) continue to say the federal government has a responsibility to make sure all Americans have health care coverage.

Democrats overwhelmingly (88%) say the federal government has this responsibility, compared with 40% of Republicans.

The share of Republicans who say the government has a responsibility to provide health coverage has increased 8 percentage points since 2021, from 32% to 40%.

There are wide income differences among Republicans in opinions about the government’s role in health care:

• 56% of Republicans with lower family incomes say the government has a responsibility to provide health coverage for all, compared with 36% of those with middle incomes and 29% of higher-income Republicans.

When asked how the government should provide health coverage, 36% of Americans say it should be provided through a single national program, while 28% say it should be through a mix of government and private programs. These views have changed little in recent years.

Democrats continue to be more likely than Republicans to favor a “single payer” government health insurance program (53% vs. 18%).

Other key findings in this report

• Americans’ trust in the federal government remains low but has modestly increased since last year. Today, 22% of American adults say they trust the government to do what is right always or most of the time, which is up from 16% in June 2023.
• While the public overall is divided over the nation’s ability to solve important problems, young adults are notably pessimistic about the country’s ability to solve problems . About half of Americans (52%) say the U.S. can’t solve many of its important problems, while 47% say it can find a way to solve problems and get what it wants. Roughly six-in-ten adults under age 30 (62%) say the nation can’t solve major problems, the highest share in any age group and 16 points higher than two years ago.

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, should i take the sat essay how to decide.

New SAT , SAT Essay

The SAT underwent some major revisions in 2016, and one of the biggest changes is that its previously required essay is now optional. This can be confusing for some students and parents. Should you take the essay? Will colleges require the essay or not? Will taking the essay make your application stronger?

Read on for answers to all these questions. This guide will explain what the SAT essay is, what the pros and cons of taking it are, and how you can make the best choice for you.

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

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In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

What Is the SAT Essay?

The SAT essay is one of the sections of the SAT. After being required since its inception, the College Board has now decided to make the essay optional. This is similar to the ACT, whose essay has always been optional.

During this section, students will be given 50 minutes to write an essay. The essay for the new SAT is very different than it was for the previous version of the SAT. You can read all about the changes to the SAT here , but, as a brief overview, the essay will give you a passage by an author who is taking a stance on an issue. Your job will be to analyze how the author built that argument.

If you choose to take the essay, it will be its own section of the SAT, and the score you get on the essay will be separate from your score on the rest of the exam. Your main SAT score will be out of 1600 while your essay will be graded across three different categories: Reading, Analysis, and Writing. For each area, your essay will be given a score from 2-8.

Below is a sample prompt from one of the official practice tests released by the College Board. Here you can read the entire prompt, including the passages you would need to analyze.

Do Colleges Require the SAT Essay Now That It's Optional?

So, the College Board has now made the essay an optional part of the SAT, but does that change how colleges view the essay (or if they even view it at all)? Kind of. Some schools that used the essays before no longer require them now that both the ACT and SAT have made the essays optional, but other schools continue to require the SAT essay.

Each school makes this decision individually, so there are no patterns to follow to try and guess who will require the essay and who won’t. Even top schools like the Ivy League are divided on whether to require the essay or not.  

This can make things confusing if you’re applying to college soon and don’t know if you should take the SAT essay or not. The following sections of this guide will explain the benefits and drawbacks of taking the essay and walk you through different scenarios so you can make an informed decision.

The #1 Consideration: Do Any of the Schools You're Interested in Require the Essay?

The absolute most important factor, the factor that matters more than anything else in the rest of this guide, is if any of the schools you’re applying to or thinking of applying to require the SAT essay.

The best way to get this information is to  Google “[school name] SAT essay requirement,” look directly on each school’s admission webpage, or   check out our list of the schools that require the SAT essay.

Find this information for every school you plan on applying to, even schools you’re not sure you want to apply to, but are considering. If even one school you’re interested in requires the SAT essay, then you should take it, regardless of any other factors.  There is no way to take just the SAT essay by itself, so if you take the SAT without the essay and then, later on, realize you need an essay score for a school you’re applying to, you will have to retake the entire test.

So, if a school you’re interested in requires the SAT essay, your choice is clear: take the essay when you take the SAT. However, what if the schools you’re interested in don’t require the essay? If that’s the case, you have some other factors to consider. Read on!

Benefits of Taking the SAT Essay

If none of the schools you’re thinking of applying to require the SAT essay, why would you want to take it? The two main reasons are explained below.

#1: You're Covered for All Schools

Taking the SAT essay means that, no matter which schools you end up applying to, you will absolutely have all their SAT requirements met. If you decide to apply to a new school that requires the SAT essay, that won’t be a problem because you’ll already have taken it.

If you already are absolutely certain about which schools you’re applying to and none of them require the essay, then this may not be a big deal to you. However, if you have a tentative list of schools, and you’ve been adding a school or removing a school from that list occasionally, you may want to be better safe than sorry and take the SAT essay, just in case.

Taking the SAT essay means you have all your bases covered, no matter which schools you end up applying to.

#2: A Good Score May Boost Your Application Slightly

While it’s highly unlikely that your SAT essay will be the deciding factor of your college application, there are some cases where it can give you a small leg up on the competition. This is the case if a school recommends, but doesn’t require the essay, and that school is particularly competitive.

Having a strong SAT essay score to submit may strengthen your application a bit, especially if you are trying to show strong English/writing skills.

Drawbacks to Taking the SAT Essay

There are also costs to taking the SAT essay; here are three of the most common:

#1: It's Another Section to Study For

If you choose to take the essay, that means you have an entire extra SAT section to study and prepare for. If you already feel like you have a ton of SAT prep to do or have doubts about staying motivated, adding on more work can make you feel stressed and end up hurting your scores in the other SAT sections.

#2: It Makes the Exam Longer

Taking the essay will, obviously, increase the total time you spend taking the SAT. You’re given 50 minutes to write the essay, and, including time needed for students not taking the essay to leave and things to get settled, that will add about an hour to the test, increasing your total SAT test time from about three hours to four hours.

If you struggle with keeping focused or staying on your A game during long exams (and, let’s be honest, it’s not hard to lose concentration after several hours of answering SAT questions), adding an additional hour of test time can reduce your test-taking endurance and make you feel tired and distracted during the essay, likely making it hard for you to get your best score.

#3: The Essay Costs Extra

Taking the SAT with the essay will also cost you a bit more money. Taking the SAT without the essay costs $46, but if you choose to take the essay, it costs $14 extra, raising the total cost of the SAT to $60.

However, if you're eligible for an SAT fee waiver, the waiver also applies to this section of the exam, so you still won't have to pay anything if you choose to take the essay.

Taking the essay likely means the cost of taking the SAT will be slightly higher for you.

Should You Take the SAT Essay? Five Scenarios to Help You Decide

Now you know what the SAT essay is and the pros and cons of taking it. So, what should you decide? Five scenarios are listed below; find the one that applies to your situation and follow the advice in order to make the best decision for you.

Scenario 1: You're planning on applying to at least one school that requires the essay

As mentioned above, if even one school you’re thinking about applying to requires the SAT essay, you should take it in order to avoid retaking the entire SAT again at a later date because you need an essay score.

Scenario 2: None of the schools you're applying to look at essay scores

If none of the schools you’re thinking about applying to even look at SAT essay scores, then you shouldn’t take it. Even if you get a perfect score, if the schools don’t consider essay scores, then taking it will have no benefits for you.

Scenario 3: The schools you're applying to don't require the SAT essay and aren't highly competitive

In this case, you don’t need to take the SAT essay, unless you’re trying to make up for weak writing skills in other parts of your application.

Scenario 4: The schools you're applying to recommend the SAT essay and are more competitive

For this scenario, you should take the SAT essay in order to give your application an extra boost, unless you really think you’d perform poorly or preparing for and taking the essay would cause your scores in other sections to decline.

Scenario 5: You aren't sure where you're going to apply yet

If you’re not sure which schools you want to apply to, then you should take the SAT essay, just to be safe. This way you’re covered no matter where you end up applying to college.

If the thought of figuring out which colleges to apply to has you as confused as this blue panda, your safest option is to take the SAT essay.

Because of the College Board’s recent decision to make the SAT essay optional, students are now faced with the decision of whether they should take it or not.  The best way to decide is to learn the essay policy for each of the colleges you're interested in applying to.  Some schools will still require the essay, some won’t even look at an applicant’s essay scores, and other schools don’t require the essay but will look at your score if you do take it.

Use these school policies to help decide whether you should take the essay. Remember, if you end up needing to submit an essay score, you will have to retake the entire SAT, so make sure you have accurate and up-to-date information for each school you are thinking of applying to.

What's Next?

Have you decided to take the essay and want to know how to start studying? We have a step-by-step guide that explains how to write a great SAT essay.

Want more examples of sample prompts? Here are all of the real SAT essay prompts that have been released by the College Board.

Are you aiming for a perfect SAT essay score?  Check out our guide on how to get a perfect 8/8/8 on the SAT essay.

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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