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SATs
The SATs are standardized tests which many colleges require students to take as part of their application for
admission. Colleges use these tests to predict success in college. It is important to note that this test does
not measure your intelligence and, many would argue, it does a poor job of predicting college success for
most students.
There are two types of SATs:
 SAT Reasoning Test : Required by most bachelor degree granting institutions. There are currently
750 colleges that don’t require the SAT. See the list at www.fairtest.org.
 SAT Subject Tests: Required only by very selective colleges.
SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test consists of three sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. Each section is scored
on a scale of 200-800. Currently 2400 is a perfect score. For the class of 2007, the national average was
about 1511 out of 2400 (with students scoring about a 500 on each section).
Students can prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test in many ways:
 Prep Courses -- Courses can range in cost from free to VERY expensive. For free courses ask your
high school guidance counselor and Options. Options runs a low-cost course in the fall for seniors
and in the spring for juniors.

Test Prep Books -- There are a variety of test preparation books. Studying on your own is only
effective if you REALLY do it. Studying for short periods of time on a regular basis is much more
effective than cramming at the last minute. Most prep books include full length practice tests. A lot
of students complain that when they take the SAT they don’t have enough time to finish the test.
Taking timed tests is one of the most effective ways to get yourself used to the rhythm of the SAT,
which is a very long test. You can take the full test or take one section at a time.

Online Resources -- Ask at your high school or at Options about where you can use these programs.
They are similar to test prep books but they give you immediate feedback on your answers.
o One online resource: www.number2.com.
When to take the SAT
If possible, students should take the SAT at least twice: once in the spring of their junior year and once in the
fall of their senior year. Students who take the SAT more than once (with at least a few months to study in
between) usually see an increase in their scores. Most colleges will take your highest score in each section
and combine them, so you have the highest total score.
The SAT is generally given in October, November, December, January, March, May, and June. Students
should take college application deadlines into consideration when registering for the SAT. Most schools have
deadlines in January or February so you should plan to take the test well before that. In this case, the
December test would be the last test that is feasible.
© 2012 Options Institute™
For information on reproducing these materials, contact optionsinstitute@goddard.org
Goddard Riverside Community Center
Options Institute
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests are exams to evaluate mastery in individual subjects such as U.S. History, Chemistry or
French. There are 21 different subject tests. They are scored on a scale of 200-800. These exams are only
required by some colleges. The more selective private colleges request two or three SAT II tests, which may
or may not be in subjects that are specified by the schools. If you are given a choice of the subjects, select
tests that reflect your academic strengths and preferably subjects you have recently studied. As colleges
have different requirements for these tests, check with each college to see their requirements.
Scoring
One important SAT test strategy involves understanding the way scoring works.
 For every correct answer, you earn one point.
 For every wrong answer, you lose one quarter (1/4) of a point.
 For not answering a question, you don’t lose or earn a point.
In other words, there is a penalty for guessing on the SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests. Unless you are able
to eliminate enough answers, you should not guess. Also, leaving a few questions blank won’t hurt your
score. By taking practice tests and scoring them for yourself, you can become more familiar with the way
scoring works.
Registration & Cost
The SAT Reasoning Test costs $50. There is an additional $27.00 late fee if you don't register on time. The
SAT Subject Tests vary in cost depending on how many tests you are taking. You get four free score reports
sent out with your registration — so USE THEM WISELY by making sure to indicate the schools you want to
send them to when you register. There is a charge of $10.00 per college to have additional scores sent out.
Fee Waivers
You may be eligible for a fee waiver for SAT I and SAT II registration costs. You should obtain waiver(s)
from your high school. If you cannot obtain them in school, Options may have waivers.
Sending Scores to Colleges
The majority of colleges will want score reports sent directly from College Board.
© 2012 Options Institute™
For information on reproducing these materials, contact optionsinstitute@goddard.org