SAT Practice Test

Students who are interested in applying for colleges and universities should consider taking the SAT. The SAT is considered a college readiness test, assessing the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an undergraduate program. Many universities and colleges across the country require the SAT as a prerequisite.

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Free Official SAT Practice Tests

The SAT includes a reading test, a math test, and a language arts test. Students have the option to take the essay portion of the exam, which is not required by all colleges and universities. The exam requires students to:

• Identify definitions based on the text
• Use details to support an argument
• Discuss important events and influential figures in U.S. history
• Use problem-solving to answer mathematical problems
• Apply concepts and skills to real-world scenarios

How to Apply for the SAT

Students interested in taking the SAT can apply online on the college board website. Students can also submit an application by mail or phone. Generally, the registration deadline is a month before the actual exam date. For example, if you are planning to take the exam on August 25, the deadline will be near July 25.The following are the fees for the SAT:

• SAT Registration Fee: $47.50 • SAT with Essay Registration Fee:$64.50

• Phone Registration: $15 • Change Fee (to make adjustments on your registration):$29
• Late Registration Fee (after the initial deadline but before the final deadline): \$29

Applicants can make payments with a credit card (Visa, Discover, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB), check, money order, bank draft, and Paypal.

The SAT Reading Test requires students to examine a variety of passages that explain events or stories and convey ideas and concepts. This section may also include historical documents such as speeches and letters. The SAT Reading Test covers social studies, U.S. and world literature, and science. Throughout the exam, students will analyze a single passage, compare two different passages, or use informational graphics to support their answer. On the SAT Reading exam students will be asked questions that fall under the following categories:

• Rhetoric. With these questions, test-takers are asked to examine how the author uses specific details and words to make an argument. The questions may ask what is the tone or style of the passage and how does it benefit the overall argument.
• Information and Ideas. These questions explore the main idea, as well as the supporting details. Students will be asked to determine the main idea and the theme, as well as identify relationships (example cause-and-effect).
• Synthesis: In many cases, synthesis questions ask students to use two pieces of information to draw a conclusion. For example, the question may require the test-taker to read two passages and compare the perspectives, arguments, or the style. Other questions may ask about the relationship between an informational graphics and the passage.

The SAT Reading Test is 65 minutes, with 52 multiple-choice questions. The exam includes four single passages, as well as one pair of passages. Generally, a passage is between 500 and 750 words.

The SAT Math Test

The SAT Math Test assesses students’ ability to use mathematical concepts to solve problems and apply them to real-world scenarios. The exam is divided into the following sections.

• Heart of Algebra. This section makes up 33% of the exam, with 19 questions. Some of the concepts include solving linear equations, creating inequalities, and identifying relationships to analyze graphs.
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis. This section makes up 29% of the test, with 17 questions. Some of the topics include ratios, proportions, and percentages.
• Passport to Advanced Math. This section makes up 28% of the exam, with 16 questions. In this section, test-takers are required to identify algebraic, nonlinear, and quadratic expressions, as well as graph exponential and nonlinear functions.
• Additional Topics. This section makes up 8% of the test, with 3 questions. Some topics include area, volume, lines, and angles.

The SAT Math Test is 80 minutes (1 hour and 20 minutes), with 58 questions (multiple-choice and grid-in). The calculator portion of the exam is 55 minutes, with 38 questions. The non-calculator portion is 25 minutes, with 20 questions.

The SAT Writing and Language Test

The SAT Writing and Language Test assesses students’ ability to identify errors with sentence structure, punctuation, and word usage. Test-takers are also required to discuss the organization and development of the passages. The questions cover a variety of topics, including science, social studies, and history. Some questions include graphs, tables, and other informational graphics. The SAT Writing and Language Test consists of the following question types.

• Standard English Conventions. These questions may ask students to correct errors in sentence structure, as well as punctuation and usage errors (pronoun-antecedent agreement).
• Expression of Ideas. These questions focus on the main idea, supporting details, and overall effectiveness of the passage.

The SAT Writing and Language Test is 35 minutes, with 44 multiple-choice questions. There are about 4 passages, each 400 to 450 words.The SAT EssayUnlike the rest of the SAT tests, the SAT Essay portion is optional. Students are encouraged to find out if the essay is a requirement for the university of their choice. The SAT Essay is 50 minutes and requires students to read a passage and explain how the author builds an argument with supporting details. The judges use the following components to score the essays:

• Comprehension. The judges are looking for a clear explanation of the passage, which shows that the student was able to read the passage effectively and understand the content.
• Analysis. The student must show an understanding of the argument by identifying the author’s use of supporting details and other persuasive techniques. The judges are also assessing the student’s ability to use the evidence to make additional claims.
• Writing. The judges are looking for a well-organized, clear essay that follows the conventions of proper English.

There will be 2 different judges for each essay. For each component listed above, the judge will award 1-4 points. The two scores for each component are added together. The results for the SAT Essay will be 3 individual scores (they will not be added up).

What to Expect on Test Day

The SAT is offered at different locations, including colleges and high schools. Below you find some tips and procedures for test day.

• Testing begins between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Students are encouraged to arrive at the testing center before 8:00 a.m.
• You must bring your admissions ticket, 2 No. 2 pencils with erasers, a battery-operated, handheld calculator, and a photo ID. The photo ID must be issued by the government or the school you attend, and include your legal name.
• It’s helpful to have a healthy breakfast and bring a drink and snack for your break.
• You will have a 10-minute and 5-minute break during the test.
• Electronics like audio players, recording devices, and cameras are not allowed in the testing area.

The Best Study Materials for the SAT

If you are wondering where to start when it comes to studying for the SAT, don’t worry! Millions of future college students around the country have the same question. That’s why our test research experts created the Mometrix SAT Study Guide to walk you through each section, providing easy-to-understand explanations of the concepts. Since it’s no secret that preparing for a test often comes with a little anxiety, the Mometrix SAT Study Guide also includes secret test-taking strategies that help you answer questions more quickly and effectively.The Mometrix SAT Flashcards are the perfect option for students who want to study in groups or study alone in their spare time. With these durable cards, you can quickly quiz yourself or your study mates on all of the SAT material. The Mometrix SAT Flashcards not only help you make the most of your free time but make studying a lot more fun! Congratulations on taking the next step towards being a college student. We wish you the best of luck!