Content Curator | Updated On - May 31, 2024
Highlights -
- SAT exam syllabus and pattern have now become digital since 2023.
- SAT syllabus 2024 has been revised, and the SAT subject test has been discontinued in 2021.
- SAT exam subjects include Math, Reading and Writing sections, with a duration reduced to only 2 hours and 14 minutes.
- The total score range is 400 to 1600
Confused about the new SAT syllabus? The new digital SAT syllabus has now been updated and now contains two sections - Reading and writing, and Math. SAT syllabus now consists of two sections. You will have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and writing section and 70 minutes to complete the math section. The duration of the subjects of SAT exam syllabus has also been reduced to only 2 hours and 14 minutes, instead of 3 hours. SAT examination syllabus is divided into two equal-length modules with a 10-minute break between each of the sections.
Table of Content
SAT Exam Pattern
SAT Syllabus has now been divided into two sections since March 2023- Reading and Wring (RW), and Math. SAT exam pattern is equally divided into two modules. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how you will perform in the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.
| SAT Digital Parameters | SAT Digital Reading & Writing (RW) Section | SAT Digital Math Section |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Two-staged: one tests Reading and the other the Writing section. Both are administered across separately timed modules. | Two-staged: The math section is administered via two separately timed modules. |
| Test length (total operational and pretest questions) | 1st module: 25 operational questions 2 pretest questions 2nd module: 25 operational questions 2 pretest questions | 1st module: 20 operational questions 2 pretest questions 2nd module: 20 operational questions 2 pretest questions |
| Time Duration | 1st module: 32 minutes 2nd module: 32 minutes | 1st module: 35 minutes 2nd module: 35 minutes |
| Total Questions | 54 | 44 |
| Total Time Allocated | 64 minutes | 70 minutes |
| Scores Reported | Total score calculation: RW + Math section scores | |
| Question Type(s) | Discrete; MCQs with four options | MCQ (75%) and student-produced response (SPR)(25%) |
| Topics Tested | Literature, History / Social Studies, Humanities and Science | Science, Social Science and real-world related topics |
| Informational Graphics | Tested, includes - tables, bar graphs, line graphs | Also tested |
Changes Made in the SAT Syllabus
The SAT syllabus college board has announced that SAT will be completely digital in March 2023. The Digital SAT syllabus has been updated and revised, but the key areas that are measured are still the same. You must also keep in mind that SAT exam subject tests have been discontinued.
- SAT question paper will now be of 2 hours and 14 minutes, instead of 3.
- You can bring your calculator for math exams or access the built-in calculator in the testing application.
- SAT syllabus will now have a single question associated with each passage (or passage pair) instead of having several questions associated with a few long passages.
- SAT paper syllabus will have shorter reading passages instead of long texts.
- SAT verbal syllabus which had the ‘Reading and Writing & Language’ sections has now become a single section ‘Reading and Writing’ section.
- The average length of in-context questions (“word problems”) has been reduced.
- A new format called ‘Multistage Adaptive Testing’ will be activated. As per this, you will now be presented with questions that suit your performance level.
SAT Reading and Writing
SAT test syllabus for the reading and writing sections contains a short passage followed by a single multiple-choice question. The questions for SAT syllabus in reading and writing are divided into 2 modules, each of which includes questions from all four different domains. The passages in SAT syllabus for the Reading and Writing section range from 25 to 150 words. Passages represent the subject areas of literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.
SAT Reading and Writing Question Types and Weightage
SAT exam syllabus for Reading and writing has 4 question types - craft and structure, information and ideas, expression of ideas, and standard English conventions. As much as knowing the SAT exam syllabus is important, checking the SAT eligibility is equally significant for you.
| Question Types | Description | Skills tested | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craft and structure | Use comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge to understand and use high-utility words, and evaluate texts rhetorically, | Words in Context Text Structure and Purpose Cross-Text Connections | 28% / 13-15 questions |
| Information and ideas | ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics. | Central Ideas and Details Command of Evidence Textual Quantitative Inferences | 26% / 12-14 questions |
| Standard Conventions of English | use editing skills and knowledge to make the text conform to the core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. | Boundaries Form, Structure, and Sense | 26% / 11-15 questions |
| Expression of ideas | Ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals. | Rhetorical Synthesis Transitions | 20% / 8-12 questions |
SAT Math Test
Math syllabus for SAT exam is divided into two modules. Syllabus for SAT maths includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, Advanced Math, and Problem-Solving and Data Analysis. syllabus of SAT maths is designed to measure your skills of critical college and career readiness knowledge and skills in math.
SAT Math Question Types and Weightage
The question types for maths syllabus for SAT include a multiple choice question and a student-produced response question. Syllabus of SAT math questions covers almost 30% in context. These in-context questions require you to consider a science, social studies, or real-world scenario and apply your math skills and knowledge. To score good marks in SAT math, you must solve SAT math practice paper. SAT syllabus maths covers the following sections –
SAT Scores
Total SAT score range is 400 to 1600. SAT syllabus scores for the Reading and writing, and Math scales from 200 to 800, in 10-point intervals. Your two-section SAT scores are presented on a line infographic that shows where your score falls about a benchmark which means you're on track in preparing for college. This part of your score of SAT college board syllabus insights also shows your percentile for both section scores, meaning the percentage of test takers who scored lower than you
SAT syllabus can seem a bit difficult to understand and solve. However, if you become well-versed with the question format, and practice the types of questions, you can achieve a high score.
FAQs
Ques. What subjects are covered in the SAT exam?
Ans. The SAT exam primarily tests your proficiency in three core areas: Math, Reading, and Writing.
Ques. Are there specific topics within Math that I should focus on?
Ans. The Math section of the SAT covers algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, advanced math topics (including trigonometry and complex numbers), and some additional topics such as geometry and basic statistics.
Ques. What about the Reading and Writing section?
Ans. This section assesses your ability to understand and analyze written passages, as well as your command of grammar and usage in context.
Ques. How can I prepare for the SAT essay?
Ans. While the SAT essay is now optional, if you choose to complete it, you'll need to analyze an argument and construct a well-organized essay response. Practicing with sample prompts and essays is crucial for this section.
Ques. Is there a specific vocabulary list I should study for the SAT?
Ans. There is no prescribed vocabulary list, it's beneficial to enhance your vocabulary through extensive reading across various subjects and genres.
Ques. How long is the SAT exam?
Ans. The digital SAT exam has now been reduced to 2 hours and 58 minutes.
Ques. What's the scoring scale for the SAT?
Ans. The SAT scoring scale ranges from 400 to 1600, with separate scores for the Math section (200-800) and the Reading and Writing section (200-800).
Ques. How many times can I take the SAT?
Ans. You can take the SAT as many times as you want, but it's advisable to prepare thoroughly and take it no more than three times to avoid over-testing.
Ques. When should I take the SAT?
Ans. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school. It's essential to plan, considering college application deadlines and allowing time for potential retakes.
Ques. Do colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT, or vice versa?
Ans. Colleges accept both the SAT and ACT equally, so it's up to you to decide which exam you feel more comfortable with and where your strengths lie.
Ques. Is there a penalty for guessing on the SAT?
Ans. No, there's no penalty for incorrect answers on the SAT, so it's beneficial to answer every question, even if you're unsure.
Ques. Can I use a calculator in the Math section?
Ans. Yes, you can use an approved calculator on one of the Math sections, but not on the other, which is designed to assess math fluency and doesn't allow calculator use.
Ques. How can I register for the SAT exam?
Ans. You can register for the SAT online through the College Board website. Registration typically requires creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and paying the registration fee.
Ques.Is there any financial assistance available for the SAT exam?
Ans. Yes, fee waivers are available for eligible students to cover the cost of the SAT exam and additional services such as score reports and CSS Profile applications.
Ques. Can I cancel my SAT scores if I feel I didn't perform well?
Ans. Yes, you can cancel your SAT scores, but you must do so within a few days of taking the test. Keep in mind that canceled scores won't be reported to you or any colleges.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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