How should I prepare for the SAT?
Wondering how to prepare for the SAT and how to reach the highest scores on the SAT? Here’s everything you need to know about the SAT tests - from average scores for Ivy League and other US colleges to the digital SAT.
What is the SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a formulaic assessment covering areas such as vocabulary, comprehension, maths and reasoning. The SAT is taken by high school students and forms part of the college admissions process, alongside other more ‘subjective’ components such as admissions essays and interviews.
The SAT can take significant preparation. Don’t be daunted though - with the right work you can thrive on the test; it’s a great opportunity to make your application more competitive. Some people even end up enjoying the preparation and find it fun - like a good puzzle!
How is the SAT scored?
The SAT is scored on a 1600 point scale and is split into two sections: the SAT math section has up to 800 points and the SAT evidence-based reading and writing section has up to 800 points. 1600 represents a perfect SAT score.
Should I take the SAT test more than once?
Taking the SAT test several times is often a sensible strategy - you’ll be able to show growth and improvement across time. And don’t worry, many students take the SAT test more than one - a common approach which is accepted and even encouraged by lots of US colleges. The overwhelming majority of students increase their scores on the second and third attempts.
When should I take the SAT?
We recommend taking the test as far in advance as possible; there are several components to US college applications, so this helps to avoid stress. You can also take the tests multiple times, so taking them early means that if you get a good score it’s out of the way, and if you’re concerned it leaves lots of time to retake before your application. For UK applicants, we usually recommend working intensively in the summer after GCSEs and taking the exam around the autumn of year 12 (lower sixth form/AS Level year).
What is the difference between SAT test blind and SAT test optional?
There are three categories of requirements for the SAT test.
SAT test blind won’t look at your SAT test score and will review your application without taking this data into account, even if you choose to submit it.
For SAT test optional schools, applicants can decide whether or not to submit an SAT score and it will be taken into account as part of their application should they do so.
Then there are schools which require an SAT (or ACT) test score for all applicants to apply and who will use the score as part of the admissions process.
When is the next SAT test?
Below are the 2023-2024 international SAT administration dates:
26th August 2023
7th October 2023
4th November 2023
2nd December 2023
9th March 2024
4th May 2024
1st June 2024
Should I still take the SAT if I’m applying to a test optional school?
The precise calculation will depend on your circumstances, but generally our advice is usually yes. Admissions officers will look holistically at your application, yet many fellow applicants will have taken the SAT test, especially for more competitive schools, and this is an added place to demonstrate your abilities. We’d suggest attempting an SAT test early on in the admissions cycle to see your score, prepare for that test thoroughly and then make an informed decision? Some schools, including MIT, have now moved back to requiring SAT scores for all applicants.
What SAT score do I need for Ivy League universities?
For Ivy League schools, average SAT scores to be competitive range from around 1450-1570. Do note, though, most of these schools don’t have ‘minimum’ scores and look at the test as part of a broader review process.
Here’s an overview of average SAT scores for Ivy League and other US universities:
The average SAT score for Yale is 1460 - 1580
The average SAT score for Stanford is 1470 - 1570
The average SAT score for Princeton is 1450-1570
The average SAT score for UPenn is 1500-1560
The average SAT score for New York University (NYU) is 1300-1530
The average SAT score for Columbia University is 1510-1560
The average SAT score for Dartmouth University is 1440-1560
The average SAT score for Brown University is 1480-1560
Can I score a perfect 1600 on the SAT?
While it may not be necessary to reach 1600, you can reach the highest scores you’re capable of with advanced preparation, systematic study and lots of practice questions. While the precise questions differ each year, there are techniques to learn for taking the SAT successfully. We also recommend starting early and studying a little bit each day rather than trying to cram. This is both less stressful and more efficient.
What is SAT superscoring?
Super-scoring on the SAT test means you can take the SAT multiple times and declare your highest scores from each section.
How can I reach the highest SAT scores?
We recommend taking lots of practice SAT tests under time conditions, as well as setting up private SAT tuition to boost your score. It’s also advisable to take multiple tests to boost your scores (see answer below to should i take the test more than once
Should I take the digital SAT?
The digital SAT format will be available from March 2023 for international SAT centres and from spring 2024 for US schools. So international students applying to begin US colleges in the class of 2024 will be the first to take the digital SAT, followed by US-based students applying for the class of 2025. The SAT will remain scored out of 1600 and will continue to measure the same topic areas. The key differences are that digital SAT takers will be able to use calculators for the whole maths section and the test will be slightly shorter (2h30 instead of 3h) - and that students will be able to take the test from their personal computers.
Book your free SAT consultation with J&J Education today. Learn more about working with our world-leading mentors with experience working on the admissions process at top US universities including UPenn, Harvard, Yale and more.
Stanford University lecturer
BA, University of Pennsylvania; PhD Stanford University
Published book author; SAT, ACT and GRE specialist
University of Pennsylvania interviewer
President of the Penn Club of the UK, Board of the Wharton Club of the UK
BA, University of Pennsylvania
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