Almost every student who wants to study undergraduate education in America passes the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). In this exam, students mostly choose to take private lessons in both field and language courses. In any case, students do not have hundreds of alternatives to go to, such as domestic exams. In this case, finding the right place and the right instructor is very important for students and parents who have dreams of studying abroad.
The SAT exam, which was organized for the first time in 1926 by The College Board, has taken various names until today. This exam, which was originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, later became known as the Scholastic Assessment Test. High school seniors or high school graduates who want to receive undergraduate education in the USA can enter various universities and high schools by taking this exam. This exam, which is held 7 times a year in the United States, is also organized in certain exam centers 6 times a year in countries outside the United States.
What is the SAT Exam?
The SAT is an internationally recognized university entrance exam. This exam, which stands for Scholastic Aptitude Test (Educational Aptitude Test), is an important step for students who want to continue their education in elite universities in the USA and European countries. This exam is a good opportunity for a university that allows you to realize your talents and follow your dreams.
Who Can Take the SAT Exam?
Most high school seniors or high school graduates apply for the SAT exam. In order to be successful in the exam, your English level must be at least Upper Intermediate level. In fact, this exam, which requires an unusual English skill, is not very well known in our country.
Coming to the content of the exam, we must say that the long paragraphs are the first thing that catches the eye. There is an exam consisting of four stylish bars in the tests, where the wrongs do not make the truth. SAT exams, which include grammar, essay writing and multiple choice test questions, are basically divided into two. You can see detailed information about SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject, which are considered as two separate exams.
SAT Reasoning Test
Reasoning Test;
- Reading and understanding
- Analytical writing – grammar
- It includes mathematics-geometry subjects.
3 hours and 45 minutes are given for this episode. Universities abroad take these 3 sections into consideration when applying. However, the writing section is not taken into account for foreign students who want to study in Turkey.
SAT Subject Test
This exam, which is given 1 hour for each, is divided into 5 areas:
- English
- History
- Maths
- Science
- Language issues
Subject Tests, which is the second session of the exam, is actually based on measuring the knowledge of the students on the subjects they are related to.
The dates of the SAT Exam, which is held 7 times in the USA and 6 times in other countries in a year, are announced on the website https://www.collegeboard.org. At this stage, you should not forget that these exams are considered as two separate exams in two separate sessions and you need to make your preliminary preparations accordingly.
How Many Parts Does the SAT Have?
The first part of the SAT, which consists of two parts, is SAT 1, the Reasoning Test (think of it as YGS), and consists of a numerical and verbal part. In this first session, which lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes, there are sections such as mathematics, geometry, critical reading and writing (English). The score of each section varies between 200 and 800. All of these departments are very important if you want to get an undergraduate education in the USA; but in Turkey, only mathematics, geometry and critical reading are considered. Although it is called a test, the way you solve the problem, the way you think and express yourself, and whether you are creative and logical are important.
The second part, SAT 2, namely the Subject Test, consists of tests with many different academic subjects. Biology, chemistry, physics, Chinese, Japanese etc. The scores of the exams on the subjects vary between 200 and 800. It is absolutely necessary to look for undergraduate education in the USA. Some of the prestigious American universities may even require two academic test results.
In general, the SAT, which is seen as an exam that measures knowledge and skills; In short, it is an inevitable test for those who say they will get a university education in America. Moreover, you can enter the country and city you want according to the application you make online.
How Often Does the SAT Exam Take and How to Apply for the Exam?
The SAT exam, organized by The College Board, is administered 7 times a year in the USA and 6 times in other countries. Examinations are generally administered once every 2 months, and application and registration for the exams are done through the application centers in the relevant countries or online. There are no restrictions on participation in the exams.
Due to the Covid-19 virus surrounding the world, after 2020, the March and 2020 May exams were canceled by Collageboard in many countries. The SAT exam is held on Saturdays on more than one date each year. Exams in the USA after 2020; It was held 6 times in October, November, December, March, May and June. On the international platform, it was held 4 times a year, in October, December, March and May.
What is the Validity Period of Exam Results?
SAT test results are generally valid for 5 years during the application period to US universities. For foreign students applying to universities in Turkey, the validity of the exam is 2 years.
What Should You Do to Prepare for the SAT Exam?
First of all, in order to be successful in the SAT exam, it is necessary to have a good level of English knowledge. Therefore, if your current English level is not sufficient or if you want to increase your exam success even more, you can work on improving your English. First of all, you can take a practice test to determine your English level to be sure of your language proficiency. There are many alternatives to prepare for the SAT exam. You can prepare for the SAT exams with the help of online training, academic textbooks, trial exams or special courses.
The most decisive way to be successful in the SAT exam is to solve many questions from the supplementary books and thus to see different question styles.
English vocabulary is very important in the verbal part of the exam. It is very important to keep the words in mind for results that will make you stand out. You can prepare flashcards yourself that will help you learn words. Flashcards are cards with the word on one side and the meaning on the other. These cards, which are also readily available on the Internet, are particularly useful as they also contain sample uses and recall techniques.
Intensive reading exercises are recommended for the Critical Reading section. American magazines will benefit you to improve your reading proficiency. These journals also contain academic words that are not often used in daily life, but that you may encounter in the exam. For the time problem that challenges many students in the exam, you can keep time while reading the texts and improve yourself in this way.
Why should you take the SAT exam?
- Some universities offer graduate scholarships based on your SAT score.
- Some job applications require an SAT score.
- Compared to the ACT, candidates have more time for the SAT in math, writing, and English questions.
- Only high school math subjects are tested in the exam.
- The SAT Essay section is like a commentary on a specific topic.
- Most US schools require SAT scores for undergraduate admission.
- The SAT exam fee is relatively low compared to other exams.
Why Is It Important to Get a High Score in the Exam?
Getting a high score in the exam makes it easier for students in undergraduate admissions. A planned study should be done for the exam, taking into account the SAT dates. In this way, it will be possible to get the targeted score from the exam. There are many students who choose courses that teach abroad for the targeted SAT score. However, it is seen that these courses both demand high prices and do not provide enough benefit to the students.
With the option of online SAT courses, students can prepare for the SAT exam from anywhere with an internet connection. Special preparation is required for each of the sections in the SAT exam