Everything you should know about the SAT

The first question that pops up is: What is the SAT?

If you google "SAT", you can find this: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAT)

But it does not make much sense, does it?

Let me spare you the time to read the whole Wikipedia page; the SAT is an admissions test that universities rely on to partly while deciding whether or not to accept an applicant. It is an important part of your application, but why?

Due to major differences in educational systems, backgrounds, curriculums, and context, US universities use the SAT to create common background while comparing applications.

Main takeaway: you need the SAT (or ACT) to apply to most US colleges. Now, the next question that you should start thinking about is:

What does the SAT test?

The SAT test has two main sections, an English section and a Math Section, and is structured as follows:

I know that this is still very general, that's why I will be linking here many resources:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLS1t1Nib74 : Youtube Video from @SuperTutorTV explaining what does the SAT exactly test. The channel itself has many helpful videos related to college applications!

- https://www.khanacademy.org/sat : Free SAT Prep using Khan Academy website. This is a great place to start if you have never prepared for the SAT before.

- https://www.youtube.com/c/ScalarLearning : Youtube channel for SAT Math Prep.

All in all, you can prepare for the SAT yourself! For some of you, it might be hard, but it is completely worth it. 

What score is exactly a good score?

A good score depends on your goals. Everyone of us has different goals, and so they need different scores. Overall, a good strategy to develop early one is to do your research, find out what you need, and work on getting slightly better than that. This way, you will ensure you are always on top of the spectrum.

When should you take the SAT?

As an international student, the SAT is typically offered on March, May, June, August, October & December.

Knowing when to take the SAT is a critical decision, but generally you have to account for the deadlines of any programs you are applying for, as well as the cost and whether or not you are prepared for it.

Keep in mind that you can take the SAT many times, and can submit your best score to schools/programs.

Most undergraduate deadlines occur on either November (early round), or on December/January (regular round) during your senior year in high school. Plan to take it for the first time during your junior year (typically December or March), so that you have the option to retake in case you aim for a better score. You can retake on August or October prior to the deadline.

Make sure you have at least two months to prepare for the SAT before Test day. (some students might prepare in less than two months, but this is for students in general)

How to register for the SAT?

The SAT is administered by the College Board. Therefore, you need to check their website to register for the test. Go to https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat, create an account if you have not already, and sign up for a test date.

Keep in mind that international dates are different than the ones in the States. Go to <link> to find them.