learn about The New SAT

What is the SAT and how is it structured?

The SAT is a standardized, multiple-choice test used by most U.S. colleges and universities for admissions and placement decisions. SAT scores can also be used to determine scholarship eligibility. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is given internationally six times a year.

The New SAT is a ten-section, three-hour forty five minutes exam. Three of the sections are Verbal, three are Math, and one is experimental. The experimental section, used by ETS strictly for its own research, can be either Verbal or Math and is not counted toward your final score. The seven sections appear in a slightly different order every time the SAT is administered.

How is the New SAT scored?

You will receive three scores on the SAT, one for Math one for Reading and one for writing. Each subject is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The average is approximately 500 in each subject (1500 combined). However, most competitive colleges look for significantly higher scores.

How important are my SAT scores?

The weight placed on SAT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are your high school GPA and academic transcript, letters of recommendation, interviews, and personal essays.

For more specific information on the importance of SAT scores at the schools to which you are applying, contact the admissions offices at those schools.

Can I cancel my scores?

Yes. If you finish the test and think you may want to cancel your scores, you should ask the test supervisor for a "Request to Cancel Test Scores" form. You may submit the completed form immediately at the testing center, or you can think about it for a day or two before mailing it to ETS. However, ETS must receive your request form no later than the Wednesday after the test.

When should I take the SAT?

The SAT is offered every year in October, November, December, January, May, and June (see table below for upcoming SAT dates and registration deadlines). Students have traditionally taken the SAT in the spring of their junior year and, if necessary, again in the fall of their senior year. However, more and more students are choosing to take their first SAT earlier, such as during the fall of their junior year. This gives them more flexibility in taking SAT IIs, or the SAT one or more times.

SAT Registration Deadlines

Test Date	Regular	Late

May 7, 2005	March 25, 2005	March 9, 2005
June 4, 2005	April 29, 2005	April 6, 2005

How do I register for the SAT?

Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each test date. To register by mail, simply fill out the registration form in the College Board's Bulletin for the SAT Program. You can obtain a free copy of this publication from your school's guidance counselor. Or you can call ETS at 609-771-7600 and they'll send you one free of charge. You can also register online at www.collegeboard.com.

How will I know if I'm ready for the SAT?

Try our free online SAT course demo, which includes a full-length practice test. When you finish the practice test you'll get a complete score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses. If you are satisfied with the results, then you may be ready. If you feel you need some help, check out The Princeton Review's many test preparation options or call us at 021-5824726-27 in Karachi or 042-5755369 in Lahore.