SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a Standardized College Admissions Test administered by the College Board. The SAT Test was originally taken from the Army IQ test and was used as an admission test for college in the mid-1920s. It later became a standard test for college applicants in the 1940s.

Most graduating high school students want to pursue their education in colleges and universities. But before they can do that, they need to pass a standardized test which will measure how ready they are for college. Most colleges and universities in the US require students to achieve a certain range of scores from a standardized test before they allow these students to enroll.



Here you will learn what you need to know about SAT and how to get a good SAT score.

Check our 2020 – 2022 SAT Test Dates for US and International Students

Why Take The SAT?

The SAT is created to help both students and colleges. For colleges, the SAT helps them filter which students have enough knowledge and intelligence to compete at the level of standard in their curriculum.

Colleges and universities do not want many students to fail because that would damage the reputation of their institution. The SAT also helps the students by making sure that they could only get into a college that’s right for their interests and abilities.

Here are 3 main reasons why you would want to take the SAT:

Get into a good college or university. Most colleges and universities require SAT test scores. Taking the SAT also means opening more opportunities for you. You can better choose colleges when you have a good SAT score. Increase chances winning college scholarships. You will qualify for more scholarships when you take the SAT. If you score high, you might improve your chance of getting a partial or full scholarship. It can help you with your future career. It helps you in two ways. First, your SAT scores will tell you what your strengths are and what you need to improve on based on your scores. This will help you better choose your college major and careers. Second, you can use your SAT test score to boost your resume especially for your first job. Some jobs also require SAT scores.

We have SAT Practice Tests HERE

How The SAT Started

SAT has gone a long way from the time it was created until now. Prior to 1901, college admission tests were carried out by colleges and universities themselves, which presents a big problem for both schools and students alike. Students who want to take the entrance exam of a college in another state would have to travel far before they can do so. On the other hand, colleges and universities are limited to the number of top quality students they can admit.



That is why in 1901 College Entrance Examination Board was formed. The board, set up by 12 presidents of the leading universities in the US, aimed to standardize college entrance examinations. In 1901, the first standardized college admission test was conducted. However, a change is soon to come.

In 1905, the IQ test was invented and was administered to army recruits to help choose which among them are “officer material.” The college College Entrance Examination Board became interested in applying the IQ test in their own exams. Years later in 1926, the first SAT was introduced to high school students and it evolved from that point on with several changes through the years. The most important changes were the format changes that happened in 2005 and 2016.

Start reviewing with our helpful contents: SAT Math Practice Test

2005 Changes

The changes were implemented in part to respond to some criticism lodged against the test, namely that SAT does not accurately reflect student knowledge and does not accurately predict college preparedness. These changes were made by the College Board to the SAT in 2005:

Removed analogy and quantitative comparison questions

Added short reading comprehension passages

Added higher-level math concepts

Added a writing section.

Length increased to 3 hours and 45 minutes (not including breaks)

Perfect score changed from 1600 to 2400.

Related Topic: ACT vs SAT: A Comparison of basic structural and logistical differences & ACT vs SAT: Scores

2016 Changes Another Major change in the SAT happened in 2016. The plan to redesign SAT was announced in 2014 but was only implemented in March 2016. The changes were made to incorporate to the actual learning and work encountered by high school students in their classrooms. These were changes made to the SAT in 2016: Emphasis on the use of evidence to support answers

Shift away from obscure vocabulary to words that students are more likely to encounter in college and career

A math section that is focused on fewer areas

A return to the 1600-point score scale Learn more: SAT Registration SAT Test Subjects As a standardized test for college admission, SAT tests a students skill and knowledge that they studied in high school. The SAT test is divided into three major sections: Reading Test

Writing and Language Test

Essay

Math Test The essay test is offered if your target college or university requires it. Here is an overview of the sections:

Related Topic: SAT Scores