What is Sat: Definition and 146 Discussions

The SAT ( ess-ay-TEE) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Since its debut in 1926, its name and scoring have changed several times; originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, it was later called the Scholastic Assessment Test, then the SAT I: Reasoning Test, then the SAT Reasoning Test, then simply the SAT.
The SAT is wholly owned, developed, and published by the College Board, a private, not-for-profit organization in the United States. It is administered on behalf of the College Board by the Educational Testing Service, which until recently developed the SAT as well. The test is intended to assess students' readiness for college. The SAT was originally designed not to be aligned with high school curricula, but several adjustments were made for the version of the SAT introduced in 2016, and College Board president, David Coleman, has said that he also wanted to make the test reflect more closely what students learn in high school with the new Common Core standards.The SAT takes three hours to finish and as of 2019 costs US$49.50 (US$64.50 with the optional essay, though this is no longer available), excluding late fees, with additional processing fees if the SAT is taken outside the United States. Scores on the SAT range from 400 to 1600, combining test results from two 200-to-800-point sections: the Mathematics section and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section. Although taking the SAT, or its competitor the ACT, is required for freshman entry to many colleges and universities in the United States, during the 2010s, many institutions made these entrance exams optional, but this did not stop the students from attempting to achieve high scores as they and their parents are skeptical of what "optional" means in this context. In fact, the test-taking population was increasing steadily. And while this may have resulted in a long-term decline in scores, experts cautioned against using this to gauge the scholastic levels of the entire U.S. population.Starting with the 2015–16 school year, the College Board began working with Khan Academy to provide free SAT preparation. On January 19, 2021, the College Board announced the discontinuation of the optional essay section, as well as its SAT Subject Tests, after June 2021.

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  1. hagopbul

    A question about the current SAT standardized tests

    hello : i saw a sat book few days ago and noticed that it is only english and elementary math , i was surprised do you need to pass only sat to enroll in a university why there is no sat object , for example sat physics , sat math , sat chemistry ,...etc in order to help student with the sat...
  2. bagasme

    Testing Quadratics as Important Chapter for SAT Math

    Hello, Recently I viewed a blog post about SAT Math preparation. It stated that quadratics is the chapter which is most asked in SAT, and if I don't master the chapter, I can't answer most SAT problems. IMO, this statement above implied that quadratics (quadratic equation) is the core chapter...
  3. Fabrizio Vassallo

    Meaning of a phrase in a kinematics problem

    1. Problem statement: "An object is thrown horizontally with an initial speed of 10 m/s. How far will it drop in 4 seconds?" Homework Equations Δx = v0x.t Δy = v0y.t + 1/2(-g)t2 The Attempt at a Solution [/B] When I first read it, I thought that 'how far' means Δx, since when someone says...
  4. YMMMA

    SAT physics question -- Flag on a bicycle being ridden in the wind....

    Homework Statement A girl is riding a bicycle at 15 miles per hour due north. A steady wind is blowing at 15 miles per hour from the east. A flag mounted on the bicycle will be stretched out toward the (A) west (B) south (C) southwest (D) southeast (E) northeast Homework Equations Vector...
  5. V

    How to get into Harvard, MIT or Princeton from India?

    Hi everyone, I am a 10th grader studying in India. I want to know what it will take to get into universities like Harvard, MIT, etc. I have been getting 10 CGPA from class 6th to 9th,and i hope to score well in my boards. I am also a 5th grade pianist(Trinity) and I hope to complete upto 7...
  6. EastWindBreaks

    What does sat. stands for in thermodynamic?

    Homework Statement The saturation temperature is given in the parentheses. then what is Sat. on the Temperature column? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution
  7. M

    Classical What Textbooks are best for self-study for SAT Physics Test

    I am planning on taking SAT Subject test in Physics in few months, but I don't know which textbook is best to study all physics concepts that will be tested. I have a basic knowledge of algebra and almost none of calculus, as they didn't teach them back in high school, but I really want to...
  8. Robert100

    Intro Physics What's best SAT Physics prep book?

    What do you think is the best SAT physics prep book? Years ago many people seemed to prefer Princeton Review, but the reviews for the last couple years seem to indicate that the Barron's guide is better? There's also the Kaplan SAT practice guide. Any suggestions as to which is best?
  9. E

    MHB What is the value of s in the equation 1/2 + 2/5s = s - 3/4?

    Hey everyone was having trouble solving this on Khan academy. The way they got the answer made no sense what so ever so hoping anyone here can help. If 1/2 + 2/5s = s - 3/4, what is the value of s?
  10. Diwakar

    Water at 2 ATM and 118° (120 sat temp) when we take it into

    Water at 2 ATM and 118° (120 sat temp) when we take it into open atmosphere what would happen ? In pressure and temperature reference. Will it boil or not?
  11. D

    The Hardest Exam you ever sat....

    What was it? What was the context? I'd say mine was the Lie Theory and Particle Physics paper I sat today. Universal consensus was that most people felt they'd be lucky to get over 50%. I reckon I did maybe mid 60's, which doesn't seem to be that bad relative to what other people are saying...
  12. H

    Talked to my local cop about his sat phone comms

    Have always drooled over these awesome and mega priced babies until they started dissspearing. Cop says they are being replaced by sat phones which I thought were a nightmare to get a connection and crazy expensive. He would not discuss the performance. So awesome HF antenna versus sat phone...
  13. Anithadhruvbud

    Testing What is the level of math in SAT reasoning test?

    In my country,we have an option of choosing our own subjects for high school.I have chosen physics,chemistry,biology and economics.So I don't get to study any high school math.For getting admission in college for a biology course,I have to take this SAT even though I hate math and aspire to do...
  14. **Mariam**

    Exploring Factors Affecting Electric Shock While Exiting a Car

    Homework Statement 1)a student decides to investigate the electric shock she received when she gets out of her car. Which of the following factors least likely to have a significant effect on the size of the shock? A. The material of her clothe B. The distance she slides across the seat when...
  15. K

    SAT II Physics -- Induced current in loop (Faraday's law)

    Homework Statement A loop of wire and a bar magnet are moving relative to one another. Which motion in the diagrams shown below will NOT induce a current in the loop? Homework Equations Lenz's Law: A changing magnetic field can induce a current in a direction that produces its own...
  16. B

    Testing Best physics school i can get into with my current GPA/SAT score

    I currently have a GPA of 3.3 and my sat scores are 680-math, 610-reading, 560-writing. I'm pretty set on going for physics undergrad and going straight to grad school for my PHD but I'm open to suggestions. Any college that isn't really really far away from Pennsylvania but I'm definitely open...
  17. Entanglement

    Testing SAT scores and HS GPA when transferring

    Hi, I was wondering if I apply for a college as a transferring applicant will my SAT and HS GPA weigh much? Do colleges forgive previous bad performance? Thanks in advance.
  18. PWiz

    Testing Horrendous SAT difficulty level in English?

    Hello all. I plan on appearing for the SAT / ACT soon (I'm still sort of on the fence between the two), and I've heard that the SAT English difficulty level is absolutely brutal. This is tipping the scales in favor of ACT, but then I've also heard that scoring in ACT writing can prove to be very...
  19. T

    Calculate time (or fraction of orb. period) of sat. in umbra

    Greetings! I would like to know how to calculate the time, or fraction of orbital period, that a satellite spends in umbra? (total solar eclipse for satellite when they aren't affected by Solar radiation pressure and solar panels don't generate power). Information given would be satellite's...
  20. pragmatic

    Admissions Apply to College Before Dec. 23: Advice?

    I just recently took the SAT and won't get the scores until Dec. 23rd, however I'm wonder should I submit my applications before receiving my scores or not? I'm not applying to any huge colleges just some local state ones in the surrounding area if that makes a difference. College Board (Those...
  21. M

    Testing What are the prerequisites for SAT subject tests and ACT without writing?

    Hi, I don't know if this is the best place to post thia, but I'll give it a try :-) I'm taking the SAT subject tests physics, math level I and level II, and the ACT test thia coming year. As I'm not following a high school curriculum, and am merely studying on my own, I really have no idea of...
  22. M

    Understanding Percentages in Sales Commissions: Finding the Correct Calculation

    Homework Statement A salesperson's commission is k percent of the selling price of a car. Which of the following represents the commission, in dollars, on 2 cars that sold for 14,000 each?Homework Equations 28,000*k (I thought that this answer was corrects since a percent is always part of 1...
  23. D

    MHB SAT Math: Greatest Possible Area of Triangle (7, 10)

    What is the greatest possible area of a triangle with one side of length 7 and the another side of length 10?Choices: A - 17 B - 34 C - 35 D - 70 E - 140 Answer is 35 but how? Thanks in advance
  24. infinite.curve

    Testing Is the SAT Required for Elite Educational Institutes?

    Well, I was wondering if the SAT is actually required for applying to 'elite' educational institutes, such as Harvard, MIT or Caltech. I ask this because my cousin is refusing to take the SAT, but gets outstanding grades in school; and have received 5s his subjects tests. Would they take...
  25. M

    Testing PSAT vs SAT Scores: How Close Was Your Match?

    How closely did your PSAT score match your SAT score?
  26. A

    Geometry SAT Problem: Area of Smaller Circle with Bisected Angle | Homework Help

    Homework Statement A right circular cone is drawn above, with 2 circles centered at A on its base as shown. AB is the height of the cone, the measure of <ABC is 60° and BC has a length of y. If BD bisects <ABC, which one of the following gives the area of the smaller circle in terms of y...
  27. Y

    Testing SAT for international student?

    hi I will be in Ohio in August for studying Electrical engineering at Cleveland State university. now I decided that I should spend my first year at community college so that I rebuild my math&physics foundation because I didn't get that quality of education in my home country. during this...
  28. B

    Testing Sat math, test-taking abilities, math ability

    sat math, "test-taking abilities," math ability hey all, are there good reasons for scoring low on the sat that do not stem from poor math ability? what do these 'test-taking abilities' consist of and how do they operate? i took a practice test today and i scored in the 580 range. now, i...
  29. S

    Find the Best SAT Book to Score Above 750

    Hello, Can anyone please help me with this? I gave my SAT II Physics and got 670. But I am not satisfied with this score so I am going to repeat this exam in may. The problem is tht I am doing self study, and i studied from Barron's book...but the topics are difficult to understand. Some...
  30. S

    Testing Is the SAT Math an Accurate Predictor of Engineering and Physics Success?

    How do you guys think the SAT, manily the math section accurately judges ones ability? I have heard people say if you get below x, usually 600 to 700 you will never succeed in engineering or physics. I would think its more on how much you study and that the SAT is there more tovtrick you any...
  31. I

    Conservation of momentum problem from SAT II

    Hello, I am having trouble understanding this short problem from a Kaplan SAT II prep book. Here it is: A 60 kg man holding a 20 kg box rides on a skateboard at a speed of 7 m/s. He throws the box behind him, giving it a velocity of 5 m/s. with respect to the ground. What is his velocity...
  32. Arsenic&Lace

    Testing SAT math scores; low score indicative of natural ability?

    I've actually already completed my first year of college, with quite modest results. Something which has been causing me quite a bit of psychological bother though is whether or not my SAT math score is a reflection of some kind of natural ability or intelligence, rather than a reflection of...
  33. M

    What is the equation of a line given one point and another unknown value?

    Had a SAT level geometry question from a student and didn't know how to solve it. I redrew what the picture was and the question asked for the slope. I know PF better than that but don't just give me the answer bc I need to know how to solve.
  34. S

    Testing What's difference between SAT and GRE exam?

    i want to submit to some universities like as Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford and ... application requirement for these universities are SAT general and subject, but I don't anything about this exam. can you help me
  35. I

    Testing Is 3000 solved problems in physics good for studying SAT physics?

    I'm studying for the SAT physics subject test right now, and I need a good source of practice problems (the princetonreview book I have only has 2 practice tests and 10 questions for each chapter). Does the schaum's outline 3000 solved physics problem book has problems that are of similar...
  36. PhizKid

    Testing Should I re-take the SAT and take SAT IIs?

    I am currently an undergraduate at a community college, and I would like to transfer to a high-ranking undergraduate school for my junior year if possible, but my SAT score (which is rather poor because I didn't study at all for it; 650 Math/590 English and I forgot my Writing score but my year...
  37. D

    Best Physics Textbooks for SAT II Self-Study?

    Any recommendations for a physics textbook that I can use to self-study? The book doesn't have to be geared specifically toward self-study; it should just be clear and comprehensive enough for the SAT II. (Note my physics class is only mostly conceptual. Also, is College Physics: A Strategic...
  38. I

    Why can't quantum computers be used to solve SAT?

    Any boolean formula can be represented efficiently as a reversible circuit (i.e. with at most a polynomial increase in the number of gates), with n input bits and n output bits. If it is an n-input, 1-output formula, the corresponding reversible circuit will have 1 'main' output bit and a series...
  39. P

    Testing Khanacademy and Selfstudying AP Calc AB and SAT chem

    Quick Questions: Does Khan Academy chemistry playlist on Youtube cover all the SAT chemistry topics in its chemistry playist? Also, I'm planning on self studyng ap calc ab (w/o prior calculus knowledge). Will just watching the calculus playlist on that channel up to the partial derivative...
  40. A

    Testing Boost Your SAT Math Score: Strategies for Improvement

    Hello everyone, I'm currently in high school and will be applying to universities this summer. I recently took my SATs and, although I did pretty well on the english sections (Writing=650 and Reading=600), I was extremely disappointed by my maths score (640). Now I'm not generally weak in maths...
  41. C

    Complexity of SAT in First-order logic

    I have been thinking about this question for weeks and can't figure it out! I reckon it's decidable and in EXPTIME, but not sure how to prove this! Any help would be reallllly appreciated! (Note: the question is in the attachment) -Peter
  42. A

    Testing Do colleges look at how many times you take the SAT?

    Hey everyone, I'm a junior in high school and I have yet to take the SAT or even the PSAT. I want to clarify the one thing that makes it seem stressful to me. I remember reading that if applying to Harvard after taking the SAT more than twice, your chances of being accepted are severely lowered...
  43. S

    Testing Questions about the SAT and ACT

    I have a few questions about the SAT and ACT college admission tests. *How many questions are there on the SAT and ACT? *How long does each test typically take to complete? *How are the tests scored? *What is the "average" score for both tests? *Which test is easier? *Do certain colleges...
  44. B

    Testing Foreign student needing some math exercises to know what the SAT looks like

    Can anyone help me out, I don't want study material, I just want some exercises that help me know what the SAT looks like
  45. O

    SAT/ GCSE-Level Recurrence Relation Problem

    Homework Statement Hi! This is my first time on the site. I look forward to working with everyone…but hopefully not too much, assuming I‘m learning things correctly. :P My question pertains to Recurrence Relations, so here it goes… Foreword: The textbook I’m using actually supplies...
  46. U

    Practicing for SAT Math and had my first four part miserable failure sequence

    For these four practice problems, I had little idea what the hell to do (plugging in seemed worthless), could anyone help? Sorry if this isn't what the board is suppose to be used for. Answers in spoiler tags. If k and h are constants and x2+kx+7 is equivalent to (x+1)(x+h), what is the value...
  47. C

    Testing Best SAT Verbal Book: Guide for Success

    Hi, which is the best book for SAT for verbal? please don't vote if you have no idea, its really important for me.
  48. C

    Testing Best Book for SAT Prep: English Basics

    Hi I am going to prepare for SAT and i have like 3.5 months I need a book that can teach me English (critical reading and writing) from basics because it s not my native language ... (basics like making a good vocab and improving grammar and stuff) I don't need a book good in maths because...
  49. I

    Calculators SAT Reasoning Math with the TI-89

    Few questions... 1. I can't do inequalities with the regular TI-89...but the titanium can. Is it possible to transfer the titanium os to the 89? 2. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/ammad/sat1.jpg This is an SAT question. To answer this question I thought I could just solve the system...
  50. Z

    Official SAT Chemistry Practice Question

    The answer provided to this question is disturbing me: The set of lettered choices below refers to multiple questions. Select the one lettered choice that best fits each statement or answers each question. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set. Is weakly acidic...
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