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. D

    Testing Anyone Gave SAT II - Physics Recently ?

    Hi I want to know that is the level of questions in SAT II ( and also SAT I) same as of the level of practice questions on SAT website? Thanks in advance :)
  2. C

    Testing What are some common concerns about the SAT Subject test for Physics?

    SAT Subject test - Physics ?? HI everyone I heard about SAT test few months ago. I looked at the subject which included a lot of ENGLISH. Unfortunately i am not really good in English so i considered Subject test. But i have few questions about it. First, What is its use. I mean, will...
  3. V

    Testing SAT Score 2070: Math Programs at Schools You Can Get Into

    What sort of school can I expect to get into with an SAT score like this? Are there any in particular that have a good mathematics program?
  4. L

    Testing SAT Subject Tests: Needed for Engineering College?

    I am planning to be an engineer and wondering if the Subject Tests are needed to get into a good college.
  5. S

    Solving SAT Physics: Momentum of Block Starting from Rest at 5s

    Homework Statement If the block starts from rest, its momentum at 5 seconds is... Homework Equations p=mv F=ma v=at The Attempt at a Solution When I thought about it, I was thinking about p=mv, and I had to substitute v to get a desirable answer. So I did p=m(at). However I only...
  6. B

    Testing Preparing for the SAT Physics Subject Test: What to Expect and How to Study

    so i am going to be taking the physics subject test soon and i want to know what sort of stuff i should expect from it. Its been 1 year since i took physics and I've forgotten a lot of stuff we did in the later portion of the class. right now i am taking physics AP and we have only gotten...
  7. O

    Testing SAT Admissions: Is Math Coverage Sufficient?

    Hi, for admissions into American universities, is SAT the only standardized test that is required? If so, why is it that the math questions in SAT do not appear to cover a whole lot. I noticed that there is no calculus and trigonometric functions are not tested. Also, is there no...
  8. P

    Understanding Standing Waves: A Guide for SAT II Physics

    Homework Statement So I am studying SAT II physics by myself and I don't really understand how standing waves form. I understand that they are formed by the interference of the two traveling waves which results in complete destructive interference at some points, and complete constructive...
  9. R

    Testing SAT Subject Tests | Pharmacy College in the Northeast

    I am really interested in becoming a pharmacist when I grow up. I plan to take the sat 2 chem and physics, but do I need to take the sat 2 bio (or even physics)? Also, what is the best pharmacy college in the north east. I heard it was Rutgers pharmacy. Is that true?
  10. P

    Testing Tips for SAT Math level 1 and chemistry

    I'm taking the SAT II subject tests saturday and I know it's a bit late but I need to cram. I have done barron's for math and spark notes book for chemistry and I consistently get around 620's on both. I'd like to get above a 700 but I'm having trouble. 1. Are these all of the formulas I...
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    Testing Preparing for Ireland's A-Levels & SAT Equivalents: Tips & Sample Papers

    Exams which are the Irish equivalent of SAT and A-Levels are starting next week. The samples below illustrate the differences. Does anyone have any advice how you should prepare mentally for these exams? Like how should you get yourself into the correct frame of mind? Here are sample papers...
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    Calculators Which graphing calculator to buy? approved for the SAT, ACT, AP

    I'm currently taking a high-school pre-calculus class and next year I'm going to be taking AP Calculus and Physics I. I plan to major in Physics in college and I'm looking for a calculator that will get me through all of that. I need one that's approved for the SAT, ACT, AP, and is powerful...
  13. C

    Has Anyone Taken the Physics SAT Subject Test Without AP Physics E&M?

    has anyone taken the physics SAT subject test without having taken AP physics E & M?
  14. D

    Testing Can I still get into top colleges with a 1960 SAT score?

    I am a high school student opting for university next year. My grades are all As. I am in the top ten of the school. I also am the President of the Theatre Club and the FOSS club. I am also active member of my schools Theoretical Physics Club. In addition to that i have started my own NGO along...
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    Physics Importance of SAT Physics Test Score in College Admission Process

    I am looking to get an 800 on my upcoming SAT Subject Test for Physics. I know you all aren't admissions officers, but how much do you believe a high score weighs into the overall admission process?
  16. B

    SAT Physics Help: Understanding Thermal & Electric Forces

    right now, I am trying to read a chapter on thermal physics and electric forces. I am trying to do the practice questions, but I can't seem to understand them. Can someone please do these few questions and explain them as well? thanks! 1) During each cycle, a heat engine absorbs 400 J of heat...
  17. Q

    Testing 30+ on the ACT and 1500 on SAT what to do?

    Hi. I'm currently a IB junior at one of these Not-so-great high schools. And I've been Physics+Math freak ever since I discovered how the world really works from my friend's physics book last year(may be a bit late). Studying IB physics and Calculus right now, hopefully will be able to pass both...
  18. A

    Testing Self-Studying for SAT II Physics: Is It Possible?

    I want to take SAT II Physics test in November. Problem is that I don't have any prior knowledge of the subject. I'm highly interested in it and have an idea about some topics since I'm also studying Mechanics in Math. I want to know whether it is possible to self-study for the test and score...
  19. O

    Simple Ratios problem from old SAT book

    Homework Statement Aggregate # of nickels and dimes = 20 coins. If the ratio between nickels and dimes is 2:3, what is cent value of 20-coin set? Homework Equations 2x = 3y The Attempt at a Solution 20 = nickels(x)+dimes(y); ratio = 2x:3y; 2x = 3y; y = 2x/3 20 = x + 2x/3; x...
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    Testing Boost Your SAT II Physics Score with Free Online Practice Questions

    Hi everybody I solved today the questions that the college board put in it's free guide pdf. But these questions are very very easy! is this also the level of the real sat II physics test's questions? Is there any free online source to prepare for this test?? Thanks a lot :)
  21. I

    What is the Value of k in This SAT Math Problem?

    Homework Statement (n/(n-1)) x (1/n) x (n/(n+1)) = 5/k for positive integers n and k, what is the value of k> Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I multiplied the left side out to be (n/(n^2-1) and set it equal to 5/k I got stuck right there.
  22. I

    SAT Math: 5:2 Peanut-Cashew Mixture Question

    Homework Statement In a Mixture of peanuts and cashews, the ratio by weight of peanuts to cashews is 5 to 2. how many pounds of cashews will there be in 4 pounds of this mixture? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I used 5/2 as seven pounds in the original ratio...
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    Testing SAT II Physics should I study

    will the SAT Physics test ask me something like "What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics say should happen..."? If so, do I need to memorize all these laws? How can I possibly know them all? Is there a list?
  24. thrill3rnit3

    Opinions on SAT: Keep or Abolish?

    Are you guys in favor of keeping it or abolishing it? Sorry if this is somewhat not related to math/physics but I'm trying to get opinions from both sides for a report.
  25. E

    Which Proportion is Not Equivalent in This SAT Math Problem?

    Homework Statement If a, b, c, and f are four nonzero numbers, then all of the following proportions are equivalent EXCEPT (A) (a / f) = (b / c) (B) (f / c) = (b / a) (C) (c / a) = (f / b) (D) (a / c) = (b / f) (E) (af / bc) = (1 / 1) Homework Equations None The Attempt at...
  26. E

    SAT I Probability question

    Homework Statement How many different arrangements can be made with these 5 cards? There are 5 different cards laid out next to each other. How many different arrangements can be made so that one of the inner cards is never on either end? Homework Equations None, probably The...
  27. L

    Find the Perfect Physics Reference for SAT Subject Test

    Hi, I am looking for a all-time reference physics book, which will cover the SAT Physics Subject Test. I want a book that will give me a general understanding of Physics(Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Optics, heat and Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, etc.) Thanks for your...
  28. G

    Best Written High School Physics Text Books (SAT)

    Advanced Physics (Advanced Science) by Steve Adams & Jonathan Allday from OUP Oxford: and Physics (Collins Advanced Science) 3rd Edition by Kenneth Dobson from Collins Educational: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0007267495/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Does anyone know any of these books? I find them very...
  29. J

    Answering SAT Graphing Question: Finding Values of x from 0 to 12

    The Question: The figure above shows a portion of the graph of the function f. If f(x+5) = f(x) for all values of x, then f(x) = 0 for how many different values of x between 0 and 12? My attempt: I have uploaded the picture of the graph so you can see what it looks like, but anyways I...
  30. D

    Testing Sat subject tests : Math,physics practice papers ?

    Hey fellas, I'm giving my SAT subject tests in Dec 2008, And I would like to know where I can give practice tests for : Math 1-2, Physics ? Please Help, as I intent to score 800 on all three of them. I presently use Princeton for both math, barrons for physics; but the practice tests are'nt...
  31. R

    Finding reverse sat current of pn junction diode

    Homework Statement Determine reverse sat current of diode. To show and explain approach. Given-IV characteristics of diode and tabulated values for forward bias voltage from 0-0.8v and corresponding current values. Homework Equations At which point do I need to consider to find the...
  32. J

    Solve SAT Math Question: \frac{x}{t} with x and t Positive

    Homework Statement \sqrt{x^{2}-t^{2}}=2t-x If x and t are positive numbers that satisfy the equation above, what is the value of \frac{x}{t}? 2. The attempt at a solution x^{2}-t^{2}=4t^{2}-x^{2} x^{2}+x^{2}=4t^{2}+t^{2} 2x^{2}=5t^{2} I'm unsure of what to do next.
  33. L

    Radius of Circle: Solving SAT Practice Problem

    Homework Statement Two points, A and B are on a circle, with point O being the center. The lin segment connecting A and B is equal to 2, and the perpendicular distance from the line segment AB to the center is equal to 1. What is the radius of the circle? The Attempt at a Solution I...
  34. S

    Kolmogorov complexity of SAT

    I'm not entirely clear on the concept of kolmogorov complexity. Does it mean that the a certain string is complex if there is no combinatorial (not sequential) circuit which outputs that string or does it mean that a certain string is complex if there is no program which can output that string...
  35. J

    Testing How to study for phsics SAT sbject test?

    Hello, I have taken honors physics, and this coming november... I'm taking physics SAT subject test. (I'm a high school senior right now and that would be my last shot) I'm just wondering if anybody could give me a tip to be good at physics, or how to do good on physics subject test...
  36. B

    How can I get help with Sat prep for solving the equation ab-1/b?

    1/(1/a)-(1/b) a cannot = 0 b cannot equal= 0 and a cannot equal b i would gladly appreciate if someone can help me
  37. L

    Testing Is the SAT II Physics test harder than expected?

    I'm about to take the SAT II physics in Oct. I bought the Kaplan review book for it but found that I have not learned a lot of the things covered in the test, I have only taken first year physics and I am taking AP physics right now. We have not yet covered circuits, magnetic fields, ray optics...
  38. A

    Testing How big is the SAT Physics curve?

    Wow... I felt like I did horribly on my SAT Physics test, but I got an 800! This doesn't really make me happy though, since I know I missed a lot of questions: I'm pretty sure I got every question right EXCEPT for all the optics questions (and maybe one on fractals). I had never seen optics...
  39. O

    SAT II physics light question

    Homework Statement When monochromatic light passes through a double slit, a bright fringe is formed due to a path difference of A) 1/4 "wavelength symbol" B) 1/2 "wavelength symbol" C) 3/4 "wavelength symbol" D) 7/8 "wavelength symbol" E) 1 "wavelength symbol" please help by starting...
  40. O

    How Does Doubling the Distance Affect Light Intensity?

    [SOLVED] another SAT II Physics question: optics Homework Statement A point source light which has an intensity level of 10 candle power at a distance of 2 m will have an intensity at 4 m of A) .5 cp B) 1 cp C) 2.5 cp D) 5 cp E) 10 cp Homework Equations i don't really know...my book...
  41. O

    Studying for my SAT II Physics

    i'm studying for my SAT II Physics on June 7, 2008. and taking practice tests from REA. i had trouble understanding this question. please help :) it would be VERY appreciated. Homework Statement Two charges are separated by 2 m. The force of attraction between them is 4 N. If the distance...
  42. D

    SAT Subject Test in Physics

    [SOLVED] SAT Subject Test in Physics Homework Statement Assume that every projectile fired from a toy cannon experiences force F along the length of the barrel. If a projectile of mass M leaves the barrel with speed, V, at what speed will a projectile of mass 2M leave the barrel with...
  43. K

    Testing Where will my 2140 SAT score bring me?

    i got 680 - critical reading, 680 - writing and 780 - maths. i have no idea to which type of college to apply... do i have a chance with top colleges, considering that i have nice extracurriculars + a nice essay + nice school marks?
  44. S

    Testing Should I Retake the SAT for Transfer to UNC Chapel Hill?

    Hi everyone, I am thinking about trying to transfer to UNC Chapel Hill from my current school. My grades in high school were not that great but they weren't horrible; I think I had around a 3 or 3.2 gpa. I didn't take any honors courses though. I just finished my first year in college. I...
  45. K

    Testing SAT Writing: Can the Past Influence the Present?

    hi, i had my SAT exam today. The topic was: Can the past influence the present? there was an example i included in the essay, which now I'm feeling unsure about. I talked about the holocaust (past event) and the recent apology of Angela Merkel to the jews (present). and i also talked about...
  46. K

    Testing Tips for SAT Exam: Advice for International Students

    hi, i have my SAT exams this saturday. i was wondering whether anyone would be having some tips concerning the test. I'm an international student (from mauritius). my mathematics is ok, but the english section might be hard, specially for words i never met before!
  47. Q

    Testing Deciding Between the ACT and SAT: What's the Difference?

    Which one is more difficult? ACT or SAT?
  48. G

    Testing How to recover from a poor SAT score

    Got back my SAT scores. I did absolutely horrible i got a 1390 out of 2400. This is my first time taking this exam so hopefully next time I will excel in it. Is the ACT a better exam to take? I don't know what happened I am self studying for the ap physics B exam, I took physics honors last...
  49. S

    Testing Usa Und grad admissn without sat?

    Is it possible to get undergraduate admission in usa without sat? Mejor Physics. I can try to get good TOFEL score that's not the problem.But SAT?
  50. S

    Hardest level SAT math problem

    Homework Statement A small company has some free movie tickets to distribute to its employees. If each employee gets 5 tickets, there will be 15 left over. If 5 employees will receive 7 tickets, and none will be left over. How many tickets does the company have? Homework Equations...
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