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. R

    Linear function (difficult for me, SAT Math II level)

    If point P(m,2m) is 5 units from the line 12x+5y=1, m could equal a. 43/11 b.-3 c.-65/22 d.5 e.3 The answer is E. Explanation given in book: - distance = abs(12(m) + 5(2m) -1) / root(144+25) = 5. >>> m=3 or -32/11 I do not understand this explanation (of course finding m from...
  2. A

    Testing What Are Some Examples for the SAT Essay?

    i'm taking my SAT for the second time this november, and this is my last chance. I've not read a lot of literature, so i;m not good at quoting from books But amidst all the confusion, chaos, and panic in 25 minutes, i can't think of any examples to support my essay (opinion). In my last sat i...
  3. L

    Exploring Higher-Degree Polynomials: Questions and Concepts

    Here are some SAT II Math IIC Questions that I have. Fun! :biggrin: I'm in the chapter of "Higher-Degree Polynomials" right now and I have some questions concerning some facts: How do these work?: 1) "The Remainder Theorem- If a polynomial P(x) is divided by x-r (where r is any...
  4. Y

    SAT Question concerning Newton's Third Law

    I didn't understand the explanation, and think perhaps the book is wrong. A person is standing on a horizontal floor fells two forces: the downward pull of gravity and the upward supporting force from the floor. These two forces are: I put A) have equal magnitudes and form an...
  5. L

    Best PreCal Text to Prep for SAT Subject Math IIC Test?

    What is the best precalculus textbook in your opinion that gives good examples and problems for you to practice on? Organization and the easy level of ability to comprehend would also be nice.
  6. L

    Testing Best PreCal Text to Prep for SAT Subject Math IIC Test?

    What's the best Precal textbook that would prepare me for the Math IIC? I'm looking for one that has lots of examples, can be understood easily, and includes a lot of practice problems for you to practice on. Thanks.
  7. B

    Good SAT Scores? My Practice Test Results Revealed

    I decided to take a practice SAT for the heck of it -- I went to the official Collegeboard website. I scored 700 on the math and 670 on critical reading. Are these good scores? Thanks.
  8. M

    Understanding Proportions in Dye Mixtures

    To make an orange dye, 3 parts of red dye are mixed with 2 parts of yellow dye. To make a green dye, 2 parts of blue dye are mixed with 1 part of yellow dye. If equal amounts of green and orange are mixed, what is the proportion of yellow dye in the new mixture? This is not a homework...
  9. R

    Testing Is June 2008 SAT Eligibility for High School Graduates in India?

    Hello, I am a high school student in India. I want to get into the MIT. So, I have to appear for the SAT. I am going to be a high school graduate in May 2008. So, my question is that whether I am eligible to appear for the SAT in june this year. Please, I need some suggestions regarding...
  10. W

    Testing SAT 1 scores in Are these good enough?

    Ok so I got Critical Reading 630 85th percentile Math 740 97th percentile Writing 650 90th percentile I Have to say I'm disappointed in CR and writing sections. However I'm satisfied with Math. If I'm applying into Theoretical Physics at say...
  11. D

    Testing Has anyone taken the SAT physics subject test?

    Has anyone taken the physics test? I have never seen any model questions, but I just need to know whether the IB physics course will be enough to take the SAT physics. Thanks alot:smile:
  12. W

    Testing Have technologies that made our lives easier necessarily made our lives better?

    I wrote some practice SAT essays. You can just read one and comment on it, I'd be more than happy. If you do, please briefly state what do you see as good points and bad points. Essay 1 Assignment: Have technologies that made our lives easier necessarily made our lives better? 7:00 Am...
  13. A

    Solve SAT Problem: How Many Angstroms Equal 1 Micron?

    Mind helping me out on one of these problems? If 10,000 microns=1 cent. and 100,000,000 angstrom units=1 cent. how many angstrom units equal 1 micron? Answers: A. 0.00000000000000001 or something, but you know it is wrong B) 0.0001 C) 10,000 D) 100,000 E) 1,000,000,000,000...
  14. A

    Exploring Remainders in Division by 3 for Consecutive Positive Integers

    When you divide any positive integer by 3, the remainder must be less than or equal to 2. Does this hold true for all integers from 2-9?? I've tried it with 10 but it doesn't seem to work, nor 1 because anything divided by 1 is itself; 0 has the same issue. Please give your insight about...
  15. S

    Testing Should I Take the SAT for College Admissions and Beyond?

    Hello, I've already taken the ACT (32 composite) and have been accepted to Michigan State University for Physics. Looking at other colleges though, I see that they want the SAT (especially schools like Princeton and MIT). Should I take the SAT then, even if my college doesn't require it if...
  16. W

    Testing How realistic is it to aim for a 2150 SAT score with only a month left to study?

    I recently got 1850 on my SAT 1. It's a good score, but nowhere near what I need. I am retaking the examination on January 27. From previous experiences and witnessing do you think it is realistic to set my goal to a score of 2150, with only a month left to practice? I am relatively strong in...
  17. A

    Should I get a 150 dollar calculator for Physics B AP SAT Subject test?

    I'm not sure of whether or not I should waste 150 dollars to buy one of the most powerful calculators released by TI, the Ti-89 titanium. For all of you who own one or knows someone who does, how is it?? Right now I have a Ti-84, but I don't think it is as efficient as a Ti-89.. And yes, Ti-89s...
  18. W

    Testing Are these good scores for the SAT subject tests?

    I got a 770 for Math Lvl 2 and 760 for physics. How good are these?
  19. H

    Solve Sat Math: Find # Passengers on Bus Now

    At the first stop on its route, a bus picks up x passengers. At the second stop, y passengers get on the bus. At the third stop, 2/3 of the passengers exit the bus. At the fourth stop, 2 passengers get on the bus. How many passengers is the bus carrying right now? a) (3x+3y+4)/3 b) (2x-2y-4)/3...
  20. B

    Testing Improving Speed and Scores on SAT Math and Chemistry Tests

    I'm trying to practice doing the SAT math 2 this summer, and I realize that I just couldn't keep up with the pace of the test. I took the test once and I got a 670 with 10 questions that I didn't have a chance to finish. I also want to take the chemistry portion of the SAT, but I have never...
  21. D

    Testing Are SAT Scores More Important Than Grades for US University Admissions?

    Im planning to go to a university in America, and I took the SAT yesterday. I think ill also take the math subject SAT. I just wanted to know how important the SATs are compared to our school reports/grades and other stuff. In general I want to know what is important and what is not in applying...
  22. C

    Testing Sending SAT scores to colleges

    While registering for the SAT exam I had the option to send my SAT scores to 4 colleges. I have not yet started applying for college, so can I send my SAT scores to any college even though the college doesn't know that I'm applying?
  23. M

    Temp of a Comm Satellite in Orbit Around Earth

    My understanding is that pretty much anything in orbit of Earth is subjected to some, to say the least, "extreme" temperatures. 300F degrees or more above zero on the sunny side, and dammed near as much below zero on the shady side. So what's the average temp at the core of something like a...
  24. Evo

    Rich-Kids Loophole Means More Time on SAT

    This is so wrong. :grumpy: :devil: "March 30, 2006 — When Ali Hellberg, 19, was in prep school, she said several of her classmates obtained notes from psychologists diagnosing them with learning disabilities, even though they didn't have any learning problems. They faked learning...
  25. Math Is Hard

    Lisa Randall on Coast to Coast Sat. 2/25

    http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/2006/02/25.html Joining Art Bell is Prof. of Physics at Harvard University, Lisa Randall, who will be talking about her book Warped Passages, and the fascinating idea that there may be an extra dimension just a few inches away from us.
  26. R

    Testing Missed SAT Deadline? Tips for Last-Minute Prepping

    Hey everyone, I just missed the registration deadline for the November SAT's by a day, so I registered for the December ones. This will be my first time taking them, because up until the past month I was unsure about whether or not I would apply to the USA. How late is too late? I realize...
  27. L

    Testing I got question about the new SAT

    Does anyone know what are minimum scores for University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, North Carolina State University, and Purdue?
  28. P

    Testing Are Older Edition SAT II Prep Books Still Effective?

    Hi I need some help with my SAT II prep. I need to give the test on 5th Nov. I am giving Physics and Math II. I have searched all book stores in my city and can't get the books. Called up Ahemdabad and few stores in Mumbai with the same result. Some book stores have older editions of the...
  29. M

    SAT Physics and A-Level Physics

    Hi, I am currently studying the Cambridge A-Level and I will also be taking the SAT Physics sometime end of this year. I am not too sure which category these belong to, so hopefully they fit in the K-12 level alright. I currently have two questions which have been bothering me past two days...
  30. S

    Testing Help me vid my sat II prep its on 4th June

    help me vid my sat II prep! its on 4th June! hi ive beem preparin 4 the june 4th sat II. I just had a few questions. Here it goes: For physics I've bin usin 1. Barrons 2. Princeton Review 3. kaplan For maths 1.barrons 2.Princeton Review Could anyone who has given the sat...
  31. D

    How much energy would voyager sat. need to transmit data from pluto?

    if it transmits and shuts off its transmitter, would the signal still be traveling towards earth?
  32. N

    SAT II Physics Practice Questions: Force and Energy Concepts

    A proton charge of 1.6 x 10^-19 coulomb moves trhough a vacuum with a speed v of 1 x 10^6 meters per second. It passes through a uniform magnetic field as shown above. If the force exeted on the proton is 8 x 10^-15 Newton, the magnitude of the magnetic force is most nearly. (A) 1.3 x 10^-27...
  33. C

    What are the best SAT workbooks for the new test format?

    Hello I want to try and get as much practice as possible in all the three sections of the new SAT (CR Math and Writing). I already have a test book. RIght now I am looking for good workbooks for all the three sections. What workbooks would you recommend for the new SAT? IS Kaplan good...
  34. M

    Testing SAT was designed to measure aptitude

    When I was a high schooler, there were two advantages that have apparently been removed from todays students: 1) The old SAT was designed to measure aptitude, not achievement or learned skills. 2) There was a real "merit scholarship" program, generous enough to cover more than the...
  35. E

    Testing MIT Admissions: Successful Applicants Without Perfect SAT Math Scores

    Mit? Does anyone know of someone that got accepted into MIT recently.. and didnt score 800 on their math portion of the SAT?
  36. G

    Flaw in Cook's Theorem Proof: A Critical Analysis of the SAT Reduction

    OK, that was just to get your attention. I'm not really challenging the NP-completeness of SAT. And maybe I'd be going too far even just claiming to have found a flaw in one of the most widely cited proofs of Cook's Theorem. So let's just assume that I'm wrong, and someone please show me...
  37. D

    Which Subject Test Should a Pharmacist Take: Chem or Bio?

    Can someone please explain to me, which subject is more important, Chem or Bio, if i want to be a pharmacist. I need to take two subject tests, one of them has to be math while the other I am trying to decide between chem and bio. Which 1 is used more often in the realm of pharmacy?
  38. E

    Testing Should I Take the SAT at the Beginning of Senior Year?

    Is there any way I would be affected if I took the SAT at the very beginning of my senior year?.. would my chances of applying to colleges be gone that year?... Is there really any reason why I should not take it then?
  39. U

    Maximizing Your Score on the SAT Math Section

    Hey...i'm about to take the PSATs in a week...any tricks w. the math aspect? I'm in calc...so i figure that'll help thx pat
  40. S

    What are some good books to add to my arsenal for the SAT essay portion?

    Hello. I am a n00b who stumbled across this forum looking for physics help. Now I have a question for the philosophy buffs: As you may know, the new SAT I and the SAT II Writing both have an essay portion. There is a general statement with which you agree or disagree. Most of the...
  41. Z

    SAT math: is this a valid question?

    The College Board's website contains a "SAT question of the day" feature. As I'm going to be taking my SAT I's (as well as three SAT II tests, lucky me) in the near future, I check it on a regular basis in conjunction with the rest of my studies. Today's question seems completely crazy...
  42. M

    Anyone writing the physics sat II?

    Hey, just wondering if anyone is doing the physics sat II. I saw the ap thread below, and it got me wondering if there's many other high school students here. So, yes, just out of curiosity, anyone doing sat's / sat II's?
  43. P

    Tong Zuo de Ni (You, the one whom sat next to me)

    "Tong Zuo de Ni" (You, the one whom sat next to me) http://www.hinst.net/~tom/tzdn.jpg This is a very very very popular song written by a guy who accidentally found a picture of a girl he use to sat next to in college (in china we use to stay in same room for different classes...
  44. L

    Testing What Topics Are Covered on the SAT Subject Test in Physics?

    hello, has anyone taken the SAT subject test for physics before? i just wanted some insight into what kind of info they covered thank you for any kind of help u can give me take care
  45. P

    What is the smallest integer with a remainder of 1 when divided by 6, 8, and 10?

    What is the smallest integer greater than 1 that leaves a remainder of 1 when divided by any of the integers 6, 8, and 10? the answer is 121... how do you do this problem?
  46. M

    Struggling with the SAT? Tips to Stay Calm and Ace the Test!

    The SAT - yes - the deadful SAT. I have taken it twice and still it spits in my face. The problem, I believe, comes from the fact that I cannot relax to take this test. I know it's a mind game with the sole purpose of tricking me and yet when game day comes I can't keep myself from getting...
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