The SAT is a popular college admissions test, although the ACT is also widely accepted. High school juniors and seniors take the SAT, sometimes multiple times, as an application requirement. Since the addition of the Writing section, the total possible score has changed from 1600 to 2400.

What content does the SAT cover?
How is the SAT scored?
How do colleges use the score from the essay portion of the SAT?
What is Score Choice?
When should my student start SAT tutoring?
When are the SAT test dates, and how does one register?

What content does the SAT cover? The SAT has ten sections which fall into three categories: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The Critical Reading section has a mix of fill-in-the-blank vocabulary questions and reading passages with comprehension questions. The math sections cover Algebra I and Geometry topics with some Algebra II concepts. The Writing section has three types of grammar questions and a short essay.

How is the SAT scored? The SAT multiple-choice sections are graded as follows: take the number of correct answers in a section and subtract a quarter point for every incorrect answer. No points are deducted for skipping a question. This number is called a "raw score." The raw score is converted to a scaled score, which is a value between 200 and 800. Students will receive separate scores in Critical Reading, Math, and Writing, and can add them together for a composite. Two readers also provide grades for the essay, each giving a score between 1 and 6 for a combined score between 2 and 12. The separate essay score appears on the score report, and it is factored into the scaled score for the Writing section.

How do colleges use the score from the essay portion of the SAT? Colleges are able to see the actual essay. Different colleges use the score in different ways: to evaluate a student's writing ability, to aid in making freshman writing class placements, and to compare with application essays—and some do not use them at all! In any case, it is important for students to master the skills necessary to do their best on the essay portion of the test since you don't know how your college may be using essay scores.

What is Score Choice? In March 2009, the College Board began to allow students to choose which scores they would like to report to colleges. This new ability to select and send scores is called "Score Choice." For example, if a student takes the SAT in January, March, and May, that student can send one, two, or all three sets of results to colleges. However, the student cannot choose the best Critical Reading Score, best Math score, and best Writing score from separate exams. Students must pick their best overall score(s). Score Choice is a service that students opt into. By default, all scores are sent to selected colleges.

Unfortunately, the decision to opt into Score Choice isn't as straightforward as it appears. Some colleges let students choose which scores to send; others want to see every test score. Navigating all of the differing requirements can be challenging and, at times, frustrating, particularly as policies evolve. At Inspirica, we believe that students should prepare for their exams and take them when they feel confident so that they are always putting their best foot forward. If you have questions about Score Choice and how it might affect your student's testing plan, call and speak with one of our educational consultants who would be happy to discuss your student's individual situation.

When should my student start SAT tutoring? The earlier you call, the better. With all of the tests your child may take in high school — the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, APs, and so on — it is critical to have a game plan. Our educational consultants can conduct a complimentary Educational Audit for you and set up a calendar that spans multiple tests and years based on your student's interests and courses.

Generally, SAT tutoring begins the summer after tenth grade, but no matter when you call, one of our educational consultants would be happy to set up a personalized testing plan for your student. Your educational consultant will guide you through the college preparation process at Inspirica and custom-design a program and timeline for your student.

When are the SAT test dates, and how does one register?

Test Dates	Registration	Late Registration
October 9, 2010 November 6, 2010 December 4, 2010 January 22, 2011 March 12, 2011 May 7, 2011 June 4, 2011	September 10, 2010 October 8, 2010 November 5, 2010 December 23, 2010 February 11, 2011 April 8, 2011 May 6, 2011	September 24, 2010 October 14, 2010 November 12, 2010 December 29, 2010 February 17, 2011 April 14, 2011 May 12, 2011

You can register online by creating an account at the College Board's website.