About The SAT

SAT Test Dates for School Year 2009-2010

Test Dates Test Regular Registration Deadline
(postmark/submit by)
October 10, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests September 9, 2009
November 7, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 1, 2009
December 5, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 30, 2009
January 23, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests December 15, 2009
March 13, 2010 SAT only February 4, 2010
May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests March 25, 2010
June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests April 29, 2010

Test Format

The newest revised version of the SAT is a standardized 3 3/4 hour test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills, writing ability, and vocabulary knowledge. It consists of ten sections and covers concepts in three main content areas, each separately scored as follows:

Writing (60 minutes) Score range: 200-800

  • One 25- and one 10-minute multiple-choice section
  • A student-written essay section of approximately 25 minutes
  • Concepts tested include grammar, usage, sentence structure, organization and expression of ideas

Math (70 minutes) Score range: 200-800

  • Two 25 minute sections, one 20 minute section
  • Two types of questions: multiple choice word problems and student-produced responses ("grid-ins")
  • Concepts tested include number operations, algebra, functions, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis
  • Calculators permitted and recommended (none with tapes, keyboards, or internet connectivity)

Critical Reading (70 minutes) Score range: 200-800

  • Two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section
  • Critical reading of short and long passages, and sentence completion questions
  • Skills tested include reading comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and higher-order thinking skills

There will also be one section that will be an unscored, "experimental" section, used to test new questions. You will not know which section this is, so you will have to do your best on all sections. Strategies for each specific type of question are provided and reviewed thoroughly in this course.