What YOU need to know about the SAT!

1. The Scholastic Aptitude Test

2. Why is the SAT? Why should you take it?
 The SAT is a globally  Taking the SAT is the first step in
recognized college admission finding the right college for you
test that lets you show colleges — the place where you can
what you know and how well further develop your skills and
you can apply that knowledge. pursue your passions. But SAT
It tests your knowledge of scores are just one of many
reading, writing and math — factors that colleges consider
subjects that are taught every when making their admission
day in high school classrooms. decisions. High school grades
Most students take the SAT are also very important. In fact,
during their junior or senior the combination of high school
year of high school, and almost grades and SAT scores is the
all colleges and universities use best predictor of your academic
the SAT to make admission success in college.
decisions.

3. What does the SAT
Test? Sections
 The critical reading section includes
The SAT doesn’t test logic or
reading passages and sentence
abstract
completions.
reasoning. It tests the skills  The writing section includes a short
you’re essay and multiple-choice questions
on identifying errors and improving
learning in school: reading,
grammar and usage.
writing and
 The mathematics section includes
math. Your knowledge and skills questions on arithmetic
in these operations, algebra, geometry, statisti
subjects are important for cs and probability.
success in
college and throughout your life.

4. How can you do your What else can you
best? do?
 The best way to get ready for  You can also take advantage of free
the SAT is to take challenging online practice tools, such as an
courses, study hard, and read
and write in and outside of the online or printable practice test,
classroom. sample questions, The Official SAT
 Studies suggest that cramming
Question of the Day™ and more.
and short-term prep can’t
substitute for hard work in  Practice and study the vocabulary
school, but it’s certainly a good
idea for you to become familiar given during tutoring sessions.
and comfortable with the test  A little practice goes a long way!
format and question types.
That’s why the best SAT
practice is the PSAT/NMSQT®,
which covers the same subjects
under timed conditions.

5. Is the SAT important? How does your SAT affect
 The SAT is just one factor
your college admissions?
among many that colleges use
 Every college and university uses a
to get to know you better. It’s
different combination of criteria for
best to keep the test in
admission. Feel free to reach out to
perspective and understand that
the schools you’re interested in to
it’s only part of a comprehensive
understand their unique admission
admission process that also
policies.
recognizes other factors, like
extracurricular activities and
personal recommendations.

9. Paying for the SAT

15. Preparing for the SAT

20. Test Day Checklist

26. What kind of questions are on the
SAT?

35. Mathematics Section
Tips for a higher score

44. Math Concepts Covered

45.  Arithmetic word problems (including percent, ratio, and
proportion)
 Properties of integers (even, odd, prime numbers,
divisibility, etc.)
 Rational numbers
 Sets (union, intersection, elements)
 Counting techniques
 Sequences and series (including exponential growth)
 Elementary number theory

47. •Substitution and simplifying algebraic expressions
•Properties of exponents
•Algebraic word problems
•Solutions of linear equations and inequalities
•Systems of equations and inequalities
•Quadratic equations
•Rational and radical equations
•Equations of lines
•Absolute value
•Direct and inverse variation
•Concepts of algebraic functions
•Newly defined symbols based on commonly used
operations

48. Area and perimeter of a polygon
Area and circumference of a circle
Volume of a box, cube, and cylinder
Pythagorean Theorem and special properties of
isosceles, equilateral, and right triangles
Properties of parallel and perpendicular lines
Coordinate geometry
Geometric visualization
Slope
Similarity
Transformations

49. oData interpretation (tables and graphs)
oDescriptive statistics (mean, median, and mode)
oProbability

51. For More Info and Online Study
Guides Visit:
http://sat.collegeboard.org/ho
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