🧭 New to the SAT?
Welcome! If you're just starting your SAT journey, this page is here to help you understand what the SAT is, how it works, and — most importantly — how to start preparing for free.
No tutor? No problem. We've got you covered.
💡 What Is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardized test used by many colleges in the U.S. to evaluate your readiness for college. It includes:
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Reading & Writing
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Math
As of 2024, the SAT is now fully digital.
FAQ
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What Score Should You Aim For?
Your target SAT score should match the colleges you're aiming for. A good rule of thumb is:
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Find the average SAT score (50th percentile) for admitted students at your dream schools — then aim for that or a little higher.
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For top-tier colleges with acceptance rates under 5% (Harvard, MIT, Stanford, etc.), that usually means aiming for a 1500+.
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For many strong public or private universities, a 1300–1450 is competitive.
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A score above 1200 is above average nationwide and opens many doors.
💡 Use a Score Estimator to see how many correct answers you need to reach your goal, or view our estimations for specific college ranges here.
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When Should You Start Studying?
As early as possible. Seriously.
Even if you’re in 9th grade, it’s not too early to start preparing for the SAT. Why?
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You’ll already learn most of the math and reading skills in school — but without review, you’ll forget.
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Early prep builds long-term memory and confidence.
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You'll have more time to build up vocabulary, speed, and test endurance.
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Spacing out prep over a year or two means less stress and better scores.
📌 Tip: Even 15–30 minutes a week of SAT review in 9th or 10th grade can make a huge difference by junior year!
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Heard of the PSAT? You’re Already Halfway There.
How Does Scoring Work?
The PSAT and SAT are nearly identical in format, structure, and content. The only real differences are:
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The PSAT is slightly easier, especially in math.
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The PSAT is scored out of 1520, while the SAT is out of 1600.
What they have in common:
🧱 Same Format
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Both the PSAT and SAT are digital, adaptive, and split into two sections — Reading & Writing and Math.
⏱️ Same Length:
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Both tests are 2 hours and 14 minutes long.
🎯 Same Question Types:
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You'll see the same style of short reading passages, grammar questions, and math problems with a calculator allowed throughout.
Why take the PSAT seriously?
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Your 11th grade PSAT score can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship, a prestigious program respected by top colleges.
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👉 Want to see how PSAT connects to scholarships? Visit our Scholarships & College Planning page to find out more.
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PSAT prep = SAT prep. Mastering the PSAT gives you a head start on the SAT.
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Each section (Reading/Writing and Math) is scored out of 800
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Your total score is out of 1600
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The PSAT is out of 1520
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You also receive subscores in specific areas like Algebra or Standard English Conventions
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SAT Dates
View this year's SAT dates below
Note:
*Students who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline—at least 30 days before test day.
**Late registration is available worldwide. Additional fees apply.
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August 2025