SAT, PSAT and Digital SAT

The SAT is used by colleges and universities as part of their admission requirements. It is also used to determine NCAA and scholarship eligibility. The test is designed to measure language skills (Reading and Writing) and Math reasoning skills. The PSAT provides firsthand practice for the SAT.

SAT is transitioning from its current paper based testing to digital testing starting March 2024 test administration. Digital version of the PSAT test will be administered to students taking the test October 2023.

SAT Test Information

  • The SAT is administered multiple times during the year – August, October, November, December, March, May and June. The majority of students will take the SAT during their junior year at least twice, reserving a third administration for early in their senior year. SAT test dates can be found below.

    We advise students to register for the SAT at least 5 weeks in advance. Students may register for the SAT by visiting College Board.

    Each test date has its own registration deadline and choice of venues for the test. Once registered for the test, the students have the option to change the test date. Collegeboard will charge a fee to change the test date.

  • The SAT is scored on a scale from 400-1600, it is about 3-hours long (without the essay) and has 4 main sections:

    SAT Evidence Based Reading (65min) focuses on Main Idea, Vocab-in-Context, Inference, Evidence Support, Data Reasoning, Technique, Detail-Oriented. Questions go in chronological order.

    SAT Evidence Based Writing (35min) includes sentence structure, conventions of usage, punctuation, and expression of ideas

    Non-calculator Math – 25 min

    Calculator-based Math – 55min Check here for which calculator is allowed.

    There is no penalty for wrong answers.

  • The new SAT has an essay section at the end of the test, which is now optional. We recommend students look at their college list to understand the requirements before deciding whether or not to complete the essay portion of the exam.

    Read our blog about when you should take SAT with Essay.

  • If you are signed up to take the SAT and would like to make any changes to your registration information, including:

    Your personal identifying information

    Test Day or Center

    Adding or removing the Essay

    High School Information or Score Reports

    You can click here.

PSAT Test Information

Digital SAT Test Information

  • Your timeline for taking the test should be based on your academic readiness, calendar and importance of extracurricular activities. Some students are busy in the Fall and some in the Spring. Planning for the test based on your calendar/ readiness is always a better strategy than when the SAT is changing or not.

  • The Digital SAT (dSAT) will have aspects that will make it easier for the students to take the test but that in itself will not make it any easier to score on it. According to the Collegeboard, scores from the current SAT test will be equivalent to the scores on the dSAT.

  • While it is a good goal to have all your testing done by December 2023, a more reasonable plan should include the possibility of testing with Digital SAT. In that case, worry not. We will be offering special transition courses for students who have prepped for the current SAT and is planning to take the dSAT.

  • We will be offering a Digital PSAT boot camp over summer to get students ready for the dPSAT test in October

  • Yes, we will begin to offer practice Digital SAT test from late summer 2023

  • Any SAT scores you have will still remain just as valid. Super scoring policy will still apply just the same. Since the scores are equivalent, colleges will have no preference either.

  • Yes, with the upcoming changes to the SAT, this can be a very confusing time for the families. There are not one size fit all answers. Check out the differences here

  • PSAT scores have no effect on a student’s candidacy for admission. In fact, colleges don’t even get to see the scores. However, if PSAT scores are competitive, then a student is entitled to national merit scholarships. Scores from the Junior year test are considered for the NMSQT contest.

  • The PSAT is a good introduction to exposing students to longer, more demanding tests like the SAT or ACT. Many students have test-taking anxiety. Hence, their results on standardized tests may not be in line with their in-class academic capabilities.

    The PSAT provides firsthand practice for the SAT. Therefore, scores from this test are a powerful indicator of how students will perform on the actual SAT. It also highlights a student’s strengths and weaknesses in core topic areas, which in turn can form the basis for future test preparation.

    We HIGHLY recommend all our 10th graders and 11th graders who are targeting NMQST to take this test. Every year many of our students qualify for this highly competitive scholarship program.

  • This is one time when we do not recommend rigorous preparation; a small warm-up is usually enough. However, for students interested in the National Merit Scholarship, then a more thorough and dedicated effort is needed for preparing for this test. Contact us to discuss your PSAT/NMSQT preparation game plan.

  • Click here to view the road to becoming a National Merit Scholar.

VISIT WWW.COLLEGBOARD.ORG TO SETUP AN ACCOUNT AND REGISTER.

REGULAR REGISTRATION FEE: $60

LATE REGISTRATION FEE: $30 | WAIT LIST: $53

Upcoming SAT Test Dates 2023-24

  • Deadlines:

    Regular Registration - July 28

    Late registration - Aug 15

    Appox. Scores Available - Sep 8

  • Deadlines:

    Regular Registration - Sep 8

    Late registration - Sep 26

    Appox. Scores Available - Oct 20

  • Deadlines:

    Regular Registration - Oct 5

    Late registration - Oct 24

    Appox. Scores Available - Nov 17

  • Deadlines:

    Regular Registration - Nov 2

    Late registration - Nov 21

    Appox. Scores Available - Dec 15

  • Deadlines:

    Regular Registration - Feb 23

    Late registration - Feb 27

    Appox. Scores Available - Mar 22

  • Deadlines:

    Regular Registration - Apr 19

    Late registration - April 23

    Appox. Scores Available - May 17

  • Deadlines:

    Regular Registration - May 17

    Late registration - May 21

    Appox. Scores Available - Jun 14

WHAT OUR PARENTS ARE SAYING

“John is going to the University of Notre Dame. That was his first choice and we are thrilled. John ended up with a 1490 on the SAT -- he only took it once. Thank you so much for helping John with his SAT preparation!! Your approach made a real difference. Most importantly, your positive way of teaching gave him confidence when he took the actual exam.”