SAT: Complete Parent Guide
The SAT is a college admissions test published by College Board. Most colleges and universities accept SAT scores as part of the admissions process, though many have become test-optional. Understanding what the SAT measures, how it is scored, and how to approach preparation is essential for families with high school students.
What Does the SAT Test?
The SAT tests two main content areas:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW): Reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, grammar, and writing mechanics.
- Math: Algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and some geometry and trigonometry. Most of the math section is calculator-permitted; one portion is not.
The digital SAT, which College Board fully transitioned to in 2024, is shorter (about 2 hours 14 minutes), adaptive, and taken on a computer or tablet. It covers the same content areas but in a more streamlined format.
How Is the SAT Scored?
Total scores range from 400 to 1600. The two section scores (ERW and Math) each range from 200 to 800. There is no penalty for wrong answers. For a complete breakdown of what the numbers mean, see How to Read an SAT Score Report.
What Is a Good SAT Score?
| Score Range | Approximate Percentile | General Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1400–1600 | 95th–99th | Competitive for highly selective colleges |
| 1200–1390 | 74th–94th | Competitive for many selective schools |
| 1000–1190 | 40th–73rd | Competitive for many four-year colleges |
| Below 1000 | Below 40th | May qualify for some colleges; community college pathway |
“Good” is relative to the schools your child is targeting. Check the middle 50% score range (25th–75th percentile) for admitted students at each college of interest. College Board publishes this data, as does each college on its Common Data Set.
When to Take the SAT
Most students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of 11th grade, which leaves time to retake it in the fall of 12th grade if desired. College Board offers the SAT on multiple dates each year, typically in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. Some states administer the SAT to all 11th graders during the school day at no cost.
SAT Accommodations
Students with disabilities may apply for extended time and other accommodations through College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). The application requires documentation, and approval is not automatic. Apply early — processing can take 7 weeks or more. See IEP and 504 Accommodations for background.
SAT Preparation
Official free preparation is available through Khan Academy’s Official SAT Practice, which is personalized based on your child’s PSAT or SAT score history. College Board also publishes official full-length practice tests. Commercial test prep courses and tutors vary widely in quality and cost.
Compare the SAT to the ACT: SAT vs. ACT — Which Should Your Child Take?