SAT Exam 2023: Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation, Results & Score

SAT is a standardised exam that tests high school students for their knowledge in areas of reading, analytical skills and mathematical prowess. International students applying for admission abroad for undergraduate courses have to appear for the SAT entrance exam and submit their scores to selected universities. SAT exam is digital and is conducted seven times a year, across 30 Indian cities with centres in its 50+ partnering institutions. The SAT exam duration is around 2 hours and 14 minutes long plus, students have the option to take the SAT exam on their personal laptops.

• The SAT Digital exam is one hour less in duration than the older one, and students are allowed to carry their laptops or iPads to take the SAT Digital exam at the test centre.
• International students, taking the test from outside the US appeared for the first Digital SAT Exam in March 2023. The US-based students would be able to take the SAT Digital Exam from 2024 onwards.
• There are two sections on the SAT - reading + writing and mathematics, each section is for 400-800 marks.
• Overall, the SAT exam is scored on a total of 1600 marks. SAT scores are consolidated, that is, they are based on marks per section and once the section-wise marks are calculated the total scores are released.
• SAT exam cutoffs vary per university of application. While some universities publish SAT cutoffs for admission course-wise, there are others that do not.
• There is no average cutoff that can assess if an applicant can get through college admissions abroad or not.
• Results of SATs are released in a span of 10-14 days from the date of the SAT exam taken. 
• Applicants willing to appear for the SAT can register for the SAT on the College Board website choose their test date and centre and submit applications.

Despite universities becoming test-optional, SAT test takers have gone up to 1.7 million in 2022 in comparison to 1.5 million in the year 2021. Thus, there are students who still wish to submit their SAT scores in order to prove their skills through this standardised test in their admission application to guarantee a better picture of themselves. Usually, high school students take the SAT exam based on the intake they wish to apply to. Check out Everything About SAT Exam. 

US universities accept both SAT scores and ACT scores as part of admission requirements for UG course admissions. Most of the colleges in the US accept either SATs or American College Testing (ACT) for admissions to their undergraduate programs. However, it is important to know which exam should be taken. First and foremost, check the college requirements and check if they require the SAT or ACT, then decide which exam to go for. If there are both options available, students may find this article helpful in making a choice: How is ACT Different from SAT? 

March 5, 2023: International students aiming to apply for Columbia University admissions in 2023, will not be required to submit ACT or SAT scores for undergraduate admissions. Columbia University will assess its undergraduate admission applications based on English language proficiency, high school GPA and the essays they submit. 

February 08, 2023: The College Board introduced SAT's Digital version of the exam in March 2023. The exam is now a two-hour test instead of three hours previously. Test-takers are allowed to use a calculator for all math questions of the exam. "The digital SAT is easier to take, easier to give, and more relevant," said Priscilla Rodriguez, Vice President of College Readiness Assessments (PSAT & SAT) at The College Board.

International students are to be prepared to take the digital SAT test in early 2023 and US high school students will be able to take it from 2024 onwards. Currently, students use a pencil to fill in the bubbles on a multiple-choice answer sheet.

With the Digital SAT test, students will get their SAT scores within a span of a few days instead of weeks.

Due to COVID-19, test centres are not operating at their full capacity. Candidates can register and book their exam slots for this academic year for taking the SAT 2023. They can check the availability of the test centre near them during registration.

Many universities abroad are going test-optional as the SAT is being cancelled. What does it mean for students and whether this arrangement is here to stay? Check out the US Universities that go test-optional as SAT/ ACT get cancelled due to coronavirus COVID-19.

Recently, the College Board introduced SAT in India. students looking to pursue higher education in premier universities in India would be pleased to know that in 2018, the College Board brought into effect an India Higher Education Alliance with various academic establishments. All the university affiliates in the Alliance are accepting SAT scores for admission from Indian students and around the world. Hence, students who want to study abroad and also apply to universities can appear for the SAT test. Also, check the list of Indian academic universities accepting SAT scores. 

Students looking to enrol in undergraduate programs in the US appear for their SAT. Most of the colleges in the US require SAT for admission to undergraduate courses, while there are a few which have either become test-optional or have completely scrapped the SAT score submission for undergrad admissions. But those universities still accepting SAT scores from international students, can look at the pros of appearing for SAT and submitting its scores for admission:

• SAT is an MCQ-based exam which tests students' knowledge of English and Math subjects. There are some questions in the Math section which may require students to produce an answer without having MCQ-type options as well.
• The duration of SAT exam has been reduced and is now only 2 hours and 14 minutes long.
• Apart from this, many schools also offer SAT scholarship money to students based on their SAT results and scores. 
• SAT helps to strengthen the application with its scores and helps the admission committee evaluate students based on their skills.
• Plus, students can appear for SAT around the year as many times as they wish to, in order to improve their scores and even perform better each time.
• In comparison to ACT, questions tested on SAT have 43% more time for answering and also there is no negative marking for unanswered or wrong answers. 

There are many other advantages of taking SAT and the fact that SAT is now Digital, unlike the ACT which is still a pencil-paper-based test and slightly longer in duration in comparison to SAT. Also, there is no separate Science section SAT to test key concepts. Science is tested only through reading passages on the SAT Digital exam.

The College Board, which is the conducting body of the SAT has not laid down any specific SAT eligibility criteria for students wanting to appear for the SAT exam. Read: SAT Tips & Strategies

1. Age Limit to Appear for SAT

Candidates should be informed that there is no minimum or maximum age criteria or SAT age limit fixed for students wanting to appear for the exam. Students belonging to the age group of 17 to 19 appear for the SAT exam in maximum numbers.

2. How many times can you take the SAT exam?

As in the case of the ACT, there are no restrictions set by the College Board, students can take the SAT exam as many times as they want. SAT is administered seven times a year in India. The test is usually conducted in the months of March, May, June, August, October, and December.

3. What are the educational eligibility criteria for SAT?

There are no specific eligibility criteria set by the College Board, the body that conducts and manages the SAT exam. However, it can be taken by students who are in high school. Students who want to apply for undergraduate studies abroad are required to have successfully completed their high school education to move to the next level of their learning.

Candidates looking to appear for their SAT need to register for the same. Candidates need to be aware of the SAT exam date 2023 India. Candidates are advised to register for their SAT exam before the SAT registration deadline to avoid any last-minute stress. The table below provides the test dates for the Digital SAT exam dates India 2023: 

Students who are taking the SAT digital need to borrow a device from College Board and will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline, to allow time for international shipping. 

Please note: The SAT dates given in the table are for the upcoming test only, as per College Board. The dates indicate as TBA (to be announced) are yet to be confirmed. 

Which is the best time to give the SAT exam? 

The SAT Exam is held seven times around the year. Students looking to appear for their SAT are advised to choose SAT exam dates 3-4 months before their application deadline, to avoid any last-minute errors. Candidates can find SAT from the various SAT exam centres located across major cities in India. Check out when should students start studying for the SAT if planning to apply to universities abroad. 

Students wanting to appear for the SAT are required to register for the same. Students can do SAT registration either through the offline method via mail or through the more convenient, online method. Through the online method, candidates are required to create a login id on the official SAT website and go ahead with the registration process. Check out the SAT registration requirements and process below for both modes:

Steps for Online SAT Application Registration

1. Visit the College Board's official website.
2. Create your account.
3. Submit all the required details.
4. Choose which exam you want to give along with your nearest test centre.
5. Upload your clear photograph.
6. Pay the application fee.

SAT Registration by Mail (Steps)

1. You first need ‘The Student Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests’, which is available at schools.
2. The guide includes a registration form and a return envelope.
3. The form needs to be sent along with a demand draft.
4. The local representative of SAT in India is the USIEF. The mailed forms will be directed to their regional office.

SAT Slot Booking 2023

Since there are a limited number of seats in every designated SAT Test Centre. Candidates are recommended to book their SAT exam slots in advance to avoid any unnecessary hassle. For convenience, you need to find SAT centre near your home, so you can reach there on time for the test date.

How to Cancel SAT?

Candidates should note that no matter how early you cancel your SATs, you would not be entitled to a full refund. Candidates who have registered for the exam and are required to cancel the same would be eligible for a $10 refund if the candidate cancels the test 5 days in advance.

How to Postpone or Reschedule SAT Exam Date?

Candidates are required to pay an extra fee of $25 to cancel the SAT test before the regular change deadline or $35 to cancel after the regular change deadline through test day.

SAT Admission Ticket

Once the candidate has successfully registered for the exam he would be required to log into his account on the official website and download the SAT Admission Ticket. It is important the candidate should check the credentials on the admission ticket and get any mistake rectified at the earliest.

Candidates looking to appear for their SAT are required to pay a fee for the same. Candidates can check out the detailed SAT exam fees in India levied below.

• The fee for only the SAT exam is $55 + Non-U.S. Regional Fee. Non-U.S. Regional Fee for students giving SAT Test in India is $49, so the total SAT fee is $104
• The fee for the SAT exam with Essay is $68 + Non-U.S. Regional Fee. So, the total fee for the SAT exam with Essay is $68 + $49 = $117

SAT Cancellation & Rescheduling Fees

Cancelling your SAT Registration is an expensive affair and students are always advised to go for a date change rather than cancelling the exam entirely. Candidates should keep in mind that Registrations cannot be refunded later than five days before test day, and candidates are only refunded $10 whether they have opted for SAT or the SAT along with Essay.

Candidates who are looking to change their SAT Test Centre or SAT Test Date are required to pay an extra $30 to avail of similar services. Candidates can check out SAT rescheduling fees below:

How to get a fee waiver for SAT?

Students belonging to the 11th and 12th grades in the US or US territories are eligible for SAT Fee Waiver. US Citizens residing outside the country can also get their fee waived. However, SAT Subject Test fee waivers are available for students in grades 9-12.

SAT syllabus includes courses the students have already studied in their school over the years. So if you are good at studies at school, you shouldn’t have any issues preparing for the SAT exam Syllabus. The SAT syllabus includes:

SAT Reading & Writing Section

• Craft and Structure
• Information and Ideas
• Standard English Conventions
• Expression of Ideas

Math Section

• Algebra
• Advanced Math
• Problem- Solving and Data Analysis
• Geometry and Trigonometry

The SAT exam comprises two main Sections — Math, Reading, and Writing. Check out the latest SAT exam pattern introduced in March 2023 for international applicants. A brief of SAT exam pattern has been elucidated below for reference:

• Total: 98 Questions 
  • 54 questions: Reading & Writing SAT Section
  • 44 questions: Math SAT Section
• Duration: 2 Hrs with 14 mins (134 minutes)
• Total Score: 1600
• MCQ & SPR type questions 

Check out the latest information about: New SAT Format 2023: Difference Between Old and New SAT Format 

The SAT is divided into two sections, Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. These two sections are scored on a 200-800 point scale, for a maximum total score of 1600. There are additional subscores reported on a 20-80 scale. The scores of a student reflect on how he/she is compared with other students who have appeared for the test. Visit SAT Score Reporting for a detailed understanding of calculating SAT scores. 

SAT Score Range: What's a Good SAT Score for Colleges?

An average SAT score is around 1000. Anything above 1200 is considered a good SAT score. The maximum anyone can score on the SAT is the perfect score of 1600. Since you receive scaled scores, you should have some understanding of SAT scaled scores and percentiles. For a detailed understanding, check out of What a good SAT Score is? 

How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

There are two ways of sending the scores to colleges, one while registering for the test or after releasing the official scores. Candidates receive four free Score Reports while registering for the SAT test. Candidates can send the scores to colleges up to nine days of taking the test after that they have to pay $12 for sending the score reports to each university/program they choose.

Fee Waivers during SAT Score Reporting to Colleges

For the economically weaker sections and low-income students, the College Board offers SAT fee waivers/scholarships. It allows a student to send his/her SAT score to the colleges of their choice free of cost. However, the eligibility differs as per the latest changes. You can contact the representative of the College Board or read about the criteria on their website and apply accordingly.

Sending SAT Scores: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. First of all sign in to your College Board account
2. You will see an option for ‘Send Scores’. Click on ‘Send Scores’.
3. The next step is to choose ‘Send Available Scores Now’ (for sending scores immediately) or click on ‘Send Scores When Available’ (if scores are yet to be declared or you are yet to sit for the exam)
4. Add recipients by choosing your shortlisted colleges. You can search them by name and by state.
5. Make sure you double-check all the recipients and personal details, and then only pay the final amount

SAT Score Validity Period

The SAT scores are valid forever! However, College Board states that the official SAT score sent to colleges after five years or more will include a message that the test score will be a less valid predictor of the academic performance of the candidate. The SAT structure was changed in 2016, so, many colleges do not accept SAT scores from the old format. Technically, SAT scores are valid forever, which means they do not have an expiry date, but many universities do not accept scores that are older than five years or more. So, if your SAT scores are older than five years, you should think of taking the exam again. Students can also order an additional copy of their scorecards for the purpose of sending it to more colleges and can pay a sum of $ 9 (INR 700 Approx.).

SAT Score Verification

SAT Score verification is nothing but a revaluation of your test scores, to check that you have received scores in all sections and nothing has been skipped. So, if you feel that the SAT score that you received is different than what you expected, you may have missed or made a mistake in marking your answers. Another reason for a different SAT score than expected can be that your Essay is illegible or blank when one views it online. Under SAT score verification you have three options:

• Multiple-choice hand score verification
• Essay score verification
• Or both, Multiple-choice and Essay score

You can put in this request within the next five months after test day by filling in an SAT score verification form. Before going further, it is advised to read the instructions carefully given on the form. You will also be required to submit a score verification fee. For students with a fee waiver, this score verification fee will be reduced. You will receive a letter with the new and confirmed results within five weeks once you pay the verification fee and submit your form. If there are any changes in the SAT scores post-verification due to an irregularity in the scoring or scanning process, the verification fee will be refunded.

SAT Score Cancellation

For any reason, you need to cancel your SAT Score, here are two methods through which one can cancel their SAT score:

1. At the test centre: If you are unsure about how the test went, or if you feel like you have skipped a number of questions, you can cancel your test right then and there. Right at that moment, at the test centre, you can ask the supervisor for a ‘Request to Cancel Test Scores’ form. Fill in all details along with your signature. Submit the form to the supervisor. Make sure you submit this before leaving the test centre.

2. At home: If your poor performance hits you after you leave the test centre, you can cancel your test at home as well. However, there is a time limit to it. You need to submit your cancellation request by writing to College Board as quickly as you can because the deadline for receiving such requests will be 11:59 PM (IST) on a Wednesday after the test date. You need to download ‘Request to Cancel Test Scores’ online from the College Board website, fill in your details, sign it, and fax it or speed-post/courier it overnight.

Here are the details for Fax and over-night mail service:

• Fax: (610) 290-8978
• Overnight U.S. Postal Service Express Mail (US only): SAT Score Cancellation, P.O. Box 6228, Princeton, NJ 08541-6228
• Overnight mail service or courier (US or international): SAT Score Cancellation, 1425 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ 08618, USA

Also, Read

• Advance Placement: Another exam by the College Board accepted by US and Canadian universities
• Understanding the Advanced Placement Program and its benefits

The scoring for the SAT is evaluated out of 2400 (from 600 to 2400). Subject-wise scores range from 200 - 800, where 200 is the minimum and 800 is the maximum score. The scores for your exams are available after 3 weeks of taking up the examination. Colleges have different criteria for selecting students on the basis of their scores.

Steps to access SAT Result 2023

Follow these steps to access your SAT Result:

• Click on ‘My Organizer’
• On your left side menu, you will see the option ‘SAT scores', select it
• Next, click on ‘Access My Scores’
• You will be asked username and password, enter these details
• Scroll down until you see the option of ‘My Test Scores'

SAT Cut-Offs 2023

The College Board does not have any SAT cut-off listed for students wanting to apply to universities abroad after appearing for their SAT. There are no strict SAT cut-offs for top colleges/ universities, candidates are expected to fall within a certain range to be eligible for admission to top schools. However, exceptions would be made for unusual cases. Know more about SAT Cut-Off 2023.

Countries accepting SAT Score

Every country has its own selection criteria for international students. The SAT Exam is accepted in various colleges worldwide. It is most popular for undergraduate courses in the USA and Canada. Though it is also accepted by some universities in the UK and Australia. Check out the countries accepting SAT scores:

• USA
• Canada
• UK 
• Austalia
• Italy
• New Zealand

Colleges accepting SAT Score

As discussed above, the SAT Exam is required by undergraduate aspirants to get enrolled in universities abroad. Check out the list of top engineering colleges abroad that accept SAT scores.

Candidates who score well in SAT tend to be good readers, who possess a good vocabulary. They can also sustain the pressure of answering questions in a shorter time span as the test requires dealing with multiple sections. For the overall preparation, SAT is similar to the other exams in the sense that candidates can either take the route of self-studying or attend coaching classes.

For self-study you need motivation and self-discipline, to continue with the routine. This method will definitely help you save lots of time and money. However, if you feel you learn the best in a classroom environment, then attending coaching classes is not a bad deal. Remember that you can choose to study on your own or through professional help, there is no right or wrong way.

Check out detailed information on SAT Preparation Tips. Candidates looking to prepare section-wise can also check out SAT reading prep tips and SAT math prep tips to be able to perform their best during the time of the exam. According to research, students who used Official SAT Practice for more than 6 hours and worked on at least one best practice scored 39 points higher than students who have not used the Official SAT Practice.

What are the best books for SAT Exam 2023?

Whether you decide to study on your own or to join a coaching class, you would always need a set of SAT prep books. This set should be able to help you cover the entire syllabus along with a series of sample papers or practice tests. Practising these questions would give you an idea of the overall feel of the exam paper along with letting you figure out how far you have reached.

One of the most convenient methods of preparing for the SAT is through solving SAT Sample papers. Solving SAT Test Papers not only allows the candidate to self-evaluate his performance but also prepares him for the exam day. For the benefit of our readers, we have got the latest SAT practice test for aspirants to solve and do their best on the day of the exam. There are official apps like Bluebook for some practice on the latest SAT Digital exam to be conducted in the year 2023 for international students. 

The SAT is conducted in multiple major cities across India for the benefit of students. Students are always advised to book a Sat Testing Centre that is closest to their location and is most convenient. The SAT exam is held at over 50 institutes and spread across 30 major cities in India. To find SAT test centre that is closest to you, view the entire list of SAT 2023 exam centres and check out our page on - SAT exam centres in India. Some of the major cities where SAT exam centres administer the SAT exam are as follows:

• Delhi & NCR
• Mumbai
• Bangalore
• Ahmedabad
• Pune
• Amritsar

SAT Exam Day Tips

Reaching your test centre ahead of time is always a good idea. It gives you time to relax and prepare for facing the exam. Having some time in your spare also helps you tackle anxiety that creates panic before entering the examination hall. Students should ensure the following to have a smooth SAT testing experience:

• SAT exam centres would open entry for students at 7:45 a.m. hence students must reach their respective exam centres well within time.
• Make sure that the identity proofs are handy and valid, issued by the Indian Government.
• Students must carry their approved devices for appearing for the SAT exam, and if not carrying any device, carry the necessary stationery.
• Those carrying their devices to appear for SAT exam should install Bluebook App beforehand because the exam will be conducted through it.
• Avoid carrying any extra item which is not necessarily required at the SAT exam centre.
• Lastly, carry some water, have a light breakfast and just arrange everything one day before the exam.

Aspirants looking to appear for the exam can check out SAT Exam Day Tips for their benefit. Still, have more queries regarding the SAT exam? Check out the detailed SAT FAQs.

One of the biggest drawbacks of studying abroad is having to pay tuition fees in foreign currency clubbed with high living expenses. Due to such reasons, a lot of times, many sections of students are unable to go abroad and end up settling down for other alternatives. However, with the availability of various scholarships and education loans students can finally make their dream come true. College Board in association with a few Indian universities has started SAT scholarships for Indian students. 

Apart from this, scholarships are available on the official website of every college along with other fellowships and grants that are awarded to deserving students on a regular basis. For instance, the following universities offer international students a scholarship based on their SAT scores:

• The University of Oregon offers a scholarship amount of USD 3,000 to USD 10,000 if the student scores 1250 on SAT.
• Those scoring between 1200-1390 on SAT exam can get a scholarship worth USD 15,000 at the University of Missouri.
• Colorado State University offers up to USD 10,000 scholarship amount to those who score 1130-1300 on SAT. 
• Baylor University offers the highest scholarship amount of USD 21,000 for those scoring 1000 and above on SAT.

Students can also opt for education loans from financial institutions for studying abroad. Check out: Merit Scholarships for SAT and ACT High Scorers.