FAQs for SAT Exam 2025: Frequently asked Questions

Applicants applying for SAT exam soon for abroad admissions should have some key information about the SAT exam. Here we have covered some of the popularly asked FAQs around SAT exam and their answers for international students. Check out the SAT exam FAQs and clear your doubts before appearing for the exam through this article thoroughly.

The SAT exam is a crucial requirement for undergraduate admissions to study in USA, UK, Canada and European countries if applying from countries abroad. SAT exam has become digital since 2024 and so the SAT exam pattern and syllabus have witnessed slight changes. We will cover SAT exam FAQs in this article for students who are going to appear for SAT soon so that they can prepare for SAT accordingly. 

Top 10 SAT Exam FAQs for Indian Applicants

Check out the most popularly asked SAT exam FAQs in the following section to gain insights about the Digital SAT exam in detail:

Q. What is the difference between SAT and ACT?

A. One major difference between both exams is that the ACT includes a whole section on Science which is not present in the SAT. Students from a Science background can showcase their skills related to Science subjects through an ACT.

There is a key structural difference between both the exams like during the ACT exam, the applicant can use a calculator while in the SAT the applicants need not use the calculator as it comprises a short ‘no calculator subsection’.

Q. How many times can I take the SAT Exam and what are SAT test dates?

A. The candidates can take the SAT exam as many times as they want. The SAT is conducted seven times a year. Ths SAT exam dates are available in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November and December. However, it also depends on the program/college you are applying to. If the college requires you to submit your highest SAT scores then you can take the test as many times as you want and send your highest scores to the college, they will not be able to your any other SAT score. Whereas if the college requires you to send all your score reports, then it is recommended that you should not give it more than three times.

Q. How to register for the Digital SAT Exam?

A. Deadlines for SAT registration are approximately three weeks before each test date. One can register for the SAT exam online or through the mail. Registering online is considered the most convenient and fastest way to apply for the SAT. Aspirants below 13 years of age have to register through the mail. Also, while registering candidates can also choose their preferred SAT exam date and centres. Steps for SAT Registration 2025 process:

• Make sure to check with the college you are applying to whether you need to take the SAT exam with an essay or not, then proceed accordingly.
• Visit the SAT’s official website fill in your details and upload the photograph.
• Move ahead and make payment for SAT exam fees through credit card or PayPal.

Q. How can I send SAT scores to colleges?

A. 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. Candidates can send the scores to colleges up to nine days after taking the test after that they have to pay $15 for sending the score reports to each university/program they choose.

Similar Articles:

• SAT Score Reporting
• Results and Scores in SAT
• Choosing between SAT and ACT

Q. What is the SAT point scale?

A. Candidates receive two section scores, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Each of them is reported on a scale of 200 to 800. Both these scores together make up the total SAT score. The total score ranges from 400 and 1600. Further, scores for the optional Essay are reported separately.

Q. What is the SAT eligibility criteria?

A. As such, there is no specific qualification given by the College Board for taking the SAT exam. Also, there is no age limit prescribed by the administrative authority of the SAT. Students who are in their junior or senior years of high school generally appear for the exam. The SAT exam eligibility is not predefined but is usually given by students who wish to enrol to undergraduate programs in the US and other countries. It can be used for seeking financial assistance as well.

Q. What is the registration fee for the SAT 2025?

A. The registration fee for SAT exam is USD 130.98. The bifurcation of SAT exam fee is like this - SAT registration fee which is USD 68 plus an international registration fee (digital) of USD 43 + sales tax fee which is USD 19.98. 

The SAT subject tests are discontinued by the College Board although the registration fee for a subject test was $26.

Q. How much time it takes to prepare for the SAT 2025?

A. It takes 5-12 weeks to prepare for the SAT 2025 exam. However, it is always recommended to practice sufficient full-length tests before appearing for the exam, so, you can give your best.

Related Articles: 

• SAT Prep Tip: Reading Section
• SAT Prep Tip: Writing Section
• SAT Prep Tip: Math Section

Q. Are SAT Subject Tests applicable for Indian applicants?

A. No, SAT Subjects Tests have been scrapped for Indian applicants and are no longer required while applying to universities in USA or abroad. The SAT Subject Tests were scrapped in the year 2021. Thus, applicants who are Indians, should abstain from registering for SAT Subject Tests. 

Q. Are all US universities accepting SAT scores for admission in 2025?

A. No, not all are SAT accepting colleges in USA, there are a few which have chosen to be test-optional, some are test-blind (like the University of California system) and others have just recently reinstated the SAT score requirement for 2025. Check out the Top 10 SAT Accepting Colleges in USA.