Achieve Your Dreams with SAT: Your Path to Global Opportunities

Did you know that even though most US universities are test-optional, submitting your SAT scores actually helps improve your application? That’s correct! Even though it is no longer mandatory to submit valid SAT scores at most universities in the USA, these scores can significantly improve your chances of enrollment in your desired university and programme in the upcoming academic year.

The SAT exam has long been used to enrol prospective students, both domestic and international, to various undergraduate programmes across the US and Canada. However, with recent changes to university requirements and the test, the SAT exam is now a tool that students use to enhance their academic profile and give the admission committee a greater insight into their potential, not just as a student but also as a future expert, leader or entrepreneur.

Through this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know about the SAT exam and more, before you start applying to universities and colleges this year.

Digital SAT Exam Overview

The latest and only version of the SAT, called the Digital SAT exam, is a 2-hour and 14-minute-long standardised test, split into two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Mathematics. Before the update of the Digital SAT, the Reading and Writing sections were 2 distinct sections, which have now been merged into one 64-minute-long section. The second section, i.e. Math section, is a 70-minute-long section that assesses students on various aspects of mathematics.

Offered as an online standardised test, taken at a proctored test centre, the Digital SAT does not penalise candidates for submitting incorrect or unanswered questions on the test. The SAT exam is scored out of 1,600, with each section being scored on a scale of 200 - 800. Both the Reading and Writing and the Math sections contain 2 modules in the updated version of the test.

With the introduction of the Digital SAT exam, the test has also introduced the “Multistage Adaptive Testing”, which means the difficulty level for each test-taker will be unique and different. The first module in each section consists of questions with varying difficulty levels, which will determine the difficulty level of the second module in each section. This allows the test to be administered to prospective students with different academic performances.

Digital SAT Exam Highlights

Digital SAT Exam Eligibility

Being an entrance exam to undergraduate courses offered by top-ranking universities in the USA and Canada, the SAT does not specify any particular requirements that test-takers need to adhere to.

Therefore, as a potential candidate who may be studying in the USA, the only requirement that needs to be fulfilled is that you are prepared, pay the international test-taker fees, along with the standard fees and appear for the test on the scheduled date as per the exam day regulations stipulated by the College Board.

Digital SAT Exam Fee 2026

As international students, there are a host of fees and additional charges that you should be aware of before sending your application for the exam. The table below highlights all the SAT exam fees and additional charges that you may need to pay as a prospective test-taker.

SAT Exam Score Services Fees

*The first 4 score reports that are sent out within 9 days of the test date are free of charge. The cost is incurred for subsequent reports or reports ordered after the 9-day period.

Digital SAT Exam Registration 2025

All international students planning on attempting the SAT exam outside of the USA this year must ensure that they satisfy the following registration requirements and processes to complete the application process. 

• Find multiple testing locations: Via the MySAT account that you will have to create to register for the test, you will be able to find different verified test centres to take the test.
  • Finding multiple locations will allow you the opportunity to still be able to give the test even when one location no longer possesses available seats.
• Select the preferred date: The SAT exam is conducted across different test centres on specific dates throughout the year. Choose the test date that gives you ample time to prepare for the test, receive the scores and be able to appear for the test again if need be.
• Complete the Registration: Fill out the registration form as per the details found on your passport and official school documents. Be sure that all the information matches and no discrepancies are found.
• Submit the Photograph: Before submitting the form, ensure that you have provided a digital copy of your photograph as per the specifications detailed by the College Board.
• Cross-check all information: After submitting the photograph, double-check all the information that you have provided on the form before submitting it.
• Complete the Payment: Candidates will have to complete the SAT exam fee payment via credit or debit card to complete the registration process.
• Print the Admission Ticket: Once the payment has been received, candidates are advised to download and print the SAT admission ticket.

Photograph Requirements for the SAT Exam

One of the crucial components of a successful registration process is submitting the photographs as per the specifications stipulated by the College Board. Listed below are the exact specifications within which your digital photograph should be taken.

• Photographs taken from your mobile phone or a digital camera are acceptable. Photographs downloaded from Facebook or a scanned paper photograph are also acceptable
• The photographs must be saved in one of the following file formats, i.e. .jpg, .gif, or .png.
• Good photographs possess the following qualities:
  • Candidates are easy to recognise
  • The photograph should only include the candidate appearing for the test
  • It should highlight the head and shoulders of the candidate in full view, with the entire face, i.e. both eyes and hair in clear view. Those wearing head coverings for religious purposes are allowed.
  • The photograph and the candidate in the photograph should be clear (not blurry).
  • There should be no dark spots or shadows.
  • Black and white photographs are acceptable
• A photograph will be rejected if:
  • One or both of the eyes are blocked or not visible
  • There is more than one person in the photograph
  • Blurry or poor-quality photographs
  • Excessive lighting or shadows that hide your recognisable features
  • Photographs with any filters or edits to change your appearance or those that have been tampered with are not acceptable.

Related Article: Countries Accepting Sat

SAT Exam Dates and Deadlines 2026

If you are planning to take the test in the upcoming weeks or months, then check out the following table highlighting the SAT exam dates and deadlines for the upcoming academic year.

Tentative SAT Test Dates for Upcoming Intakes in USA

Listed here are some tentative SAT exam dates for the upcoming intakes in the USA that international students should be aware of.

• Fall 2026:
  • 15 August 2026
  • 12 September 2026
  • 3 October 2026
  • 7 November 2026
  • 5 December 2026
• Spring 2027:
  • 13 March 2027
  • 1 May 2027
  • 5 June 2027

What is the Syllabus for the SAT Exam?

One of the most important steps that international students must take before attempting the SAT exam in the upcoming weeks or months is to familiarise themselves with the SAT exam syllabus and exam pattern. With the latest iteration of the SAT exam, there have been major changes that have been introduced, and therefore, entirely new structures and patterns have been included. Outlined below are the specific details regarding the SAT exam syllabus and exam pattern.

SAT Exam Pattern

The SAT exam now consists of two sections, namely, the Reading and Writing, and the Mathematics sections. The previous version of the SAT exam kept the Reading and Writing sections separate. Furthermore, the test duration of the SAT exam has significantly reduced with the introduction of the digital SAT. Let us look closely at the different sections.

• SAT Reading and Writing Section

  The move towards the Digital SAT has merged the Reading and Writing sections and replaced the lengthy passages with shorter passages of 25-150 words that come with a single multiple-choice question. With a total of 54 questions and 64 minutes to answer them, the SAT Reading and Writing section consists of 2 equal-length modules.

• SAT Math Section

  The SAT Math section also saw major changes being introduced, with the advent of the Digital SAT exam. Among the major changes is the significant reduction in the number of questions asked, to a total of 44 questions that would need to be answered in 70 minutes. These 44 questions would include a mix of Multiple-choice questions and student-produced answers and will also be divided into 2 equal-length modules.

SAT Exam Syllabus

To stand a better chance at scoring high, it is advisable to glance through the topics and subjects under which the SAT exam questions will be based. Outlined below are the section-wise subjects and topics that students may have to familiarise themselves with before attempting the test in the upcoming weeks/months.

SAT Reading and Writing Section

The reading and writing section of the SAT has been designed to evaluate candidates based on four major content domains, i.e. Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions and Expression of Ideas. The questions within the SAT reading and writing sections will be based on topics related to literature, history or social studies, science and humanities. Here’s a brief outlook on how the test-taker will be evaluated on the four major content domains.

• Craft and Structure: The ability to comprehend, analyse, synthesise and possess sufficient vocabulary and reasoning skills and knowledge to use high-utility words and phrases within the given contexts, while also evaluating texts rhetorically and making connections between different texts of related topics.
• Information and Ideas: The ability to comprehend and analyse, and possess the necessary reasoning skills and knowledge to interpret and evaluate information through ideas disseminated via texts and informational graphics.
• Standard English Conventions: The ability to edit and form structures and sentences using the conventions of standard English grammar.
• Expression of Ideas: The ability to edit and structure texts and phrases in a bid to improve the effectiveness of the written expression and ideas to meet specific rhetorical objectives.

SAT Math Section

Using a mix of MCQ-based questions and student-produced answers, the SAT math section will evaluate the ability of the test-takers to understand and apply mathematical concepts to solve different problems. Outlined here are some of the topics under which the SAT Math section will pose questions:

• Algebra: The ability to analyse and fluently solve and create linear inequalities and equations using different techniques. Some of the topics include Linear equations in 1 and 2 variables, linear functions and linear inequalities in 1 or 2 variables, among others.
• Advanced Math: This subject covers all the topics that a prospective student might need to pursue further studies across disciplines like science and economics or STEM fields. Some of the topics within this subject include non-linear functions, systems of equations in 2 variables, and more.
• Problem-solving and Data Analysis: The subject covers topics that evaluate the candidate’s ability to apply quantitative reasoning regarding ratios, rates and proportional relationships, among other topics. Some of the topics include percentages, ratios, probability and conditional probability, among others.
• Geometry and Trigonometry: The subject focuses on the candidate’s ability to solve problems focusing on topics such as Area and Volume, Lines and Angles, Right Triangles and Trigonometry, and Circles.

As per the latest update, approximately 75% of the Math section will include multiple-choice questions with 4 options as possible responses. The remaining 25% of the test will use student-produced responses, where the candidate will have to enter their responses, instead of choosing from the given options.

Digital SAT Results and Scores

After attempting the test, the SAT exam scores and results should ideally be available for distribution between 2 to 4 weeks after the test date. Students will be able to access their scores through their College Board student account, where they will also be able to access the PDF version of the scores. Let us understand what the different SAT scores mean and how they can benefit your university-readiness.

What does the SAT Score Report Show?

After the scores have been made available, all candidates will be able to view three different scores, i.e. their total score, the Reading and Writing section score and the Math section score. The score ranges for each of the sections are as follows:

• Total SAT Score: 400 - 1,600
• SAT Reading and Writing Score: 200 - 800
• SAT Math Score: 200 - 800

Knowledge And Skills

Your SAT Score PDF will also include a knowledge and skills section where your individual performance in each of the 8 subsections (content areas) of the two major sections will be displayed.

This section will highlight your performance in the four major content areas of the Reading and Writing section and the four major content areas of the Math section. As per the official website of the College Board, the conducting body for the SAT, the PDF will display:

• The approximate number of questions in each content area.
• The percentage of a section that is covered by a specific content area.
• A visual representation of the performance of the candidate in each content area.

With such detailed information about your performance, understanding your strengths and weaknesses has been made easy. This will further allow you to strategise and prepare in a manner to reduce the weaknesses and reinforce the strengths to help you achieve higher scores.

Digital SAT Exam Centers in India

If you are planning to take the SAT exam in India, then there are a total of 162 authorised SAT exam centres in India where you can attempt the test. Aspirants across most states in India will be able to find a test centre close to their location. Listed in the table below are some of the cities and states where you can take the SAT exam this year.

How to Prepare for the SAT Exam?

The most crucial step towards achieving high scores in any test is the preparation strategy used to instil the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges a test may throw. Similarly, there are several steps, tips and techniques that test-takers can use to prepare for the SAT exam, some of which have been listed below:

• Download the Bluebook App: The SAT exam will be conducted on the Bluebook App, which must be downloaded on the device that you intend to use on the day of the scheduled test. It is important to familiarise yourself with the user interface of the app and learn about its intricacies.
• Attempt Practice Test 1: Once the app has been downloaded, it is recommended to take the SAT practice test to gauge your standing on the different topics and subjects. Furthermore, this will also expose you to the adaptive difficulty model that the test uses to accurately and uniquely assess each candidate. When taking the test, it is also recommended to take the test with a timer on.
• Use official study material and resources: The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to help prospective test-takers prepare in the best possible way to get the highest score possible. Additionally, through the MySAT account, students will also be able to gain access to the Question Bank that students can use to assess their ability to comprehend and respond accurately in each section and content area.
• Train with the Desmos Calculator: The built-in Desmos calculator is a graphing calculator designed to help test-takers calculate difficult algebraic concepts and questions in seconds by simply typing in the equation and looking at the graph. However, it is recommended to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours practising on the calculator to understand the shortcuts and functionality of the calculator.
• Attempt more Practice Tests: As you progress through the preparation process, it is important to take as many practice tests as possible to gauge your progress. It is recommended that you review every incorrectly answered question and re-solve the question on a separate sheet until you understand the logic behind the solution.
• Do a Device Check: A few days before the date of examination, you must complete the “Exam Setup”, following which the app will check the device and the internet connection. Subsequently, the app will also generate the Admission Ticket, which will be required on the day of the SAT exam.

The SATs have been the gateway to a US education for many years; however, with the recent changes to university admission requirements and the test itself, the SAT exam has become a tool to support a candidate’s application instead of a mandatory requirement. Students from across the globe can use the scores they achieved through SATs to gauge their academic performance and the possibility of earning a US education from one of the prestigious universities and colleges in the world. Through the information provided on this page, you will be better equipped to prepare, apply and appear for the SAT exam this year and stand a chance of enrolling in one of the top courses in the USA.

To learn more about the SAT exam and how you can benefit from attempting the test, connect with AECC Counsellors today and get expert guidance and support for FREE!