What Is the SAT?

I receive a lot of information describing the SAT. What’s a simple way to explain it to my students?
The SAT Reasoning TestTM is the most widely used and most rigorously researched college admissions test in history. Virtually every college in the United States accepts the SAT® as a measure of the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. Taken by more than two million students annually, the SAT is administered seven times a year internationally.

Is the SAT a reasoning test or an achievement test?
The SAT is a reasoning test, meaning that it measures how well students analyze and solve problems - skills learned in high school that are needed in college. It allows students to demonstrate to colleges not only the specific subject material that they've learned in school, but also their ability to think critically.

I've heard a lot of conflicting information about how colleges use SAT scores. How are most schools using them now?
The SAT provides an independent measure of a student's college readiness that is standardized across all students, schools, and communities, providing a common and objective scale for comparison. Colleges use SAT scores to objectively compare students from different high school backgrounds, and to predict their academic success in their freshman year. Some colleges also use scores for placement and exemption purposes, helping to identify appropriate courses for their incoming freshmen.

How do I know if a student should take the SAT, the ACT, or both?
Most colleges and universities in the United States require applicants to submit scores on a standardized test as a part of the college admission process. Because virtually every college in the U.S. accepts the SAT - and many require or recommend a test with writing -taking the SAT is an excellent way for students to maximize their options in the college admission process.

Download A Guide to the SAT for Counselors

PDF format, 2.9MB, 15Pages.

The College Board:Connecting Students to College Success
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity.

Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 4,700 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations.

Each year, the College Board serves over three and a half million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®).

The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

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