Piyush KohliStudy Abroad Expert
SAT Exam Pattern includes two sections - Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math and an optional essay. EBRW and Math sections are scored on a range of 200-800. Although, SAT essay is optional, however, it is demanded by colleges at the time of the application process. The SAT Essay is scored on a range of 2-8. The total duration of the test without the Essay section is 3 hours and 15 minutes including breaks. The Essay section is of 50 minutes. In this article, we have given the SAT exam structure in detail.
Most of the questions in the SAT are multiple choice, however, in some of the math questions you need to write in the answer rather than select it. There is no negative marking, so, if you're not sure of the answer, it's better to guess than leaving the question.
SAT Exam Pattern Highlights
| Duration |
3 Hours (Without Essay) |
| Questions |
154 |
| Language of Paper |
English |
| Sections |
Reading, Math, and Writing |
| Held |
5 times a year |
| Score Scale |
400-1600 |
SAT 2023 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for the SAT exam includes two sets of exams. The first is the SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Test. The SAT Reasoning Test is the exam that is opted for students looking to pursue higher education in countries abroad. This is one of the most sought-after competitive exams, the scores of which are vastly recognized in the universities/ colleges abroad. The second SAT test is the SAT Subject Test, which is opted by students who are looking to study a particular subject in great detail. Candidates wanting to appear for SAT can opt for either of the SAT exams. The SAT exam pattern/ syllabus is different for both exams.
Download this guide to read it offline
SAT Paper Pattern
The SAT Reasoning Test is mostly objective in nature and for a total of 3hrs and 50mins including the optional essay section. The essay in SAT is optional in nature and if candidates decide against sitting for it, the entire SAT Test duration is of 3 hrs. Candidates would have to attempt a total of 155 questions including the essay. The following is the latest SAT Exam/Test Pattern for students looking to appear for their next SAT Reasoning Test for higher education to universities/ colleges abroad.
| SAT Sections |
Number of Questions |
Total Duration (mins) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading |
52 |
65 |
| Writing & Language |
44 |
35 |
| Mathematics |
58 |
80 |
| Aggregate |
154 |
180 |
Note: The SAT Optional Essay is no longer a part of the test now.
SAT Pattern with Score Range
The SAT question paper pattern includes two main sections – evidence-based reading and writing, and mathematics.
| SAT Section and no. of questions |
Time Duration (mins) |
Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (52 Questions) |
65 |
Evidence-based Reading & Writing score 200 to 800 |
| Break |
10 minutes |
|
| Writing & Language (44 Questions) |
35 |
|
| Math- No Calculator (20 Questions) |
25 |
Math score 200 to 800 |
SAT Subject Test Exam Pattern
The SAT Subject Test evaluates the knowledge of candidates in specific subjects. The exam pattern for SAT Subject Test is for a total of 60 mins and candidates can opt from the 20 subjects available for candidates to choose from. Candidates are graded on a scale of 800 points. The subjects available are as follows.
| Germa |
Italian |
| Physics |
Spanish |
| French |
Modern Hebrew |
| Korean with Listening |
French with Listening |
| Chinese with Listening |
Spanish with Listening |
| Japanese with Listening |
German with Listening |
| World History |
Literature |
| Biology |
US History |
| Chemistry |
Latin |
| Math I |
Math II |
Candidates looking to excel in their SAT exam need to be updated with the latest SAT syllabus to be able to score well. Candidates are always advised to start SAT preparations months in advance to be able to put in their best during their examination. Students wanting to prepare for the SAT can either opt for the Self-Study method or take the assistance of coaching institutes or both. Both methods have their unique benefits and are equally good with quantifiable benefits. There are a lot of times that many students could find appearing for their SAT exam challenging. Hence, it is always important for candidates to have appeared for as many SAT Mock Tests / SAT Practice Papers as possible to be able to self-evaluate their preparations and appear for their SAT Exam.
Related reads:
Still need clarity on SAT? Read SAT and SAT Exam Pattern frequently asked questions and learn more about the test.
SAT Exam Pattern FAQs
Q. What is the pattern of SAT exam?
Q. What kind of questions are asked in the SAT?
| Sections | Type of questions |
| Math |
|
| Reading |
|
| Writing |
|
Q. Is SAT exam hard?
Q. What is the SAT score required to get into Harvard?
Q. Is negative marking there in the SAT?
Q. Can I pass the SAT without studying?
Q. Can you pass the SAT in one day?
Q. How to improve SAT score?
Q. What is the highest SAT score?
Q. Do I need to bring a pencil for SAT test?
Q. Are calculators allowed in the SAT exam?
Letter of Recommendation
Education Loans
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum VitaeComments
(1326)
V
2 days ago
I'm bad at maths so I need to start from basic so which month should I give sat
I want to give sat in 10 th so it is possible or not
E
a week ago
Hey there, ive read somewhere that SAT(digital) would be conducted on 7 April 2023 too, is it really? because here in the article it's 6 MAY directly after 11th march. So let me know please.
I forgot to register for december SAT how to do it now
please help
P
Piyush KohliStudy Abroad Expert
a month ago
Hi, you can attempt for the next SAT test date.
H
3 months ago
Hi
I have heard that there is a new sat format for both English language and Math.
Kindly please if any could help me out by providing links or materials to prepare for the new sat.
Thanks in advance.
P
Piyush KohliStudy Abroad Expert
2 months ago
Hi Hussein, you can check the SAT pattern here https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/sat/pattern