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The SAT

The SAT is an exam administered by the College Board designed to help colleges judge students’ potential to perform academically in college. Most associate degree programs do not require the SAT. The test is divided into three sections (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing) and takes several hours to complete. Each section has a score range from 200 to 800. A perfect score is 2400. The SAT is offered several times a year, so check with colleges about when you would need to take the test to meet the college application deadlines. For more information, check the College Board web site: (www.collegeboard.com).

 

How Many Times Should I Take the SAT?

It makes sense to take it twice, if you can, at least a few months apart. You will be more familiar with the test on the second time, and thus, likely to perform better.

Check out this example:

First test:                       470 Math + 500 Critical Reading + 470 Writing = 1440 Total
Second test:                  530 Math + 470 Critical Reading + 500 Writing = 1500 Total
Highest of each test:  530 Math + 500 Critical Reading + 500 Writing = 1530 Total

The second test total score is 60 points higher than the first. But the highest combination of both tests is 90 points higher than the first test total score. So the student got 90 more points by taking it the second time.