If you are hoping to secure a sports scholarship in the US then the SAT is one of the most important tests to take. Strong SAT scores can boost your chances of getting into a top college or Ivy League university.

What is the SAT exam?

The SAT is a standardised test to assess a student's readiness for American colleges or universities. The exam will test the reading, writing and math skills you gained in high school, which most colleges and universities use to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based test created and administered by the College Board.

When should you take the SAT?

Early is better so taking the SAT during Grade 11 or early in Grade 12 will allow you to retake it if necessary. Most US coaches only make scholarship offers once they know your SAT scores, so you want to give it your best shot. Tests take place in March, May, August, October, November and December

What is in the SAT exam?

The SAT became completely digital earlier this year. The digital version, via the College Board Bluebook App, is shorter and takes two hours and 14 minutes, compared to three hours for the paper version and questions have been reduced to 98 from 154.

There are still four sections – two reading and writing sections, and two maths sections. The digital version has introduced adaptive features which means that your performance on the first section of reading and maths determines the difficulty of the second section.

The scores range from 400-800 for each section and 1,600 total. Scoring 1,050 is regarded as an average score.

Students sitting their SAT can either use a supplied device or bring their own. The digital version means that scores are posted within two weeks, and can be sent to institutions within one to four business days.

How to register for the SATs

Registering early is important because the SAT has booking deadlines well in advance of the testing dates. Sign up on the College Board website and click on the “register now” option for the SAT section and enter your personal information. You’ll need a digital photo or copy of your ID.

Choose a test date and testing centre that is most convenient for you and then pay the registration fee via Visa or MasterCard.

What is the cost?

The SAT registration fee is $68, plus a $43 international fee for test dates from 24  August 2024. Some test centres charge a fee of $24 and late registration is $34.

Fees are charged for some score-related services. For instance, If you want a rush report you will need to pay $31.

Preparation is key 

Create a study plan to keep you on track and take practice tests to help prepare you for the testing day. You can download the College Board's Bluebook free digital testing application that lets you take official practice SATs and get used to the app. They have full-length practice tests in Bluebook which is a good way to measure your skills for the actual test. This also allows you to identify any of your weak points so you can work on improving them.

Other free resources are Khan Academy's SAT prep courses, Kaplan which offers a free on-demand SAT practice test and The Princeton Review where you can take a free SAT practice test online and receive comprehensive feedback.

What to remember on test day

Arrive early and if you are bringing your device, make sure it is fully charged and the Bluebook application is installed with the exam setup completed. Also bring your admission ticket, photo ID and your College Board username and password. During the test remember to pace yourself and don’t skip questions. It is better to guess than leave a question unanswered.

If you want to further your sporting career at a US university, get in contact with one of our sports recruiters who will be happy to chat to you about your options. Fill in our free online evaluation or send us an email at sports@sableinternational.com.

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