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The Princeton Review is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information
on all our preparation exams. We have thoroughly researched the SAT and have
presented this webpage as a means for you to dispel any myths related to the
test.
The SAT is the test used by most American colleges and
Universities, and top Thai Universities, to help decide whether to admit
students or not (along with GPA, transcript, recommendations, etc.). Not all
schools require the SAT (or ACT), but the great majority do. The SAT tests
students' knowledge of subjects that are necessary for college success: reading,
writing, and mathematics.
The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It
tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in
and outside of the classroom—including how they think, solve problems, and
communicate. The SAT is an important resource for colleges.
The Princeton Review Difference
What's In It For You
You'll learn from completely updated materials that reflect
everything you need to know to succeed on the SAT:
- Personal attention with an average of 8-10 students per class (and no more
than 15 students per class)
- Talented, dynamic instructors vetted through the most rigorous training in
the industry
- Exclusive, proven Princeton Review methods and strategies
- Access to full-length practice SATs, with 4 available under proctored
conditions
- Princeton Review SAT Student Manual
- Official Guide to the SAT
- Extra lessons and drills available online 24/7
- Access to our Online Student Center
How We Teach SAT Courses
We explain concepts tested on the exams and teach proven
test-taking techniques. All lessons are focused on beating the SAT.
We Back It Up
We spend millions of dollars studying the SAT, developing SAT
materials and training teachers to teach the test. We know what we're doing.
Some would even say we're "SAT Nerds," although we prefer the term "SAT
Experts."
What is on the SAT?
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two
writing subscores for multiple-choice questions and the essay. The SAT is
offered in Thailand 6 times a year, lasts for 3 hours and 45 minutes, and has 3
sections (math, reading, writing). It costs 45 USD for the test
and 26 USD for international processing fees.
A good SAT score is whatever you need to be competitive in the
eyes of your target schools.
SAT Question Types
The SAT lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes and tests your critical
thinking skills, as well as your ability to analyze and solve problems in math,
critical reading, and writing.
|
Section |
Length |
Question Types |
|
Critical Reading |
Two 25 Minute Sections One 20 Minute Section |
19 Sentence Completions 48 Reading Comprehension |
|
Math |
Two 25 Minute Sections One 10 Minute Section |
44 Multiple-Choice 10 Grid-Ins |
|
Writing |
One 25-Minute Section One 10-Minute Section One 25-Minute Essay
|
18 Identifying Sentence Errors 25 Improving Sentences 6 Improving
Paragraphs |
|
Experimental |
One 25-Minute Section |
Can be Critical Reading, Math, or Writing. Does not count towards your score
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Test Order
The SAT is comprised of 10 total testing sections. The first
section is always a 25-minute essay, and the last section is always a 10-minute
multiple-choice writing section. Sections two through seven are 25-minute
sections. Sections eight and nine are 20-minute sections. Test-takers sitting
next to each other in the same session may have test books with entirely
different content orders for sections two through nine (mathematics, critical
reading, and writing).
Generally, you should take the SAT for the first time in the
spring of your junior year. This allows you enough time to re-take the test
during the fall of your senior year if you're not satisfied with your score.
The Unscored Section
In addition to the nine scored sections of the SAT, there is one
25-minute section that is used to ensure that the SAT continues to be a fair and
valid test. Don't be worried: the section does not count towards your score. It
may be a critical reading, mathematics, or writing multiple-choice section.
It is common test development to use an unscored section to try
out new questions for future editions of the test. It also ensures that scores
on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier editions of the
test. This helps to ensure the fairness of the SAT, which is one of our primary
objectives.
How to Register
SAT registration deadline is approximately 5 weeks before each
test date. To register by mail, fill out the registration form in the College
Board's Bulletin for the SAT Program. You can get a free copy of this
publication from your school's guidance counselor. Or you can call ETS at
001-609-771-7600 and they'll send you one free of charge. You can also register
online at www.collegeboard.com .
When to Register
The SAT is offered in January, May, June, October, November and
December. It is advisable to register at least 5 weeks before
the test date to ensure placement.
Questions About
the SAT
SAT Myths that you totally
believe are true:
The SAT is a test of
intelligence and my scores are a good indication of how I will do in college.
FACT: Your SAT scores reflect how good you are at taking the SAT
(as well as how much time you spent preparing)–and that's about it.
Nevertheless, admissions officers continue to place great weight on this test.
So it's important to do well.
The SAT tests complex math concepts.
FACT: SAT math can seem challenging because of the way the
concepts are tested, not because of the concepts themselves. The math sections
include concepts you learned in the seventh or eighth grade, like arithmetic,
basic geometry, basic algebra and algebra II. You won't see any calculus or
trigonometry on the SAT.
You can't really improve your Critical Reading
score.
FACT: You can improve your Critical Reading score by expanding
your vocabulary. Reading comprehension and sentence completions all rely upon
your understanding of the words in the questions and answer choices. So read
books, newspapers and anything else you can get your hands on, and check out our
SAT prep for additional vocabulary-building tools.
It's better to leave a question blank than
to guess.
FACT: Not necessarily. You receive one point for every correct
answer, zero points for every question you leave unanswered and minus
one-quarter of a point for every incorrect answer. If you can eliminate even one
of the answer choices, guess! From a purely statistical standpoint, this
approach will gain you more points over the whole test than you'll get by
playing it safe and leaving the questions blank.
The SAT is easiest in May and hardest in November.
FACT: All SAT tests are weighted the same. In addition, student
scores are put up against a years worth of test-takers, not one particular test.
All questions and tests are vetted to be indicative of a students' ability. ETS
does not make some tests easier than other tests.
It is best to student for a short time before the
test.
FACT: You should student as much as you need to get the score you
want. Princeton Review Thailand recommends up to 40 hours of classroom time or
25 hours of private tutoring.
SAT FAQ
Can I Cancel My Scores?
Yes. If you finish the test and think you want to cancel your
scores, you should ask the test supervisor for a "Request to Cancel Test Scores"
form. You can submit the completed form immediately at the testing center, or
you can think about it for a day or two before mailing it to ETS. However, ETS
must receive your request form no later than the Wednesday after the test.
How Important Are SAT Scores?
The weight placed on SAT scores varies from school to school.
Colleges and universities also consider high school grade point average and
academic transcript, letters of recommendation, interviews, and personal essays
when deciding on admissions. In addition, virtually all U.S. colleges and
universities will accept ACT scores in lieu of SAT scores. For more specific
information about the weight of your scores, contact the admissions offices of
the schools to which you will apply.
Where Does The SAT Come From?
…from a dark and cold place. Not really. It comes from the
Educational Testing Service (ETS). ETS is paid by The College Board to create
the test. Both groups are private companies.
When Should I Start Prepping?
Give yourself 5 to 12 weeks to prepare for the SAT. If
you prep with us during the summer, we'll give you a free full-length practice
test and wrap-up course session right before your test in the fall.
How Do I Register For The SAT?
SAT registration deadline is approximately 5 weeks before each
test date. To register by mail, fill out the registration form in the College
Board's Bulletin for the SAT Program. You can get a free copy of this
publication from your school's guidance counselor. Or you can call ETS at
001-609-771-7600 and they'll send you one free of charge. You can also register
online at www.collegeboard.com .
Am I allowed to use a calculator?
Yes, but it is not required..
For a thorough list of collegeboard FAQ, please go: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/sat/FAQ.html
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