By Erik J. Strawser Bloomsburg University

 Most widely used college entrance exam  Globally recognized college admissions test  Accepted by virtually every college and university nationwide  More than two million students take the SAT each year  Tests students’ knowledge in reading, writing, and math

 Score range = points  Test time = 70 minutes (one 20 minute section and two 25 minute sections)  67 total questions  48 passage focused reading questions that test comprehension of what is stated or implied by a written passage  19 sentence completion questions that test vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure

 Score range = points  Test time = 70 minutes (one 20 minute section and two 25 minute sections)  54 total questions  44 multiple choice questions that require students to solve problems and select the best answer  10 student produced responses that require students to solve problems and “grid in” answers

 Score range = points  Test time = 60 minutes (one 10 minute section and two 25 minutes sections)  50 total questions  25 improving sentences  18 identifying sentence errors  6 improving paragraphs  1 Essay (present and support your point of view on a specific issue)

 Raw scores are calculated for each section  Correct answers = +1 point  Incorrect answers = -1/4 point (with exception of student produced responses in Math section)  Omitted answers = 0 points subtracted  Reading and Math  scores for each section are reported on a scale of  Writing  Subscales for essay (2-12) and multiple choice writing questions (20-80)

 May 5, 2012  Register by April 6, 2012  Late registration (by mail, phone, or online) by April 20, 2012  Changes by April 18, 2012  June 2, 2012  Register by May 8, 2012  Late registration (by mail, phone, or online) by May 22, 2012  Changes by May 16, 2012

 SAT Registration = $49.00  Additional Fees  Register by Phone (only if registered previously = $15.00  Change Fee (test type, date, or center change) = $25.00  Late Fee = $26.00  Standby Fee = $43.00

 Online  provides immediate confirmation  24 hour access to registration  allows students to correct and/or print their admission tickets)  Mail  stop by guidance department and get a SAT Paper Registration Guide and correct Code Numbers  pay by check or money order  payable to “The College Board”

 Standby  Complete paper registration and arrive at test center with check or money order  Costs more  Limited seating capacity  Not available to students who require special accommodations

 Admission ticket  Photo identification (current and valid)  PA Drivers License  PA Non-Drivers ID  School ID Form  Two No.2 pencils and soft eraser  Acceptable calculator  Graphing  Scientific  Four function

 Scratch paper  Notes, books, or dictionaries  Personal electronic devices  Highlighters or colored pencils  Compasses, protractors, or rulers of any kind  Timers or stopwatches  Cameras or others photographic equipment

 Use process of elimination  Answer every question only if you can eliminate answer choices  Leave questions blank only if you cannot identify at least one wrong choice, except in the Math grid-ins  Write in the test booklet  Transfer your answers at the end of each question  Slow down!!  Choose which question to answer first  Remember the order of difficulty  Cross-check your ovals  Don’t second guess yourself Source:

 Sentence Completion  Use the context of the sentence to figure out what unknown words mean  Do not overlook the reversing effect of negative words (not) or prefixes (un-)  Allow transition words (likewise or although) to suggest the better answer  Eliminate choices in double-blank questions if the first word does not make sense in the sentence Source:

 Reading Comprehension  Always read the italicized introductory text  Use the line reference numbers in questions to find the correct spot in the passage  Limit your answers to questions to what is stated or implied in the passage  Read each passage through at least once before answering questions  The most important sentences of each paragraph are the first and the last  Do not waste time memorizing the details of each passage Source:

 You will be asked write a word persuasive essay on a specific topic  Use a 5 paragraph essay format (intro, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion)  You will have 25 minutes to complete the essay  Spend 5 minutes thinking about the topic  Spend 15 minutes writing  Spend 5 minutes reviewing your essay for errors Source:

 Introduction - state your position on the topic and introduce thesis  Body paragraphs -provide specific details and/or examples to support your position  Conclusion – summarize position and restate thesis  Keep your writing clear, concise, and simple Source:

 Student Produced Response  No penalty for incorrect answers  There are no negative answers in this section  If your answer is a repeating decimal, enter as many decimal points as you can in the grid provided  Do not provide mixed number answers (if 2 ¾ change it to 11/4 or 2.75) Source:

 At registration students receive four free score reports  After registration, additional score reports can be sent for a fee  Official Score Reports – approximately five weeks after the test  Online - approximately three weeks after the test (need to have a College Board account)

 Build your own vocabulary list using past tests  Experiment with different strategies to answer passage focused reading questions  Know your special triangles  Read, read, read (especially topics that you do no find interesting)  If you are stuck on a math problem, start writing  Consider the opposing point of view when writing your essay  Avoid careless mistakes by showing your work  Use official tests to practice with  Create a collection of mature sounding words and incorporate into your practice essays Source:

 Register for a free student account  Receive the SAT question of the day  Access score reports  Send additional score reports  Register for the Official SAT On-line Course  $69.95 per year  18 interactive lessons  10 practice tests  Hundreds of practice questions  Sample student essays