The SAT features two main sections (Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) broken into four testing periods, plus an optional Essay. Here is the basic breakdown, and we'll discuss each section in more detail below. At the end, we'll discuss studying for the SAT.

SAT Sections
Section	Time
Reading	65 minutes
Writing & Language	35 minutes
Math (no calculator)	25 minutes
Math (with calculator)	55 minutes

Reading

Reading is the first section you take on test day. You have 65 minutes to read 5 passage, about which you'll be asked 52 questions. This allows you 13 minutes per passage. You'll be able to answer some questions much more quickly, while others will take more time. Answer the ones you know first, and come back to the questions that are more challenging for you. Make sure you at least make an educated guess for every question because you don't lose points for incorrect answers.

The Reading section tests:

Command of Evidence
Words in Context

Writing & Language

After a short break, you'll return to take the Writing & Language section. You have 35 minutes to answer 44 questions, giving you about 47 seconds per question. Do the ones that are easier for you first, then return to the ones that are more difficult for you. Again, you are not penalized for incorrect answers but instead rewarded for correct ones; make sure you answer every question.

The Writing & Language section tests:

Command of Evidence
Words in Context
Expression of Ideas
Standard English Conventions

Math

Non-Calculator: Directly after the Writing & Language section, you'll move into the non-calculator Math section. You have 25 minutes to answer 20 questions, giving you 1 minute 15 seconds per question.

With Calculator: Once the non-calculator section is over, you'll have a short break to grab your calculators, after with the calculator portion of the test will begin. This is the last section of the test (unless you're taking the Essay). You will have 55 minutes to answer 38 questions, allowing you about 1 minute 26 seconds per question.

Again, as with the rest of the SAT, answer the questions you know and can figure out quickly; skip the tougher ones at first. Once you've answered the ones easier for you, return to the more challenging questions. Make sure you provide an answer for every question!

The Math section tests:

Heart of Algebra
Problem Solving
Data Analysis
Passport to Advanced Math
Additional Topics in Math

Additionally, 22% of the Math section will be open-response, where you'll have to use a grid to fill in your answer. The rest of the questions are multiple choice. Refer to The College Board's description of how to answer student-produced responses.

Once you do away with the idea of people as fixed, static entities, then you see that people can change, and there is hope. -bell hooks

Studying for the SAT

If you go to google and type in "Study for the SAT," their algorithm will find a couple hundred million links. There are tons of companies out there making a living off of high school students (well, often their parents) as they prepare for these Standardized Tests. You can pay someone if you want to and are financially able to do so, but here, we'll provide you with some great free (or very low-cost) resources.

Test Prep Books

If you want to purchase something to help you study from home, many students have a lot of luck buying used SAT prep books from online used bookstores. Just make sure the one you find is about the most recent version of the test. You could even work together with friends and share the cost of the book! The perk of prep books is that they both review material and explain answers, and it's tangible; you can take notes in your book and come back to them later.

Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT. You can start out by taking a practice test without worrying about time, and then, as you improve and get closer to your test date, take more practice tests within the SAT's time parameters.

The College Board's Official Practice Tests
Khan Academy's Online & Paper SAT Practice Tests
PrepScholar's Practice Tests with Answer Explanations
Magoosh's Downloadable Practice Test

Khan Academy

The College Board and Khan Academy have partnered to help you prepare the best you can for the SAT. Their prep provides instant feedback, is personalized to you and your past performance on the PSAT and SAT, and is interactive. They have eight official practice tests and, because of their partnership with College Board, have some of the inside scoop about the SAT. We highly recommend that you create an account (or find the information for your account from middle school math class) and utilize this incredible free resource now. Khan Academy's data show that if you use their resources for 20 hours total, you'll raise your score by an average of more than 100 points.

Online Resources

PrepScholar writes great blog posts about various college-related topics, including the SAT. Here is PrepScholar's Ultimate SAT Study Guide, as well as their suggested schedule for studying for the SAT (they recommend at least three months).

Magoosh is a pretty incredible resource. They have classes you can purchase, but we've found their free resources to be extensive. Here is Magoosh's one-month study plan for the SAT. However, if you can, try to follow PrepScholar's advice and start studying three months ahead of time.

Click Next to learn more about the SAT Essay.