If yes, along with its syllabus, it is vital to understand who can take the SAT exam. The SAT exam eligibility is designed to be inclusive, allowing any student to participate regardless of their educational background. The SAT examination assesses the readiness of high school students trying to get admission in undergraduate programs to the top foreign institutions.
With the SAT, students can showcase their academic potential and open doors to international educational opportunities. A good SAT score also makes students eligible for scholarship programs. The examination makes it easier for the admissions panels of colleges and universities to choose the right applicants.
Included the reasoning tests, subject tests, and an optional essay.
Current Format
Simplified to RW and Math sections only
Standardization
Uniform for all international students
Eligibility for SAT Examination
The eligibility for the SAT is straightforward; there are no age or grade restrictions, making it an ideal test for those aiming to study abroad. The College Board, which administers the SAT, provides clear guidelines on its official website for students to register and prepare for the exam. But there are some rules that one must know of.
Age Criteria
The SAT examination has no official age limit for applicants. It does not have a minimum or maximum age limit. However, the examination is mostly taken by students in the age group of 16-19 years as it is intended for high school students. However, since it does not have any age limit, the test can be taken by anyone aspiring for admission to top global universities.
Attempts
The SAT examination is conducted seven times a year. There is no limit to the number of attempts, and students can appear for multiple tests until they achieve their targeted SAT score.
Documentation
Applicants for the SAT examination must provide a valid passport. They must produce a national photo ID proof or military identification card if they don’t have a passport.
English Proficiency
Fluency in English is a must. Applicants should be proficient in reading and writing English. The medium of communication and studies at most globally ranked universities is English.
SAT Eligibility Criteria for Students with Disabilities
There are no additional criteria for students with disabilities who want to appear for the SAT exam. The only requirement for students with disabilities is that they should inform the governing body, i.e., the College Board, about their disabilities in advance to take the SAT exam with added facilities.
The approval for all the facilities has to be obtained beforehand from the College Board’s services for students with disabilities unit. Once the application for the test with added facilities gets approved, it can be used for both SAT General and SAT Subject tests.
Some of the facilities for disabled students for SAT Exam re as follows:
Use of Braille and large-print question paper for visually impaired candidates
Allotment of extra time for SAT exam completion
Implementation of computer for essays, and
Extra breaks during the exam
SAT Eligibility Criteria for Application Fee Waiver
If you are seeking a SAT fee waiver through College scholarship Service (CSS), the only criteria that you must meet is belonging to a low-income group. Students in their 11th and 12th standard must prove they are financially backward, i.e., belonging to the families who make up to $100,000 a year.
Once they get shortlisted for the SAT exam fee waiver, the school counselor or a representative will guide them through the process. Indian students are also eligible for up to 90% SAT registration fee waiver under College Board India Scholars Program.
Download these E-books to boostup your preparation
Top Universities Accepting SAT
Students preparing for the SAT examination should be aware of the top-ranked colleges and universities that accept the SAT scores. Here’s a list of the top universities worldwide accepting SAT examination scores for undergraduate programs.
The current SAT registration fee is $60. Beginning from August 24, 2024, the SAT registration is $68.
SAT Exam Cancellation and Rescheduling Fee
Service
Fee
Change of test center
$29
Cancellation fee
$29
Late cancellation fee
$39
Late registration (after the regular deadline but before the late registration deadline)
$34
SAT Digital Exam Pattern 2024
The Digital SAT has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Students have 64 minutes for the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes for the Math section, totaling 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Component
Duration
Number of Questions or Tasks
Reading and Writing
64 (two 32 minute modules)
54
Math
70 (two 35 minute modules)
44
Total
134 minutes
98
Each section is split into two equal-length modules with a 10-minute break between the sections. The first module in each section includes a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. The difficulty of the second module is determined by the student's performance in the first module.
There is no negative marking to encourage students to make educated guesses.
Digital SAT Exam Syllabus
The SAT exam syllabus is designed for candidates in high school or about to finish high school.
The Digital SAT has two components: Reading & Writing and Math.
1. The Reading and Writing section of the Digital SAT consists of short passages (or passage pairs) followed by a single multiple-choice question. Questions cover four content domains:
Craft and Structure,
Information and Ideas,
Standard English Conventions, and
Expression of Ideas
This section is divided into two modules, each including questions from all four domains.
Passages range from 25 to 150 words and cover subjects like literature, history and social studies, the humanities, and science. Questions fall into four content domains:
Information and Ideas: Tests comprehension, analysis, reasoning, and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information from texts and graphics.
Craft and Structure: Assesses comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills needed to understand and use high-utility words in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and connect related texts.
Expression of Ideas: Evaluates the ability to revise texts for effective written expression and to achieve specific rhetorical goals.
Standard English Conventions: Tests the ability to edit text to conform to Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.
2. The Math section has two modules, each including a mix of question types like multiple-choice and student-produced responses.
Content areas include:
Algebra: Linear equations, inequalities, and systems
Advanced Math: Complex equations and functions
Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Ratios, percentages, and data interpretation
Geometry and Trigonometry: Angles, shapes, volumes, and trigonometric functions.
SAT Exam Score Release 2024
SAT scores are usually available two to four weeks after the test. The exact time depends on whether you took the SAT on a weekend or a weekday (school day).
Weekend SAT: Scores are available about two weeks after taking the test on a Saturday.
SAT School Day: Scores from tests taken during the school week are available in about three to four weeks.
For each SAT, scores are sent to colleges about ten days after their release date. You can log in to your SAT account and access your score in the ‘Online Score Report’ section.
SAT Preparation Tips
Preparing for the SAT can be a significant step toward your academic goals. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Understand the test structure:
Familiarize yourself with the format of the SAT, including the types of questions and the time allotted for each section.
2. Practice tests:
Regularly taking full-length practice tests can help you get used to the test conditions and identify areas where you need improvement.
3. Review mistakes:
After each practice test, review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong, to understand your mistakes and learn from them.
4. Study materials:
Consider purchasing an SAT prep book or other study materials that cover all the topics tested on the SAT.
5. Online or in-person courses:
You might find it helpful to take an SAT prep course online or in-person to get structured guidance.
6. Join a study group and hire a tutor:
Studying with peers can provide motivation and allow you to learn different strategies for tackling the test. If you need more personalized help, hiring an SAT tutor can provide one-on-one support tailored to your needs.
7. Focus on weak areas:
Pay extra attention to the subjects or question types that are most challenging for you.
SAT Exam Centers in India
More than 130 SAT exam test centers are located throughout India, spanning more than 30 cities. When you are registering for the SAT exam, you have the option of selecting your SAT exam center based on your location and accessibility.
The top states and cities that have multiple SAT centers are:
Mumbai
Bangalore
Delhi
Pune
Indore
Lucknow
Kanpur
Ahmedabad
Hyderabad
Chennai
Chandigarh
Kochi
SAT 2024 Exam Scholarships
The SAT exam offers various scholarship opportunities for students. The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships that use the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores to identify eligible juniors for recognition and scholarships.
Students who score well on the PSAT/NMSQT may also qualify for additional scholarships through partnerships with other organizations. These scholarships can provide significant financial support for college education, covering tuition, books, and other expenses.
Students need to prepare thoroughly for the PSAT/NMSQT to maximize their chances of receiving these valuable scholarships.
The SAT exam is a critical milestone for students aspiring to enter undergraduate programs, particularly in the United States. Its eligibility criteria are remarkably inclusive, welcoming high school students of any nationality and background to demonstrate their readiness for college-level education.
By not restricting candidates based on age or grade level, the SAT exam ensures that all aspiring undergraduates have the opportunity to showcase their critical reading, writing, and mathematical skills.
This inclusivity not only underscores the SAT's role in democratizing access to higher education but also encourages a diverse and vibrant pool of applicants to pursue their academic dreams on a global stage.
For more queries related to SAT eligibility, get in touch with the counselors of upGrad Abroad.
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Important Resources For GRE/GMAT Exams
GRE Exam Registration
raduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the biggest and most popular global tests held by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is a standardized examination for entry into courses like MBA, MS, and others at universities worldwide./
Booking GRE exam dates 2023 is a simple procedure. You can register by paying US$213 (approx. INR 15,700) and providing your valid passport copy or relevant ID./
The GRE exam fee in India is around $213 with effect from 1st July 2023. The examination fee in many other countries is $205 while the GRE exam fee for India is the same as countries like Turkey, Australia, China, and Nigeria. The fee for the GRE Subject /
GRE is an admission prerequisite at most universities in countries such as the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Singapore. You should have a detailed understanding of the GRE syllabus and its exam pattern before you commit your time./
The organizing body has set no official eligibility requirements in terms of academic qualification. There is no minimum or maximum academic qualification or degree requirement for test-takers./
Wondering how to register for the GMAT exam? You should know that GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a leading management entrance test that is held throughout the year and aspirants have ample flexibility with regard to taking the examination./
The GMAT exam score is calculated basis a fixed scale and is visible on the GMAT Score Report. Students need to understand the details of their score reports./
The GMAT exam fee in India is US$275, which is approximately ₹21,000. To avoid multiple attempts, it is strongly advised that students prepare thoroughly for the test./
Doing an MBA without GMAT in Canada is possible at some institutions. While most universities look for GRE or GMAT scores, some have different requirements./
Thinking of pursuing an MBA in UK without GMAT? Well, it is possible. The United Kingdom (UK) offers several Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, including full-time MBA courses and executive MBA programs./
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is an undergraduate entrance test for admission to various undergraduate degrees and courses at foreign universities. The SAT examination is usually taken by high school students, and it does not have any age or academic eligibility criteria.
Students planning to study in the top Canadian and US colleges should take the SAT, as it is one of the most popular eligibility criteria laid down by the admissions panels. Students must also be fluent in English.
What is the age limit for the SAT examination?
There are no minimum or maximum age criteria for the College SAT. Students in the age group of 17 to 19 years usually appear for the examination for admission to various SAT-accepted colleges and universities in countries like the USA, Australia, Germany, and Canada.
What are the eligibility criteria for SAT re-attempts?
SAT is conducted seven times a year. The tests are usually conducted in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. There is no minimum or maximum limit of test re-attempts. Students can always prepare better to get a score that meets the eligibility requirements of their universities or colleges.
What is the registration fee for the SAT examination?
The SAT exam fee is$60 (approx. INR 5,000). From August 24, 2024, the SAT exam fee is $68 (approx. INR 5,600). Indian students need to pay an additional non-US regional fee of Rs 3,748. Applicants need to pay Rs 1,930 per subject for SAT subject examination.
SAT registration is expensive, and students are recommended to prepare well and then appear for the examination once or twice.
What is SAT exam eligibility?
There is no criteria for SAT exam eligibility. Anyone in high school can take this exam irrespective of their age. Also, this exam can be taken multiple times.
How can one be eligible for a SAT fee waiver?
In order to be eligible for the SAT fee waiver, you need to belong to a low-income group family residing in the United States of America. US residents outside the USA are also eligible for the fee waiver.
Indian students are also eligible for SAT fee waiver under College Board India Scholars Program provided they meet the low-income group criteria (90% SAT registration discount for income less than ₹8 lakh and 50% SAT registration discount for income between ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh) set out by the college board.
Once you get approved for the waiver, you will be helped by the authorized representative or school counselor to guide you through the process.
Is a passport required for the SAT exam?
If you are 21 years of age or younger then you will be required to show your passport in order to suffice for the SAT exam eligibility. Indian test takers can also provide an Aadhaar card as identity proof.
Is SAT offline or online?
SAT exam was conducted offline earlier, but now it is conducted online. The SAT 2024 exam, hence, will be digital.
Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience.
She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.
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