Criteria for SAT exam and exam dates 2018 - 2019 July 2018

The Scholastic Assessment Test, popularly referred to as SAT, is the entrance exam used by most colleges in US, and a few in Singapore and Canada to base their admission decisions on, for eligible students. It is conducted by a non-profit organization “College Entrance Examination Board” in the US with the objective of having one common factor for comparing all applicants. However, it must be noted that SAT score is just one of the parameters. Colleges take into account other factors like your high school GPA, school transcript, your personal essays, letters of recommendation and your extracurricular activities. The weightage given to SAT scores in the whole application process varies from school to school.

SAT exams are held 7 times in a year in August, October, November, December, March, May and June.

The SAT exam is offered every year in October, November, December, March, May and June. US has one extra test date which is August 25th 2018.

Test Date	Registration Deadline
October 6, 2018	September 7, 2018
November 3, 2018	October 5, 2018
December 1, 2018	November 2, 2018
March 9, 2019	February 8, 2019
May 4, 2019	April 5, 2019
June 1, 2019*	May 3, 2019

About the Exam

The SAT General exam (SAT I) is held for a duration of 3 hours with an extra 50 minutes for the Essay. It consists of 3 sections: Math, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing. The essay is optional. Each section is for a score of maximum 800 with the essay separate. Decide on whether you are going to write the essay or not before starting the registration process.

There are SAT subject tests (SAT II) also required by some colleges. These are for one hour, in multiple-choice format designed to test your knowledge in the particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge.

These tests are not administered on all days of the General SATs. So, in case you wish to write the Subject tests, choose your test date carefully. The dates and related information are available in the College Board website.

Registration for the tests must be done only through the website of the College Board. Sign in to your account yourself, meaning others cannot do it for you. You must upload your photo after ensuring it is exactly as per the requirements mentioned in the website. Fill in all the other details asked regarding your name, address and so on. Check and print out your Admission Ticket and keep it safe.

The SAT can be taken for a maximum of three times so plan your first exam date well ahead to allow you time for successive attempts, if needed.

Eligibility for the SAT

The College Board does not specify any specific eligibility criteria. However, since these exams are meant for admission to undergraduate courses, it is expected that students take this exam in their junior or senior high school (equivalent to Classes 11 and 12). Although there is no minimum or maximum age limitations, if a candidate is 12 years or younger he/she can register only through mail.

On the day of the Test, candidates are allowed to enter the exam hall with only a calculator and a No. 2 pencil, along with Admission Ticket and a photo ID.