 1.
What is the SAT?*
The SAT is a three hour and forty-five minute test that measures the reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills that students need to succeed academically. The SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800 (one score each for the Math, Critical Reading, and Writing sections). The highest possible combined score is 2400. The test is administered several times a year and is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.
Colleges and universities use the SAT as a primary determinant in the admissions process, and a high SAT score increases your chances of admission to the college of your choice. During the admissions process SAT scores are compared with the scores of other applicants, and scores can also be used as a basis for awarding merit-based financial aid.
Originally, SAT was an acronym for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. In 1993, the test was renamed the SAT I: Reasoning Test. At the same time, the former Achievement Tests were renamed the SAT II: Subject Tests. These days, the letters "SAT" have no direct meaning, but SAT has become a simple way of referring to the SAT I: Reasoning Test.
* Some information drawn from the College Board website.
2.
What is the difference between the new SAT and the old SAT?
In March 2005, the College Board began administering the New SAT to students. The new SAT adds a scored Writing section and expands the topics covered in the Math section. But, to the relief of some students, analogies were dropped from the exam. Despite these changes, the New SAT is not considered more difficult than the old SAT because the concepts tested on the exam still lend themselves to preparation and the rules and standards used to make the test remain the same.
| |
 |
OLD SAT
|
|
NEW SAT
|
| Critical
Reading |
Sentence
Completion
Critical Reading
Analogies |
Sentence
Completion
Critical Reading: Short and long reading passages |
Math |
Number
and Operations
Algebra I and Functions
Geometry, Statistics, Probability, and Data Analysis |
Number
and Operations
Algebra I, II, and Functions;
Geometry, Statistics, Probability, and Data Analysis |
Writing |
No
Test |
Multiple-choice:
Improving sentences and paragraphs and identifying errors
Student-Written Essay: Effectively communicate a viewpoint,
defining and supporting a position |
3. When
should I take the SAT?
PowerScore recommends taking the SAT in the spring of your
junior year. Because the test measures junior-level concepts,
experts advise taking the test as you complete junior-level
courses. Plus, you'll be able to take the test again in the
fall of your senior year.
4.
What does it cost to take the SAT?
The current fee to register for the SAT I is $41.50. Various services related to score reports and student questions are available for an additional fee. Fee waivers are available for disadvantaged students to help defray the costs of the test.
5.
How do I sign up for the SAT?
All registration must be done through the College Board by visiting
www.collegeboard.com
or by calling (609) 771-7600. We recommend registering via the
internet, as scores are released to a student's online account
prior to being mailed.
The SAT
is offered seven times a year. The deadline to register is
about a month prior to each test, but a student can still
register up to two weeks prior to the test, provided they
pay a $21 late fee. Students who want to register after this
point are asked to go to the testing center on the day of
the test; if seats are available, students are admitted on
a first-come, first-serve basis.
 6. Is there a deadline to sign up for the PowerScore SAT course?
There is no official deadline to sign up for our courses, but classes do close due to size limitations. For classes starting in April, students who send in the $100 deposit by late-March should be able to reserve a space without a problem. If you know you are going to sign up for a class but you have not yet sent in your deposit, you can always give us a call and we will place a courtesy hold on a space for you. The hold will ensure that a space in the class is still available for you when your deposit arrives.
7.
Will I lose my entire deposit if I withdraw from the course before
it starts or if I decide to take the SAT later?
No. All but $50 is refundable providing that you withdraw 10 business days prior to the beginning of class.
8.
Should I buy another study book to use before classes start?
In general, you do not need to buy other books because our courses provide comprehensive preparation for the SAT. In class you will learn the optimal techniques for attacking the test, and each lesson contains homework assignments and course supplements to hone your skills. If you have already purchased other study books, our course will help correct any bad habits you may have developed by studying other materials. Also, remember that you will receive The Official Study Guide for the New SAT free with your enrollment in any PowerScore SAT course.
9.
Is financial aid available for PowerScore’s SAT course?
Yes, we offer a variety of payment plans that allow you to reasonably manage the cost of the course.
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