About the SAT: Complete Guide to the Digital SAT and PSAT/NMSQT

1. Craft and Structure (~28% of questions)

What it tests: Vocabulary in context, rhetorical synthesis, and text structure/purpose

Sample question types:

• Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
• What is the main purpose of the text?
• Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence?
• Both texts discuss [topic]. How would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to Text 1?

2. Information and Ideas (~26% of questions)

What it tests: Reading comprehension, textual evidence, inferences, and data interpretation

Sample question types:

• Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
• Based on the text, what can be inferred about [topic]?
• Which quotation from the text most effectively illustrates the claim?
• Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?

3. Standard English Conventions (~26% of questions)

What it tests: Grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage

Sample question types:

• Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
• Identify proper punctuation usage (commas, semicolons, colons, dashes)
• Subject-verb agreement and pronoun-antecedent agreement
• Verb tense, mood, and voice consistency

4. Expression of Ideas (~20% of questions)

What it tests: Rhetorical effectiveness, transitions, and logical flow

Sample question types:

• Which choice most logically completes the text?
• Which choice provides the most effective transition?
• Which choice best accomplishes the writer's goal?
• Which choice maintains the text's focus on [topic]?

1. Don't Skip the Passage

Even though passages are short, you must read them carefully. The correct answer always has textual support—never rely on outside knowledge.

2. Manage Your Time Wisely

You have about 1 minute and 11 seconds per question. Don't spend too long on any single question—mark it and return if needed.

3. Eliminate Obviously Wrong Answers

Use process of elimination. Cross out choices that are clearly incorrect, then compare the remaining options.

4. Watch for Grammar Traps

In Standard English Conventions questions, read the entire sentence aloud mentally to catch errors in agreement, tense, or punctuation.

5. Use the Built-in Tools

Take advantage of the annotation tool to underline key phrases, the strikethrough feature to eliminate answers, and the timer to pace yourself.

Passage:

The scientist's findings were so _______ that they challenged decades of accepted theory and prompted immediate debate in the academic community.

Question:

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?

A) conventional
B) provocative
C) ambiguous
D) predictable

Analysis:

Context clues: The findings "challenged decades of accepted theory" and "prompted immediate debate"—this suggests the findings were controversial or groundbreaking.

Why each answer works or doesn't:

• A) conventional – Wrong. Conventional findings wouldn't challenge accepted theory.
• B) provocative – ✓ Correct. Provocative means causing thought or controversy.
• C) ambiguous – Wrong. Unclear findings wouldn't necessarily prompt debate.
• D) predictable – Wrong. Predictable findings wouldn't challenge existing theory.

Answer: B) provocative

Passage:

Coral reefs, often called "rainforests of the sea," support approximately 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. Recent studies show that rising ocean temperatures threaten these ecosystems: when water becomes too warm, corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing coral bleaching. Without intervention, scientists predict that 90% of coral reefs could disappear by 2050.

Question:

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

A) Coral reefs are home to more species than rainforests.
B) Rising ocean temperatures pose a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems.
C) Coral bleaching occurs when algae are expelled from coral tissues.
D) Scientists are working to prevent the extinction of marine species.

Analysis:

Strategy: Identify what the passage emphasizes most. While it mentions coral reef importance, the focus shifts to the threat they face.

Evaluation:

• A) Too narrow and incorrect comparison
• B) ✓ Captures the passage's main concern about temperature threats
• C) A supporting detail, not the main idea
• D) Not mentioned in the passage

Answer: B)

💡 Tip: The main idea is usually supported by multiple sentences, not just one detail.

Passage:

Marie Curie made groundbreaking discoveries in _______ she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences.

Question:

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A) radioactivity, furthermore,
B) radioactivity;
C) radioactivity, and
D) radioactivity

Analysis:

Structure recognition: The sentence contains two independent clauses that need proper connection.

Evaluation:

• A) Incorrect—creates a comma splice
• B) ✓ Correct—semicolon properly joins two related independent clauses
• C) Incorrect—"and" alone without coordination creates an awkward construction
• D) Incorrect—creates a run-on sentence

Answer: B)

💡 Tip: Semicolons connect two complete, related thoughts. If both sides can stand alone as sentences, a semicolon works.

Passage:

Many people believe that bats are blind. _______ bats actually have excellent vision and use echolocation in addition to, not instead of, their eyesight to navigate in the dark.

Question:

Which choice most logically completes the text?

A) Similarly,
B) In contrast,
C) For example,
D) Therefore,

Analysis:

Logical flow: The first sentence states a common misconception. The second sentence contradicts it with factual information.

Transition analysis:

• A) Similarly – Wrong. Suggests agreement, but the sentences contradict
• B) In contrast – ✓ Correct. Shows the opposing relationship between myth and fact
• C) For example – Wrong. The second sentence isn't an example of the first
• D) Therefore – Wrong. Implies causation that doesn't exist

Answer: B) In contrast,

💡 Tip: Transition words reveal relationships: addition (furthermore), contrast (however), cause/effect (therefore), or examples (for instance).

Text 1:

Urban gardens provide city residents with access to fresh produce while reducing food transportation emissions. These community spaces also foster social connections and improve mental health.

Text 2:

While urban gardens offer benefits, their small scale means they cannot meaningfully address food security issues in major cities. Large-scale agricultural reforms and improved distribution systems are more effective solutions.

Question:

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the claims in Text 1?

A) By agreeing that urban gardens improve mental health but questioning their environmental impact
B) By acknowledging some advantages but arguing that urban gardens cannot solve larger food system problems
C) By disputing that community spaces foster social connections
D) By proposing that transportation emissions are not a significant concern

Analysis:

Understanding both perspectives: Text 1 is positive about urban gardens; Text 2 acknowledges benefits but emphasizes limitations.

Response evaluation:

• A) Misrepresents Text 2's critique
• B) ✓ Accurately captures Text 2's nuanced position: benefits exist, but scale is insufficient
• C) Too extreme—Text 2 doesn't dispute social benefits
• D) Not addressed in Text 2

Answer: B)

💡 Tip: In comparison questions, look for answer choices that accurately represent both texts' positions without exaggerating differences or similarities.

❓ How is the SAT scored?

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400–1600. Your total score is the sum of two section scores: Reading and Writing (200–800) and Math (200–800). Each section score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly—there's no penalty for wrong answers, so always guess if you're unsure.

❓ When should I take the SAT?

Most students take the SAT in the spring of junior year or fall of senior year. The SAT is offered seven times per year (August, October, November, December, March, May, and June). Plan to take it at least once during junior year to leave time for retakes if needed.

❓ Can I use a calculator on the entire SAT?

Yes! On the digital SAT, you can use the built-in Desmos graphing calculator for the entire Math section. You can also bring your own approved calculator if you prefer. Calculators are not needed for the Reading and Writing section.

❓ What is a good SAT score?

It depends on your target colleges. The national average is around 1050. For competitive schools, aim for 1200+; for highly selective schools (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT), aim for 1450+. Research the middle 50% score ranges for your target schools.

❓ How many times can I take the SAT?

You can take the SAT as many times as you'd like, but most students take it 2-3 times. Many colleges use Score Choice or superscore (taking your highest section scores across all test dates), so retaking can improve your overall profile.

❓ Is the SAT required for college admissions?

It depends on the college. Many schools have adopted test-optional or test-blind policies, meaning SAT scores are not required or not considered. However, submitting strong scores can still strengthen your application. Check each school's admissions requirements.

❓ How long does it take to get SAT scores?

Digital SAT scores are typically available within 5-7 days after your test date. You'll receive an email notification when your scores are ready to view in your College Board account.

❓ What should I bring on SAT test day?

Required: Admission ticket, acceptable photo ID, approved calculator (optional but recommended), fully charged laptop or tablet (if testing digitally at some locations). Not allowed: Cell phones, smartwatches, notes, food in testing room.

Recognition Levels:

• Commended Students (~34,000 students): Score in top 3-4% nationally
• Semifinalists (~16,000 students): Score in top 1% in their state (cutoffs vary by state)
• Finalists (~15,000 students): Semifinalists who meet additional requirements
• Scholars (~7,500 students): Finalists who receive National Merit Scholarships

1️⃣ Take Practice Tests

Download Bluebook™ (College Board's official app) and complete full-length adaptive practice tests. This familiarizes you with the digital interface, timing, and built-in tools.

2️⃣ Focus on Weak Areas

After each practice test, review your results to identify patterns. Spend extra time on the content domains where you struggle most (e.g., grammar rules, vocabulary, specific math topics).

3️⃣ Build Vocabulary

Learn high-frequency SAT words in context. Focus on words with multiple meanings and practice using context clues to determine the correct meaning.

4️⃣ Master Grammar Rules

Study core grammar concepts: subject-verb agreement, pronoun agreement, verb tenses, comma rules, semicolons, and parallelism. These appear consistently on every test.

5️⃣ Use Official Resources

Khan Academy (official partner) offers free, personalized SAT prep with thousands of practice questions. College Board also provides free practice tests and sample questions.

6️⃣ Create a Study Schedule

Consistency matters more than cramming. Aim for 30–60 minutes of focused practice 4–5 days per week for 2–3 months before your test date.