The SAT: Your Complete Guide to the College Entrance Exam

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized exam widely used for college admissions in the United States and accepted by many universities worldwide. Administered by the College Board, the SAT assesses a student’s readiness for college by testing key skills in evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics. It has two main sections, one combining Reading and Writing (often called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) and one in Math. Each section is scored from 200 to 800, for a total score range of 400 to 1600.

Since its debut in 1926, the SAT’s format and name have evolved (originally the Scholastic Aptitude Test), but its core purpose remains the same: to measure college readiness. Almost 2 million U.S. high school graduates take the SAT each year, and thousands of international students, including many from Nepal, register annually as they plan to study abroad.

The SAT tests skills typically taught in high school: critical reading, grammar and writing, and math (up to pre-calculus level). The digital SAT, introduced internationally in 2023, is entirely computer-based and adaptive through the College Board’s Bluebook app. Prior to 2023, the SAT was a paper-based exam; the new format uses shorter timing (2 hours 14 minutes total) and adapts to the test-taker’s ability. Both versions share the same scoring scale.

SAT Exam Format and Content

The SAT is divided into two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Each section is split into two modules, with a short break in between.

Reading & Writing tests comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary through passages and writing questions.
Math covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, and some trigonometry. Some questions allow a calculator, others do not.

In the current digital format, test-takers have 64 minutes to answer Reading/Writing questions and 70 minutes for Math, totaling 2 hours and 14 minutes. Most questions are multiple-choice, though the Math section may include a few “grid-in” (student-produced answer) questions.

Both sections are taken in order with a 10-minute break in between. In Nepal and other countries, official SAT test centers are usually in major cities like Kathmandu and Lalitpur. It is important to arrive with proper ID and admissions ticket; testing rules allow no cell phones or unauthorized materials.

SAT Scoring and Grading

The SAT score scale runs from 400 to 1600, combining the two section scores. Each section yields a scaled score of 200 to 800.

For example, if you earn 650 on Math and 700 on Reading/Writing, your total SAT score is 1350. There are no penalties for guessing, so you earn points only for correct answers.

The national average SAT score is about 1050. Anything above this is technically “above average,” but most selective schools admit students with much higher scores.

A total score of 1200 to 1300 puts you roughly in the top 25 percent of test-takers, which is competitive for many state universities and moderately selective colleges.
A score around 1400 to 1500 is very strong and above the 90th percentile.
Top-tier universities (Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, etc.) generally see admitted averages in the 1500 to 1600 range.

On your official score report, you will also see percentiles. A percentile tells you what percentage of peers scored below you. For example, a 75th percentile score means you scored higher than 75 percent of test-takers.

How to Prepare for the SAT

Good preparation is key to a high SAT score. Experts recommend starting several months in advance, especially if English is not your first language or if you need math review.

Study resources:

The College Board partners with Khan Academy to offer free SAT practice online.
Many students use prep books (such as Barron’s or Princeton Review) and take prep courses or join study groups.
In Nepal, reputable coaching centers and tutoring services run SAT classes and bootcamps.

Practice with tests:

Regular timed practice is one of the most important steps.
Take official practice exams to track progress. (Use websites like Bluebook.plus)
Review every mistake and understand why you got it wrong.

Test strategies:

Learn pacing so you know how much time to spend on each question.
Use educated guessing, since there is no penalty for wrong answers.
Spot keywords in Reading passages.
Memorize math formulas and practice grid-in questions.

Plan ahead:

Register early for your desired test date and center.
Prepare all required IDs and rules for test day.
Take practice tests in real exam conditions to build stamina.

What SAT Score Do Top Colleges Look For?

If you are aiming for the most competitive universities such as the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, or top public colleges, you will need a very high SAT score. A good benchmark is to target the 75th percentile of admitted students at your dream schools.

Ivy League and top private universities often require SAT scores in the upper 1400s to 1600 range. A score around 1550 puts you near the top of admitted students.
Top public universities like UCLA or Michigan admit students with scores typically above 1400 to 1450, with higher requirements for international students.
Selective liberal arts colleges usually expect 1400 and above.

Less selective colleges or those with test-optional policies admit a wider range of scores. Always check each college’s “middle 50 percent” SAT range.

In general, any score above the national average of 1050 is a good start, but for top-tier colleges you will want much higher.

Key Takeaways

The SAT is a globally offered college admissions test, now computer-based and adaptive.
It covers Reading/Writing and Math, each scored 200 to 800, with a total of 400 to 1600.
The national average is about 1050, but top schools expect 1500 or higher.
Prep early using official practice tests and Khan Academy, consider classes or tutors, and practice time management.
In Nepal, the SAT is offered in Kathmandu and Lalitpur, with thousands of Nepali students taking it each year.

By understanding the format, practicing strategically, and setting a target score based on your college list, you can improve your SAT performance. A strong SAT score opens doors, so study smart and give yourself plenty of time to prepare.