Many colleges require scores from the »ð±¬ÉçÇø or SAT tests as a part of the admissions process.  Your »ð±¬ÉçÇø score is a key component of your college applications.

»ð±¬ÉçÇø Basics

»ð±¬ÉçÇø Length 2 hrs, 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if taking »ð±¬ÉçÇø with writing)
»ð±¬ÉçÇø Sections
  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Writing (optional)
Cost

US without Writing: $50.50 USD

US with Writing: $67.00 USD

Non-US without Writing: $150.00 USD

Non-US with Writing: $166.50 USD
Max. Score 36
Avg. Score 21

About the »ð±¬ÉçÇø

The »ð±¬ÉçÇø is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by »ð±¬ÉçÇø, Inc.

The purpose of the »ð±¬ÉçÇø test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important »ð±¬ÉçÇø scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.

Overall, the higher you score on the »ð±¬ÉçÇø and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

When should I take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

Most high school students take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The »ð±¬ÉçÇø exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February*, April, June, and July*.  View all upcoming  »ð±¬ÉçÇø test dates.

*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the February or July test dates. No test centers are scheduled in California for the July test date.

What is on the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

There are four »ð±¬ÉçÇø sections:  

  • English
  • Reading
  • Math
  • Science

The »ð±¬ÉçÇø also includes an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Some colleges may require that you complete the »ð±¬ÉçÇø Writing Test. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on our  school profiles.

How long is the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

The »ð±¬ÉçÇø is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.

How is the »ð±¬ÉçÇø scored?

Each section of the »ð±¬ÉçÇø is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. Your composite »ð±¬ÉçÇø score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø with Writing Test, you will receive a separate score on the Writing Test.

Should I take the »ð±¬ÉçÇø or the SAT?

Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or »ð±¬ÉçÇø, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking  both the SAT and »ð±¬ÉçÇø.  Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, »ð±¬ÉçÇø, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed  full-length practice test  of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and »ð±¬ÉçÇø are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Try our  QUIZ: SAT, »ð±¬ÉçÇø, or Both?  to learn more

How do I register for the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

Registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each »ð±¬ÉçÇø test date. You can get registration materials from your school counselor, or you can register online on the 

How can I prep for the »ð±¬ÉçÇø?

We can help. We have  »ð±¬ÉçÇø prep solutions  for every student and every budget.

Take a Free »ð±¬ÉçÇø Practice Test