Did you know that the SAT Exam is a widely accepted standardized test used by universities in over 85 countries, including the US? If you are planning to take the SAT, understanding its format and duration is crucial for effective preparation.
The new Digital SAT lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, which is significantly shorter than the previous paper-based exam. Despite this time reduction, the exam continues to evaluate essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, reading, analytical skills, mathematical reasoning, grammar, and language proficiency.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the SAT’s format, including its duration, sections, and total number of questions.
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How Long is the Digital SAT Test?
The SAT exam is a fully digital exam for all students. Previously, the exam was paper-based but transitioned to a digital format in 2023.
How long is the SAT Test? The digital SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long while the paper-based was 3 hours and 14 minutes long.
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What Can You Expect on the Test Day?
- Doors open at 7:45 AM: Test centers open at 7:45 AM and close at 8 AM. You will not be admitted once the doors close and testing has begun. Therefore, test takers are advised to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- Testing starts: The test will begin between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM. The exam supervisor will assign a seat and a start code. Enter the start code to start the exam.
- Submission: The SAT exam is generally completed before noon, unless time is extended due to various reasons. When the test is over, the answers are automatically submitted.
How Many Questions Are on The SAT?
If you are wondering ‘how many questions are on the SAT’, the answer is 98. The SAT exam is divided into two sections – Reading & Writing and Math. Each section is subdivided into 2 modules, in which the first module consists of a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how you perform on these questions, the difficulty level of the second module will be determined. Here’s the structure of the SAT exam:
| Sections | Time Allotted | Total Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 64 minutes | 54 (Multiple-Choice Questions) |
| Math | 70 minutes | 44 (Most of the questions are Multiple-Choice Questions but some questions require test takers to write answers) |
| Total number of questions and time duration | 134 minutes (2 hours 14 minutes) | 98 |
Let’s have a breakdown of each section.
Reading And Writing Section
Here’s the structure of the Reading and Writing Section:
| Modules | No. of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | 27 | 32 minutes |
| Module 2 | 27 | 32 minutes |
| Total Questions | 54 | 64 minutes |
What are the Topics Covered in Both Modules?
There are 4 topics in each module. They cover the same topics but vary in difficulty level. Here’s a breakdown of the topics covered in both modules.
| Topic | Approximate number of questions per topic across both modules | Approximate time per question across both modules | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craft and Structure | 6-7 | 1 minute 10 seconds | Understanding the text and word meanings. |
| Information and Ideas | 6-7 | 1 minute 10 seconds | Reading comprehension and analyzing the passage. |
| Standard English Conventions | 6-7 | 1 minute 10 seconds | Focus on grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. |
| Expression of Ideas | 6-7 | 1 minute 10 seconds | The topic tests your ability to refine sentences for better logic, flow, and impact. |
** The table highlights that each topic has 6-7 questions in each module. With 4 topics and two modules in total, the Reading and Writing section has 54 questions overall.
Math Section
Here’s the structure of the Math Section:
| Modules | No. of Questions | Time |
| Module 1 | 22 | 35 minutes |
| Module 2 | 22 | 35 minutes |
| Total Number of Questions | 44 | 70 |
What are the Topics Covered in Both Modules?
There are 4 topics in each module. They cover the same topics but vary in difficulty level. Here’s a breakdown of the topics covered in both modules.
| Topic | Approximate number of questions per topic across both modules | Approximate time per question across both modules | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | 7-8 | 1 minute 35 seconds | Linear questions, inequalities, systems of equations, and other concepts. |
| Advanced Math | 6-7 | 1 minute 35 seconds | Quadratic equations, polynomials, functions, and other concepts. |
| Problem Solving & Data Analysis | 4-5 | 1 minute 35 seconds | Ratios, percentages, statistics, probability, and other concepts. |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | 2-3 | 1 minute 35 seconds | Angles, circles, trigonometry ratios, and other concepts. |
Tips on How to Manage Time for Reading and Writing Section
- Answer the easy questions. Don’t get stuck on tough questions. Mark the tough questions and return later to answer them.
- Skim the passage to understand the main idea. Remember, if a question is about a specific line, don’t read the entire passage, instead go directly to the specific line.
- When it comes to grammar and sentence structure questions, don’t overanalyze. Believe in your instincts and answer them quickly.
- The process of elimination method is highly effective here since all the questions are multiple-choice questions. By eliminating the wrong answers, you increase your chances of finding the right answer. Even if you cannot find the right answer, an educated guess can be beneficial, as there is no penalty for guessing.
Tips on How to Manage Time for Math Section
- When handling algebra questions, try plugging in answer choices for faster solutions, instead of manually solving these questions.
- Tables and graphs are key components of problem-solving and data analysis. While skimming them, identify the trends and patterns to solve questions more quickly.
- Memorize the key formulas such as quadratic formulas, exponent rules, and others to tackle advanced math quickly. Another way is by plugging in values to solve advanced math quickly.
- Memorize the geometry rules such as Pythagorean theory, and properties of triangles and circles. This can significantly help you solve geometry and trigonometry questions quickly.
- When handling student-response questions, you may encounter fractions. In such cases, avoid converting fractions into decimals. Doing this can make calculations complex, waste time, and increase the risk of errors.
Conclusion
The SAT exam lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes, with two sections: one section of 60 minutes and the other of 74 minutes. This makes it more manageable compared to the earlier paper-based exam. To succeed in this test, you need to prepare well and practice effective time management. Additionally, understanding the exam structure – which we have detailed – will help you in your preparation for the test.
FAQs
The SAT Math section is 70 minutes long. The section consists of two modules: Module 1 and Module 2 are each 35 minutes long.
The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600. Each section in the SAT, i.e., Maths and Reading & Writing Section scores range from 200 to 800. A good score in both the sections is 603.
The SAT registration fee is $68. For an international student, $43 additional fee is added to the registration fee.
A Digital SAT Bluebook is the application on which students have to take the SAT exam. Additionally, the app provides students with access to admission tickets, practice tests, and many other useful resources to help students prepare for the exam.