📘 SAT Preparation & Registration Guide (2025)

🎯 What is the SAT?

The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It measures skills in:

• Reading

• Writing & Language

• Math (with and without calculator)

• Optional: Essay section (discontinued as of 2021)

As of 2024, the SAT is digital, administered on a computer or tablet at designated testing centers.

🗓️ 1. Registration Details

✅ Where to Register:

• Register online at the College Board official site:
  👉 https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration
  
  

📅 When to Register:

The SAT is offered 7 times per year (March, May, June, August, October, November, December).
Registration usually closes about a month before the test date.

The SAT is offered several times a year, and it's important to register on time to secure your preferred test date and location. 

For the March SAT, the registration deadline is in early February, with mid-February available for late registration. 

The May SAT requires registration by early April, with a late deadline in mid-April. 

For the June test date, register by early May, or mid-May if registering late. 

The August SAT has a deadline in early July, and late registration closes by mid-July. 

To take the test in October, sign up by early September, with late registration extending to mid-September. 

The November SAT requires registration by early October, with a late window open until mid-October. 

Finally, the December SAT has a deadline in early November, with mid-November as the last chance to register late. 

💵 Keep in mind that late registration usually includes an additional fee, so it's best to register early through the College Board website. 

Cost:

• SAT (without Essay): $60

• International testing fees and fee waivers available

📍 Where to Take It:

• Test centers around the U.S. and globally

• Use the Test Center Search Tool
  
  

📚 2. How to Prepare: Resources

✨ Official Resources (Recommended)

1. College Board + Khan Academy (FREE customized prep)
   👉 https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
   Offers personalized practice based on your PSAT/SAT results.

2. Official Digital SAT Practice Tests (NEW FORMAT)
   👉 https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
   
   

3. Bluebook App (Required for Digital SAT)

   • Download and install from:
     👉 https://bluebook.collegeboard.org

   • Includes full-length digital practice tests that mimic the real exam.
     
     

📘 Highly-Rated Prep Books:

• The Official SAT Study Guide (College Board)

• SAT Prep Black Book by Mike Barrett

• Princeton Review’s SAT Premium Prep

• Kaplan SAT Prep Plus
  
  

🧑‍🏫 Online Courses & Tutors:

• Khan Academy (FREE)

• PrepScholar

• Magoosh

• Princeton Review

• Kaplan
  
  

🧪 3. What to Expect on Test Day

📐 Digital SAT Structure (2024 & Beyond)

The Digital SAT is designed to be shorter, more adaptive, and student-friendly. It consists of two main sections: Reading & Writing, and Math. The Reading & Writing section lasts for 64 minutes and includes 54 questions, divided into two 32-minute modules. This section evaluates a student's ability to comprehend texts, analyze arguments, and apply grammar and language rules.

The Math section runs for 70 minutes with a total of 44 questions, also split into two 35-minute modules. It covers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, and geometry. Unlike the old SAT format, a calculator is allowed on all math questions, which is a major change that benefits many students.

The total testing time for the Digital SAT is 134 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Additionally, the Digital SAT uses an adaptive format: the second module in each section is tailored to your performance on the first module. This means that how you perform in the first half of a section will influence the difficulty level of the second half.

Students are required to use the Bluebook app to take the test. The app can be installed on a device provided by the school or test center, or on a personal device if approved by the College Board. This digital format enhances test security and flexibility, while maintaining fairness and standardized scoring.

📝 4. Practice & Mock Tests (FREE Links)

🖥️ Official Digital Practice Tests

1. Full-length digital SAT (via Bluebook):
   👉 https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests

2. Khan Academy Practice by Topic:
   👉 https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

3. Online Practice Questions:

   • Reading & Writing: Link

   • Math: Link

🧠 5. Tips for Success

📅 Timeline Planning:

• 3–6 months before: Follow a study schedule (2–3 hours/week minimum)

• 1 month before: Take full-length mock tests weekly

• 1 week before: Review strategies & relax

🔑 Study Tips:

• Focus on weak areas (use diagnostic tools)

• Practice under timed conditions

• Learn SAT-specific strategies (elimination, skipping, time management)

• Review your mistakes thoroughly

😴 The Night Before:

• Sleep early

• Pack your ID, admission ticket, approved calculator, and snacks
  
  

❓ 6. FAQs

Q: Can I retake the SAT?

 Yes, you can take it multiple times. Most students take it 2–3 times.

Q: Is the SAT still important?

 Yes, especially for scholarships and competitive colleges, though many schools are now test-optional.

Q: What if I can't afford the fees?

Apply for a fee waiver via your school counselor or College Board:
👉 Fee Waiver Info