Currently, the SAT consists of two “halves”: English (reading and writing) and Math (through the end of Algebra II). Each “half” is comprised of two modules, and the second module is generated based on student performance throughout the first module. If they do well, the second module gets noticeably harder. The SAT is scored out of 1600: 800 points for math and 800 points for reading.

The SAT is administered digitally in the Bluebook app, and students are expected to bring their own fully charged device on test day (such as a school-issued Chromebook or personal laptop). Read more about what to bring on test day here.

The Est Institute suggests students spend at least three months preparing for the SAT before their first attempt. Although many students feel they should complete a test without studying to establish a baseline, there are a finite number of opportunities to test throughout the year, and some test dates are better than others. For example, May and June tests align with end-of-year burnout and final exams; the October test can conflict with fall festivities like homecoming and the end of the first quarter. SAT success is all about strategy.

Ultimately, it is unwise to test without preparation as the novelty of the rules, testing environment, exam length, and questions will almost certainly have an adverse effect on student performance. Even a few sessions would increase student familiarity with the test and its content, thus resulting in stronger scores.

Because the SAT evaluates mathematics proficiency through Algebra II, juniors in grade-level math (Algebra II or equivalent in most states) or gifted students on an advanced math track (such as pre-calculus or AP Calculus) may find the SAT particularly challenging. The Est Institute suggests students take the SAT in August after three months of summer preparation following the completion of Algebra II regardless of grade level unless the student will be a senior at the time of the August SAT. In that case, the Est Institute advises students to complete a combined Algebra II and SAT prep course over the summer going into junior year.

The Est Institute also encourages all students to take the SAT at least twice. Most universities will consider students’ best math and English scores as part of their total score—commonly known as superscoring—even if they were achieved on different attempts. Taking it more than once also allows students to conduct targeted practice between tests to improve upon their weaknesses.

Lastly, the Est Institute currently advises against students taking the ACT for several reasons. The SAT was redesigned between the 2023 and 2024 calendar years to be shorter, adaptive, and digital, supported by years of research intended to benefit all students.

Most schools also administer the PSAT on a yearly basis, so most students will already know how the SAT looks and feels. Further, the ACT covers an additional science-based reading comprehension section, which requires additional preparation and will take precious time away from the math and English sections.