While many colleges say they are test optional, that’s not the whole story.
Use Your Scores to Your Advantage
Taking the SAT is strong evidence that you're ready for college and have what colleges are looking for. You can choose to only send your best scores to colleges, and many schools will offer merit scholarships based on your scores.
The PSAT/NMSQT Prepared You for This
If you took the PSAT/NMSQT you're already familiar with and prepared for the SAT. Historically, students who took the PSAT/NMSQT score higher on the SAT.
Qualify for Financial Aid & Scholarships
Your SAT score can qualify you for scholarships, get you financial aid offers, and even exempt you from certain classes.
The Benefits of the New Digital SAT
Shorter than before
The Digital SAT is nearly an hour shorter than the paper test, making it a better option for students who struggle with long testing sessions.
Digital: 2 hr 14 min | Paper: ~3 hr
More time per question
Even though the test is shorter, students get more time per question. The Digital SAT averages about 90 seconds per question, compared to 70 seconds on the paper version.
Built-In Calculator
The Digital SAT includes a built-in graphing calculator, available throughout the entire math section, so all students have equal access to tools.
Shorter reading passages
Digital SAT reading passages are shorter and paired with a single question, making them easier to manage than the longer, multi-question passages on the paper test.
Why Should I Practice for the SAT?
Research shows that students who took practice tests had a stronger performance on their SAT. Data from College Board shows completing 1 full-length practice test can lead to an improvement of 25 points on average, and completing 2 or 3 can help you improve further, by 45 or 60 points respectively.
When Should I Start Studying?
AIM College Advisors recommend that students begin studying 2–3 months before their test date, but your ideal timeline depends on your past scores or PSAT results. If you need to improve across several areas—or significantly in a few—you may benefit from starting earlier.
When Should I Take the Test?
The SAT is offered multiple times throughout the year. Many U.S. schools also provide free, school-day testing during the academic year, allowing students to take the PSAT and SAT during the school week at their own high school.