1. Introduction

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test designed to assess a candidate’s readiness for college-level education, focusing on critical skills such as Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. First administered in 1926 in the United States, the SAT has evolved over the years and is now recognized by universities worldwide, including those in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea. In Vietnam, IIG Vietnam is authorized by the College Board to administer the SAT test.

2. ADVANTAGES OF THE SAT

• The SAT provides a precise assessment of a student’s academic capabilities, enabling individuals to identify their areas of strength and improvement.
• Securing a high SAT score plays a crucial role in fulfilling one’s aspiration of attending their dream college.
• It unlocks the door to educational opportunities at renowned universities across the United States, Canada, Australia, and several other nations.

3. Who Should Take the SAT?

The SAT is ideal for high school students aspiring to study in the United States or at institutions worldwide that recognize SAT scores. Additionally, it is important for students to possess proficient English language skills, as the entirety of the SAT content is presented in English, requiring the ability to comprehend and respond to the questions effectively.

4. TEST CONTENT

Beginning in March 2023, the College Board transitioned the SAT from its traditional paper format to a digital platform, introducing the Digital SAT. The SAT assesses a candidate’s capabilities in reasoning, analysis, and problem-solving across mathematics, reading comprehension, and writing. It comprises two primary sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.

* The Reading and Writing and the Math sections of the SAT are each split into two modules. These modules are of equal duration and are timed independently. Candidates have the flexibility to navigate forwards or backwards through questions within the same module for the duration allocated. Upon the expiration of the allotted time, the exam software will automatically proceed to the subsequent module.

There is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how students perform on the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.

5. REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR THE SAT

Students can easily locate test centers using the College Board’s online search tool by visiting the SAT Test Center Search. Here, candidates can enter their preferred test date and location to find the nearest available centers.

In the event of emergencies or force majeure circumstances such as natural disasters, fires, or severe weather the test center where a candidate is registered may be closed. Therefore, candidates are advised to consult the SAT Test Center Closings page in advance of their scheduled test date.

The College Board has also published official SAT test dates and registration deadlines for the 2024–2025 academic year, allowing students to plan their preparation and registration accordingly. Visit SAT Dates and Deadlines to view all upcoming test dates and corresponding deadlines.

Once you’ve selected a suitable test center and date, register online through My SAT portal by creating an account and following the provided instructions. The registration fee can be paid via credit card. All SAT-related activities including test registration, score reporting to universities, and viewing scores are managed through this account. Upon successful registration, you’ll receive a registration number and an admission ticket.

Before Test Day:

Candidates are required to prepare their own devices for the test, which can include a laptop, tablet, laptop, or iPad.

For specific requirements, students should refer to the official SAT Device Requirements.

It is mandatory to download the Bluebook™ application, the official platform used to take the test. Detailed download and setup instructions are available at Bluebook (collegeboard.org).

Within 1–5 days before test day, students must complete the setup process on their device. This step ensures device compatibility, downloads the required testing materials, and provides access to the Admission Ticket.

On Test Day:

Candidates are expected to arrive at the testing location 30 minutes before the exam start-time to complete the check-in process. They must bring the following items:

• Admission Ticket
• A valid passport or National ID card (Note: for international candidates taking the test in Vietnam, only a valid passport will be accepted)         
• The TESTING device, along with its charger, if applicable

Please refer to the SAT ID Requirements on the College Board website for details about acceptable identification, valid names, and photo requirements.

During the Math section, candidates may use four-function, scientific, or graphing calculators. However, any additional devices, apart from those using the Bluebook software, that have internet access, recording, broadcasting, or video recording capabilities, detachable keyboards or electronic pens, personal digital assistants, or devices generating noise, using electricity, or containing paper tape, are strictly prohibited.

6. TEST RESULTS

Candidates can access their scores via the account created on https://mysat.collegeboard.org approximately two weeks following the test date. Additionally, score reports can be sent to universities in the United States or elsewhere as required.

SAT Score reports remain valid for a period of five years.