Additional SAT Information

Additional information for the SAT

What is it? The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a national college admissions exam offered by College Board that covers reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as an optional essay portion.  SAT scores are given in Math and Reading/Writing, the maximum score in each area is 800, so overall scores range from 400-1600 on this assessment.  Students will always receive a national percentile ranking and conversion charts are available to compare SAT scores to estimated ACT scores.  It is used by many colleges as one consideration in reaching college admission decisions and scholarship eligibility.  Almost all colleges in the nation that require an admissions exam will accept either the ACT or SAT.

When is the SAT offered this year?  The exam is administered seven times a year and registration deadlines come well in advance of the test date.  Students wishing to take the exam on a national test date may do so at their own expense.  Registration information can be picked up in the guidance office or found online at: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register

  Test Date                                 Registration Deadline

August 24, 2024                          August 9

             October 5, 2024                          September 20 (September 24 - late fee)

             November 2, 2024                       October 18 (October 22 - late fee)

             December 7, 2024                      November 22 (November 26 - late fee)

             March 8, 2025                           February 21 (February 25 - late fee)

             May 3, 2025                                April 18 (April 22 - late fee)

             June 7, 2025                               May 22 (May 27 - late fee)

How can I prepare for the test?

College Board test developers and Khan Academy online learning experts worked together to create official SAT test preparation services that are available for free to any student.  Students should begin by registering with Khan and taking a diagnostic practice test or the PSAT.  The site will then create personalized recommendations for practicing the skills that were most lacking on the practice test.  Students can work through video lessons that explain problems, answer thousands of SAT reviewed questions, and take full-length practice tests.

Students looking for another form of test preparation have a wide variety from which to choose.  There are study books available online and in bookstores, private tutors can be hired to aide in preparation, and local colleges and study centers offer courses targeted at SAT preparation.  Each of these options would entail a cost that would need to be paid by the student.

PSAT

This test is designed by College Board as a practice for the SAT; it's official name is the Preliminary SAT.  The PSAT covers math and evidence-based reading and writing.  It takes almost three hours to complete the PSAT and scores will be on a scale of 200-1520.  The test is offered by FCHS in October for any interested junior.  Results from this test can be uploaded to Khan Academy to assist in creating a personalized study plan.  The test is given at school, on a date determined by College Board, and costs $15.  Interested students can register for and pay the fee in the guidance office.

The 2024 test is offered on Wednesday, October 12. 

The October test is referred to as the PSAT/NMSQT because it also serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship program.  This is a highly prestigious scholarship program that recognizes the very top performers nationally.  Students who score in the top three to five percentiles nationally may be selected to continue in the National Merit Scholarship program.  Invited students would need to take an official SAT and complete an application for the opportunity to be named as a National Merit Scholar.  There is a wide array of scholarships available for these students through various corporations and from specific universities across the country.

What if I can't afford to take the test?

All students will take the SAT in spring of their junior year for free.  If you would like to take the PSAT or an additional SAT, there are fee waivers available.  Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch at school are eligible to receive these waivers, just speak to one of the guidance counselors.

How can I find out more details?  You can always stop by the guidance office to speak with one of the counselors.  More information about the exam, registration details, sample questions and answers, and much more can be found on the College Board website: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat?navId=gh-sat