The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a globally recognised, standardised test for university admissions, particularly in the United States. It evaluates your reading, writing, and mathematics skills to measure your academic readiness for higher education.
In 2024, more than 1.9M high school students took the SAT, highlighting its continued relevance in the academic world. As many Ivy League schools have reinstated their standardised test requirements, the SAT has become an important component of university admissions.
For Indian students like yourself aspiring to study abroad, understanding the purpose of the SAT exam is essential, as it not only opens doors to prestigious institutions but also equips them with the skills necessary for success in higher education. Read on to find out the purpose of the SAT exam.
What is the Purpose of the SAT Exam?
The SAT serves as a benchmark to evaluate students from diverse educational systems. The SAT exam aims to provide universities with a reliable and standardised way to assess your readiness for university-level coursework.
This exam helps you demonstrate your academic potential to admissions committees, making you a competitive candidate. For Indian students, it acts as a bridge to access higher education opportunities abroad.
Moreover, the purpose of the SAT exam extends to securing scholarships, helping you reduce tuition costs while showcasing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Benefits of the SAT Exam in 2025
The SAT offers flexibility. You can take it multiple times and send your best score to universities, ensuring you have the chance to improve your performance.
The exam, designed with the purpose of the SAT exam in mind, is held seven times a year, allowing you to choose a test date that fits your preparation and schedule.
Here are some additional benefits of the SAT exam.
- Scholarship Opportunities: A high SAT score can help you secure merit-based scholarships, making education abroad more affordable.
- Flexibility: With multiple test dates each year, you can plan and prepare at your own pace.
- Global Recognition: SAT scores are accepted by top institutions in the US, UK, Canada, and other countries.
- Superscoring Advantage: Some universities allow you to combine your best scores from different attempts, giving you an extra edge.
Advantages of the SAT Exam for Study Abroad
Over 4,000 colleges and universities worldwide accept SAT scores, making the SAT a key credential for international students. The purpose of the SAT exam is to provide a standardised evaluation, offering significant advantages for those planning to study abroad.
Here are the advantages of the SAT exam for you to study abroad.
- Standardised Evaluation: SAT scores offer a uniform benchmark for universities to assess applicants from different educational backgrounds.
- Access to Elite Institutions: Many globally renowned universities, including those in the UK and Australia, use SAT scores as part of their admissions criteria.
- Improved Admission Chances: A strong SAT score strengthens your profile, complementing your grades and extracurricular achievements.
- Convenience for Indian Students: With multiple test centres in India, it’s easier than ever for you to take the SAT close to home.
Now that you know the benefits and advantages of the SAT exam, it is time to learn how the SAT scores will impact your scholarship opportunities.
How SAT Scores Impact Scholarship Opportunities?
Did you know? Many universities offer merit-cum-need-based scholarships for students who excel in the SAT, with opportunities opening up when you score 1300 or higher.
The purpose of the SAT exam also includes helping you showcase your academic potential, making it a valuable tool to reduce tuition costs significantly!
Here are the types of scholarships you can bag!
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Many universities use SAT scores to evaluate candidates for merit-based financial aid. For example, scoring 1400+ can make you eligible for partial or complete tuition waivers.
For instance, the Texas Tech University Presidential Merit Scholarship offers varying amounts to students with strong SAT scores (typically above 1100). - Indian-Specific Scholarships: Several global institutions offer special scholarships for Indian students with strong SAT performance, easing your financial burden.
For example, income-eligible students residing in India who achieve a total SAT score of 1300 or higher may qualify for a merit-cum-need scholarship at participating universities under the India Scholars Program.
- Private Scholarships: Organisations like the College Board’s India Scholars Program provide additional funding for students with high SAT scores.
- Improved Access to Elite Institutions: A competitive SAT score can qualify you for prestigious scholarships at top-ranked universities.
Now that you know how SAT scores impact scholarships, it is time to learn about some of the top SAT scholarships available for Indian students.
| Scholarship Name | Award (Lumpsum) |
|---|---|
| College Board Scholarship Program | USD 1K to USD 5K (INR 85K to INR 4.2L) |
| APIA Scholarship | USD 2.5K to USD 5K (INR 2.2L to INR 4.2L) |
| ISS – International Student Scholarship | USD 1K to USD 3K (INR 85K to INR 2.5L) |
| The American Indian College Fund Scholarship | Up to USD 5K (INR 4.2L) |
| ACFE Foundation Scholarship | Maximum USD 10K (INR 8.5L) |
Explore all countries
Top Universities/Colleges Accepting SAT Scores
Did you know that many top colleges prefer between 1200 and 1500 SAT scores? These colleges/universities consider the SAT scores to be strong academic readiness and potential indicators.
Below is a table of popular universities that accept SAT scores and their average requirements
| Country | Top Universities | Average SAT Score Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Harvard University | 1500+ |
| United States | Stanford University | 1500-1560 |
| United Kingdom | University College London (UCL) | 1300+ |
| Canada | University of British Columbia | 1250–1420 |
| Australia | University of Melbourne | 1200+ |
Choosing the right university involves aligning your SAT score with the institution’s expectations, giving you a clear pathway to success.
Preparation Tips to Achieve the Desired Score to Apply for 2026 Intakes
Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, but achieving your desired score is possible with the right approach. Regular practice can lead to significant improvements, with many students improving their scores by 100+ points.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
Understand the Test Format
Start by familiarising yourself with the exam’s structure, including the sections, scoring system, and time limits. This will help you feel more confident and reduce surprises on test day.
2. Take Practice Tests
The key to improvement is practice. Use official SAT practice materials to simulate actual test conditions. Regular testing helps pinpoint your weak areas and gives you a clear path to improvement.
3. Master Time Management
Balancing speed and accuracy is essential for the SAT. Develop strategies to manage your time effectively to complete each section confidently without rushing.
4. Enrol in Professional Coaching
Professional coaching can create personalised study plans tailored to your needs. Expert guidance ensures you focus on the right areas and receive the support you need to succeed.
By following these tips and staying consistent with your preparation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the score you need for the 2026 intakes.
SAT Leap Coaching
Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, but with Leap Scholar’s expert coaching, you can confidently aim for a 1500+ score.
Here’s what Leap’s SAT coaching offers:
- 1:1 Personalised Classes: Expert tutors customise lessons to suit your needs.
- 100+ Mock Tests: Practice exams that simulate the actual SAT experience.
- Exclusive Study Materials: Comprehensive resources designed for effective prep.
- Performance Feedback: Detailed analysis to help you improve in every section.
The flexible program lets you plan your schedule over 3 to 8 weeks. Start your journey to success with Leap today!
The SAT is a globally recognised test that helps Indian students access top universities and scholarships abroad. With benefits like flexible test dates, super scoring, and global acceptance, it’s a key step for your study-abroad journey. The SAT exam aims to showcase your academic readiness and unlock opportunities for higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q. What is the purpose of the SAT exam?
Ans. The SAT exam is primarily required for college admissions, especially in the United States. It helps universities assess students’ academic readiness. The SAT exam aims to measure critical reading, writing, and mathematical skills, which are essential for academic success.
-
Q. Is the SAT useful for Indian students?
Ans. The SAT is helpful for Indian students looking to pursue undergraduate education abroad, particularly in the United States. The purpose of the SAT exam is to provide universities with a standardised measure of a student’s academic abilities, which can be important for admissions and scholarships.
-
Q. What are the benefits of the SAT exam?
Ans. The benefit of the SAT is that it allows students to showcase their academic strengths, helping them gain admission to competitive colleges. The purpose of the SAT exam is also to standardise student assessment across diverse educational systems, making it easier for universities to compare candidates.
-
Q. Which countries accept the SAT?
Ans. The SAT is widely accepted in countries such as the United States, Canada, and other international institutions. The purpose of the SAT exam is to offer a universal evaluation tool for students applying to universities, regardless of their national origin.
-
Q. Who is eligible for the SAT exam?
Ans. The SAT exam is open to high school students and individuals planning to apply for undergraduate programs. There are no specific age restrictions, making the SAT accessible to a wide range of students aiming to meet the purpose of the SAT exam.
-
Q. How to prepare for the SAT?
Ans. Preparation for the SAT involves studying the test format, taking practice tests, and reviewing subjects like maths, reading, and writing. Using study guides and attending prep courses can also enhance performance, all aimed at improving your ability to meet the purpose of the SAT exam.
-
Q. How many attempts for the SAT?
Ans. Students can take the SAT as many times as they like, but most take it twice or thrice to achieve their best score. Each attempt offers the opportunity to improve, ensuring that the purpose of the SAT exam is fully realised in terms of academic assessment.
-
Q. Does SAT give scholarships?
Ans. While the SAT itself does not provide scholarships, high SAT scores can make students eligible for merit-based scholarships at many universities. The purpose of the SAT exam is to help students qualify for financial aid opportunities based on academic merit.
-
Q. What’s a good SAT score?
Ans. A good SAT score typically ranges from 1200 to 1600, depending on the university’s requirements. A higher score enhances a student’s chances of admission to top universities, showcasing the purpose of the SAT exam as a key factor in the selection process.
-
Q. How long is the SAT exam?
Ans. The SAT exam lasts approximately 3 hours, with an additional 50 minutes for the optional essay section. The purpose of the SAT exam is to evaluate a student’s academic proficiency efficiently within this time frame.
-
Q. Can I retake the SAT?
Ans. Yes, students can retake the SAT to improve their scores. Many students choose to retake the exam to achieve a higher score, fully utilising the advantages of the SAT exam for better college admissions.
Have Questions? Get Guidance to reach your Dream University
Connect with India's finest counsellors and biggest study abroad community.
Get Guidance