SAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2024: Section-wise SAT Format

Updated on Nov 20, 2024, 10:35

Preparing for the SAT exam is a trip down memory lane because most of the SAT exam syllabus is derived from what you studied in high school!

SAT, an internationally recognised exam, is mandatory by most universities in the US and Canada. The SAT exam syllabus is designed to evaluate how ready you are for a university-level education (typically, undergraduate level).

Let’s discuss the SAT Syllabus in detail!

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1. Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Latest Updates

The SAT exam is now available in a shorter and improved version!

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2. Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern 2024

The SAT exam syllabus comprises two parts: writing, reading, and Math.

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3. Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Reading & Writing

The Reading and Writing section of the SAT exam is designed to test the following skills.

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4. Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Math

Math is a big part of university education.

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Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Latest Updates

SAT has been made a 2-hour long test (formerly 3 hours). The new format also comes with major changes in the SAT exam syllabus. Here’s what we know:

SAT is now completely digital. This means that the test will be taken on a laptop/computer.
The reading passages are now shorter, and each passage will have a single question.
You can now use calculators for the Math section.
The exam is now an adaptive test. The questions and difficulty level will change based on your answers.

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern

These three sections aim to evaluate your unique skills in these areas!

The SAT exam is 2 hours and 14 minutes long and is divided like this:

SAT Exam Syllabus	Duration
Reading and Writing	64-minute section with 54 questions (1 minute 11 seconds per question)
Break (10 minutes)
Math	70-minute section with 44 questions (1 minute 35 seconds per question)

The SAT exam syllabus mainly features MCQs. However, some questions in the Math section may require you to enter the answer rather than select it.

We did mention that the Digital SAT exam is now an adaptive test. Here’s how that works:

Both sections of the SAT exam are divided into two modules of equal length.
The first module of each section will contain easy, medium and some hard questions.
The SAT exam monitors how you do in the first module, and based on that, the questions for the second module are decided.
For instance, if you struggle to answer questions in the first round, you will most likely be asked easier questions in the second module.
If you aced the first module easily, prepare for some challenging questions in the second module.

Note: The essay section, previously part of the test, is now discontinued largely.

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Reading & Writing

Craft and Structure

This measures how well you understand and use important words and phrases, analyse texts, and make connections between related topics. It also assesses your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

Information and Ideas

This evaluates your ability to understand, analyse, and reason using information from texts and graphics like tables, bar graphs, and line graphs. It assesses how well you can find, explain, judge, and combine information and ideas.

Standard English Conventions

This evaluates whether you can follow the basic rules of English grammar, usage, and punctuation.

Expression of Ideas

This assesses how well you can edit and improve written text to make it more impactful.

The Reading and Writing section consists of short passages (25-150 words) followed by one multiple-choice question for each. The featured passages are from literature, history/social studies, humanities and science.

The questions are arranged in an easy-to-hard order to help you save time and get started.

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Math

The Math section of the SAT exam syllabus is designed to test how well you understand basic math concepts and your ability to apply them in practice and context.

30% of the questions featured in the Math section of the SAT exam syllabus are in-context questions. These questions give you a science, social science, or a real-world scenario to picture and apply the math problem in context.

The Math section is split into 4 categories:

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2024: Math

Type of Math	Number of Questions
Algebra	13 - 15
Advanced Math	13 - 15
Problem-solving and Data Analysis	5 - 7
Geometry and Trigonometry	5 - 7

Also read: SAT Scores and Results!

Algebra

Algebra focuses on your ability to understand, solve, and create linear equations and inequalities. It also assesses your ability to solve equations and systems of equations using various methods.

The SAT exam syllabus for Algebra includes:

Linear Equations in 1 Variable
Linear Equations in 2 Variables
Linear Functions
Systems of 2 Linear Equations in 2 Variables
Linear Inequalities in 1 or 2 Variables

Advanced Mathematics

Advanced Math covers the mathematics necessary for continuing studies in areas like science or economics and for careers in STEM fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

It evaluates your grasp of concepts like absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations, which is essential for progressing to more advanced math courses.

The SAT exam syllabus for advanced mathematics includes:

Equivalent Expressions
Nonlinear Equations in 1 Variable
Systems of 2 Linear Equations in 2 Variables
Nonlinear Functions

Problem-solving and Data Analysis

Problem-solving and Data Analysis assesses your skill in applying quantitative reasoning to ratios, rates, and proportional relationships. It also evaluates your understanding and application of unit rates and ability to analyse and interpret one- and two-variable data.

These skills are crucial for proficiency in mathematics in various college courses, career training programs, and everyday situations.

The SAT exam syllabus for Problem-solving and Data Analysis includes:

Ratios, Rates, Proportional Relationships, and Units
Percentages
One-variable Data: Distributions and Measures of Center and Spread
Two-variable Data: Models and Scatterplots
Probability and Conditional Probability
Inference from Sample Statistics and Margin of Error
Evaluating Statistical Claims: Observational Studies and Experiments

Geometry and Trigonometry

Being one of the fundamental branches of math, Geometry and Trigonometry play a crucial role in fields like Science, Engineering, Architecture, and everyday life.

This section will test your understanding of shapes, sizes, and relationships between the sides and angles. You will likely solve problems by measuring distance and finding heights and angles.

The SAT exam syllabus for Geometry and Trigonometry includes:

Area and Volume Formulae
Lines, Angles, and Triangles
Right Triangles and Trigonometry
Circles

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FAQs

Q. How many hours should I study for the SAT?

Ans. Check the date and time of your SAT exam. If you have plenty of time, say six months, you should study for fewer hours every day; however, if you have little time before your SAT, you should study for more hours. Examine the SAT curriculum, estimate how long it will take to cover each topic, and then create a study plan.

Q. When should one start preparing for the SAT?

Ans. The typical preparation period for the SAT is between six and twelve weeks. Additionally, everyone has a different amount of time to prepare for the SAT. To determine the time students need for SAT preparation, we advise you to review the SAT Syllabus and take a SAT practice test.

Q. What if I fail in the SAT?

Ans. The SAT does not include a pass or fail option. However, there are both high and low SAT scores. Inevitably, earning poorer grades will also reduce your chances of getting into the school of choice. However, with the right prep, you can score well on the SAT exam.

Q. What is a low SAT score?

Ans. A score below average is anything that is less than 1000. Math scores below 500 are deemed below average; similarly, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores below 500 are regarded as below average.

Q. Who is eligible to take the SAT?

Ans. The College Board has not established an age restriction for taking the SAT. The most considerable number of applicants to take the SAT are, however, those in 11th or 12th grade. SAT is especially useful if you’re applying for undergraduate courses.

Q. What is the validity period of SAT scores?

Ans. SAT scores have no validity period, meaning you can use them for a lifetime. However, it is highly recommended that you use them within five years of the test date. Colleges won’t be able to judge your academic potential if your score is older than five years. You must also note that the formats change, so it’s best to keep up with the newest version.

Q. How do you check SAT results?

Ans. Follow these steps to view your SAT result

Visit the official website of SAT.
Sign in to your account
Find the ‘My Organiser’ button
Click on ‘Access scores.’
You will find the ‘My Test Scores’ option.
Download your results.

Q. Can I cover the SAT syllabus in one month?

Ans. Preparing for the SAT in a month is possible, but covering the entire SAT syllabus can be challenging. The first thing you must do is analyse where you currently stand. If you’re too behind and need time to prep, we strongly suggest you take at least 2-3 months to prepare for the test. However, if you do not have the time and need to prepare in a month, the best way to approach it would be to practice sample papers, review concepts, and use study resources efficiently.

Q. What Math concepts are tested on the SAT?

Ans. SAT tests four fundamental math concepts:

Algebra
Advanced Math
Problem-solving and Data Analysis
Geometry and Trigonometry

Q. Which cities have SAT centres in India?

Ans. There are over 50 test centres in India that offer SAT exams. The SAT centres are located in cities, including

Ahmedabad
Pune
Delhi & NCR
Mumbai
Bangalore
Amritsar

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IELTS Modules	IELTS Listening Practice Test	IELTS Speaking Practice Test
IELTS Reading Practice Test	IELTS Writing Practice Test	IELTS Test Centres
IELTS Results	Types of IELTS	IELTS Pattern
IELTS Exam Eligibilty	IELTS Slot Booking	IELTS Band Score
IELTS Registration	IELTS Books	IELTS Preparation
IELTS Practice Test

SAT Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2024: Section-wise SAT Format

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Latest Updates

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Reading & Writing

Craft and Structure

Information and Ideas

Standard English Conventions

Expression of Ideas

Digital SAT Exam Syllabus and Pattern: Math

The Math section is split into 4 categories:

Algebra

Advanced Mathematics

Problem-solving and Data Analysis

Geometry and Trigonometry

Next Up

IELTS Important Information

SAT Important Information

FAQs

Q. How many hours should I study for the SAT?

Q. When should one start preparing for the SAT?

Q. What if I fail in the SAT?

Q. What is a low SAT score?

Q. Who is eligible to take the SAT?

Q. What is the validity period of SAT scores?

Q. How do you check SAT results?

Q. Can I cover the SAT syllabus in one month?

Q. What Math concepts are tested on the SAT?

Q. Which cities have SAT centres in India?

SAT Exam	SAT Results	SAT Practice Test
SAT Centre	SAT Syllabus	SAT Preparation
SAT Dates	SAT Books	SAT Fees
SAT Registration