What is the SAT? Things You Should Know About the SAT

The SAT has become an increasingly recognized standard in many countries for assessing academic abilities, helping students expand their chances of admission to international universities. Understanding what the SAT is, how to register, and how to prepare effectively is an essential first step toward success in this important exam.

I. What Is the SAT? Its Purpose and Role in International University Admissions

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a globally recognized standardized test designed to evaluate a student’s critical thinking, mathematical skills, and language proficiency. It is administered by the College Board, a non-profit educational organization based in the United States.

What is the purpose of the SAT?

The SAT was created to provide a fair and consistent way to assess students' academic readiness—especially important for applicants from diverse educational systems. Its main purposes include:

• Objective academic evaluation: SAT scores reflect a student’s reading comprehension, analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and math skills—core competencies for success in university-level education.
• Supporting university admissions: With thousands of applications each year, universities rely on SAT scores to compare students from various backgrounds and identify those with strong academic potential.
• Scholarship opportunities: Many universities and international organizations consider SAT scores as a key criterion for awarding merit-based scholarships, especially for competitive programs.
• Developing university-level skills: Preparing for and taking the SAT helps students strengthen essential academic skills such as problem-solving, time management, critical thinking, and data analysis—all valuable in higher education.

II. Where Is the SAT Recognized?

Today, the SAT is widely accepted beyond the United States and serves as a trusted academic benchmark for universities around the world. Many leading institutions in countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, Singapore, India, Japan, and across Europe consider SAT scores as part of their admissions process.

1. United States

As the home of the SAT, the U.S. has over 4,000 colleges and universities that use SAT scores as a required or recommended part of their admissions. Prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, and Princeton regard the SAT as an objective tool for identifying talented and academically strong students.

2. Canada

Canada is a top study destination known for its high-quality education and multicultural environment. Leading universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta accept SAT scores—especially for international applicants coming from diverse education systems.

3. United Kingdom

While the UK traditionally uses A-levels or qualifications like the IB, many top universities—including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and UCL—now also accept SAT scores. International students can submit SAT results alongside other qualifications to strengthen their applications and improve their chances of securing scholarships.

4. Australia

Australia’s education system is known for its practical and student-friendly approach. Universities such as the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and UNSW Sydney accept SAT scores as part of their international admissions process.

5. Singapore

As Asia’s educational hub, Singapore is home to world-class institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). These schools consider SAT scores for English-taught programs and competitive majors such as engineering, computer science, and business.

6. Germany

In Germany, the SAT is recognized in certain cases for international students, especially if you do not have a high school diploma equivalent to the European standard, such as the Abitur. Some universities, particularly those offering international programs taught in English, allow SAT scores to be submitted for admissions consideration.

Typically, a total SAT score of around 1200 or higher is required, with at least 600 points in each section. Additionally, some universities may require AP scores or English proficiency certificates such as IELTS or TOEFL.

7. Finland

Study aboard of Finland offers many undergraduate programs in English and is very welcoming to international students. The SAT is currently accepted by many Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Finland as a substitute for their own entrance examinations.

This makes it easier for international students to apply directly using SAT scores, especially in fields like business, technology, or IT. You only need to submit your SAT scores meeting each university’s specific requirements to qualify for admission, without having to travel to Finland for an entrance exam.

III. SAT Exam Structure and Content (Updated for 2025)

1. Overview of the SAT Format

Starting in 2024 and continuing into 2025, the SAT has officially transitioned to a digital format (Digital SAT), marking a major step forward in modernizing international college admissions. Despite the format change, the test still focuses on evaluating key academic skills: logical reasoning, reading comprehension, academic English, and math proficiency.

The SAT is now divided into two main sections, each with two smaller modules. It uses an adaptive testing system, meaning the difficulty level of questions in the second module is based on the student’s performance in the first.

2. Main Test Sections

Reading

In this section, students read and analyze short academic passages from sources such as literature, scientific articles, or historical texts. Questions test the ability to understand main ideas, details, make inferences, interpret vocabulary in context, and evaluate arguments.

A new feature of the Digital SAT is that each passage typically comes with just one question, which helps reduce time pressure and allows better focus on each question.

Writing and Language

This part assesses a student’s ability to revise and edit texts using proper academic English grammar. Students need to spot errors, improve sentence structure, and ensure clarity and logical flow.

Like the Reading section, each short passage is followed by one related question. The content is grounded in real-world contexts, reflecting practical language use in academics and the workplace.

Math

The Math section includes two modules that cover algebra, functions, geometry, arithmetic, probability, statistics, and applied math in real-world situations. Students are allowed to use a calculator for the entire Math section—this is a significant change that increases fairness and test efficiency. There are both multiple-choice questions and student-produced responses, testing logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Scoring and SAT Point System

SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, broken down as follows:

• Up to 800 points for Reading + Writing and Language
• Up to 800 points for Math

There are no penalties for wrong answers. The scoring system is designed to accurately reflect academic abilities, with detailed breakdowns of individual skills so students can receive meaningful feedback and improve.

Additionally, the College Board provides a Score Concordance Table to compare SAT scores with ACT scores or international grading systems.

4. Test Duration and Format (Paper or Digital)

• Total testing time: Around 2 hours and 14 minutes, significantly shorter than the previous paper version (which lasted over 3 hours).
• Format: Fully computer-based, but exams are still taken at official College Board test centers under supervised conditions.
• Students can use their own laptops (with the Bluebook app installed), or borrow a device from the test center if needed.

IV. Why Take the SAT for International Study?

1. The Benefits of Including SAT Scores in Your Application

SAT scores are a clear indicator of academic ability on an international scale, especially helpful when high school grading systems vary between countries. A strong SAT score can give students better access to undergraduate programs in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, Europe, and Asia.

The SAT strengthens your application, especially for universities using a holistic admissions approach, where academics are considered along with extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and personal essays.

2. How the SAT Helps You Stand Out

In competitive admissions where thousands of applicants have similar grades, a high SAT score can set you apart. The SAT provides a standardized way for admissions officers to compare students from different countries. At many top universities, even when the SAT is optional, high scores are strongly encouraged—proving your academic dedication and exceptional ability.

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities Based on SAT Scores

Many international universities offer scholarships based on academic performance and standardized test scores like the SAT. With a strong score, students not only improve their chances of admission but also become eligible for partial or full scholarships, or financial aid. For example, U.S. and Canadian universities often provide merit-based scholarships where a score of 1400 or higher is typically the minimum for high-value awards.

4. Comparison with other standardized tests such as ACT, A-Level, IB

V. SAT Registration Requirements and Process

1. Who Can Register for the SAT?

There is no specific age requirement for the SAT. However, it is most commonly taken by students in grades 10 to 12. Any student planning to study abroad or apply to international universities—especially in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or Asia—can take the SAT.

You don’t need to be enrolled in an international curriculum. Students following the Vietnamese national curriculum or other educational systems can still take the SAT to strengthen their study abroad application.

2. SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

The SAT is offered multiple times a year—typically 7 times annually in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. However, not all countries or test centers offer the full 7 dates; availability may vary by location.

Registration usually closes about one month before the test date. There is also a “late registration” period, which allows students to register after the deadline by paying an additional fee. To avoid missing out, students are encouraged to plan early and choose a test date that aligns with their application timeline.

3. How to Register for the SAT in Vietnam or Abroad

SAT registration is done online through the official College Board website—the global administrator of the SAT.

Basic steps to register:

• Step 1: Create a personal account on the College Board website.
• Step 2: Complete your personal information, select your test date, location, and test type (Note: SAT Subject Tests are no longer offered).
• Step 3: Pay the test fee using an international credit or debit card.
• Step 4: Print your Admission Ticket after completing registration and double-check all details.

In Vietnam, SAT test centers are commonly located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major international education centers. Make sure to check in advance for the most convenient test center.

4. Test Fees and Related Costs

As of now, the SAT test fee is approximately USD 60 per attempt, excluding additional fees such as:

• Late registration fee (about USD 30 if you register after the deadline)
• Change fee (for switching test dates or locations)
• Score sending fees (sending scores to universities—first 4 reports are free if selected on time)
• Essay fee (The SAT Essay has now been discontinued)

Students should also consider other potential costs such as printing materials, prep course fees, tutoring, or extra study resources.

VI. How to Prepare Effectively for the SAT

1. Trusted SAT Study Materials and Resources

Here are some highly recommended resources suitable for students at all levels:

• The Official SAT Study Guide - published by the College Board
• Khan Academy - a free online learning platform officially partnered with College Board, offering personalized study plans
• Prep books from trusted publishers like Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Barron’s
• Full-length SAT practice tests

Additionally, students can benefit from reviewing past test papers and joining online communities to exchange tips and experiences.

2. Study Strategy and Time Management

Your SAT prep success depends largely on how you study and manage your time. A 3–6 month study plan is often recommended, depending on your starting point and goals.

Suggested timeline:

• Phase 1 (Month 1): Take a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Phase 2 (Mid-phase): Focus on building skills in Reading, Math, and Writing; practice with section-based drills and mini-tests
• Phase 3 (Final month): Take full-length mock tests, build endurance, and improve time management under pressure

It’s ideal to dedicate at least 10-12 hours per week to SAT prep, spreading time across all sections and giving extra focus to weaker areas.

3. Join SAT Prep Courses (Online or In-Person)

Depending on your needs, you can choose from:

• Online courses: Flexible, personalized learning, with options to study with international instructors or global centers
• In-person classes: Best for students who benefit from structured guidance and supervision
• 1-on-1 tutoring: Great for students aiming to improve quickly with a tailored short-term plan

When choosing a course, look for centers that use updated materials aligned with the new Digital SAT format, have experienced instructors, and offer regular progress assessments.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions about the SAT Exam

1. How long are SAT scores valid?

SAT scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. This means you can use your SAT results to apply to universities for up to 5 years after taking the test, as long as the schools you're applying to still accept scores within that timeframe.

However, some top universities may require scores taken within the last 2–3 years. So it’s important to check each school’s specific policy to make sure your scores are still valid.

Tip: If you take the SAT in Grade 10 or 11, make sure to save your score reports and check expiration dates when preparing your college applications.

2. How many times can I take the SAT?

There is no official limit to how many times you can take the SAT. The College Board (the organization that runs the SAT) allows students to take the test multiple times each year without any restrictions on the total number of attempts.

That said, most students choose to take the SAT 2 to 3 times to improve their scores and select the best results to send to colleges. Taking it too many times can be stressful and affect your other studies, so it's best to plan wisely.

3. How do I send my SAT scores to universities?

You can send your SAT scores to universities through your College Board account. There are two ways to do this:

• Free score reports (when registering): When you sign up for the SAT, you can choose up to 4 colleges to send your scores to for free. But you must select them before the college application deadlines.
• Paid score reports (after receiving scores): If you decide to send scores after seeing your results, there is an additional fee (around $12 per school). This can also be done via your College Board account. Some schools allow you to choose which test date's scores to send - this is called Score Choice.

4. Is the SAT Essay still required?

No. The SAT Essay section was officially removed in 2021. The College Board made this change to simplify the test and reduce stress for students. You no longer need to worry about writing an essay for the SAT.

Conclusion

The SAT is not just a standardized test, but also an important stepping stone to expand study opportunities in many countries with the world's leading university systems. Understanding the SAT, from the registration process, effective preparation methods to sending test scores, will help students feel more confident on their journey to conquer their dream of studying abroad.