Test format & sections
Reading & Writing
64m (2 × 32m modules) · 54 questions
Digital adaptive — Module 2 is harder or standard based on Module 1 performance. Each question has its own short passage (1 sentence to ~250 words). No long multi-question passages — every question is self-contained.
Math
70m (2 × 35m modules) · 44 questions (~33 MCQ + ~11 student-produced)
Student-produced responses: type your answer — no choices given. Calculator allowed for all questions (built-in Desmos graphing calculator). No geometry formula sheet — you must know or derive them.
How SAT is scored
Reading & Writing: 200–800 + Math: 200–800 = total. No wrong-answer penalty — raw score = correct answers only. Adaptive: Module 2 difficulty (harder or standard) is set by Module 1 performance.
Score levels
Typical requirements
SAT frequently asked questions
Is the SAT now digital?
Yes — the SAT moved to a fully digital, adaptive format in March 2023 for international test-takers and March 2024 for US students. The paper-based SAT no longer exists. The test is taken using Bluebook, College Board's official testing app.
How is the digital SAT structured and scored?
The digital SAT has two sections: Reading & Writing (54 questions, 64 min) and Math (44 questions, 70 min). Each section is split into two adaptive modules — performance in module 1 determines difficulty of module 2. Total score: 400–1600 (200–800 per section). Total time: approximately 2 hours 14 minutes.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?
No — since 2016, the SAT uses rights-only scoring. You receive 1 point for each correct answer and 0 for wrong or skipped answers. There is no guessing penalty.
What is superscoring?
Superscoring means taking the highest section score across multiple test sittings. For example, if you scored 720 Reading/Writing and 650 Math in March, and 680 Reading/Writing and 710 Math in May, your superscore would be 720 + 710 = 1430. Most major US universities superscore — check each school's policy.
How long are SAT scores valid?
College Board keeps scores on file permanently, but most US universities consider scores from the last 5 years. There is no official expiry date.
Can I take the SAT outside the US?
Yes — the SAT is administered at test centres in most countries, typically in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December, though availability varies by country. International test-takers sit the same digital test.