About the SAT

The SAT is a standardized test meant to show schools how prepared you are for college by measuring key skills like reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression. Because so many students take the test, it also provides schools with data about how you compare to your peers nationwide.

You'll almost certainly need to take the SAT or ACT if you're applying to any colleges or universities in the United States, since most require you to submit test scores with your application. Depending on where you want to apply, your ACT or SAT score can account for as much as 50% of the admission decision, so a strong standardized test score is vital.

The SAT has four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator), and Math (with calculator). There is also an optional essay that is recommended or required by some colleges. 

Register for the SAT on the CollegeBoard website.

In order to register for the SAT, you must sign up for a College Board account. You must also have a photo ID, as well as a photo of yourself that can be uploaded to the registration site. You will also need access to a printer to print out your SAT admission ticket. You will not be allowed into the testing center without a valid ID and a printout of your ticket.