Category	SAT
Total Testing Time	3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the Essay [optional])
Components	Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Reading Test Writing and Language Test Math Essay (optional)
Important Features	Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing)
Essay	Optional and given at the end of the SAT; postsecondary institutions determine whether they will require the Essay for admission 50 minutes to write the essay Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text
Score Reporting	Scale ranging from 400 to 1600 Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for Essay Essay results reported separately
Subscore Reporting	Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors

 

 

In addition to the times listed above, you should expect to spend between 30 and 50 minutes on administrative tasks (distributing/collecting materials and filling in personal information on the answer sheets).

 

Actual testing time for the SAT is 3 hours, plus 15 minutes for breaks. Testing time for the SAT with Essay is 3 hours and 50 minutes, plus 17 minutes for breaks.