A Breakdown of the SAT

Colleges use SAT scores, in addition to students’ grades, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations, to evaluate applicants and determine admissions offers. Scoring well on the SAT can broaden a student’s college opportunities and give students access to academic and merit-based scholarships. To maximize the opportunity that the SAT presents, students should have a clear understanding of the structure of the exam and prior knowledge of the types of questions they will encounter. Test Prep Chicago stays up to date with the latest SAT format and question styles, putting us in a strong position to help students prepare effectively. Below is an overview of what students can expect to see on the SAT.

The SAT is a fully digital exam, often referred to as the Digital SAT, that is made up of two main sections: Reading/Writing, and Math. Both sections are divided into 2 equal-length modules, and includes a 10-minute break between sections (but not modules). The SAT now utilizes an adaptive testing format, meaning the difficulty of the second module in each section depends on how well a student performs on the first module. Strong performance early on can lead to more challenging questions that allow students to demonstrate higher-level skills and earn a higher score. Because of this structure, familiarity with question types and pacing is especially important.

The Reading and Writing section is 64 minutes long and includes 54 questions divided into two modules. Rather than long passages, students will see short passages paired with a single question. These questions assess skills such as grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, rhetorical skills, vocabulary in context, and reading comprehension. Passages may be drawn from literature, history, social studies, or science, and students are expected to analyze ideas, improve written text, and interpret information efficiently. Time management is critical, as students will have just over one minute per question.

The Math section is 70 minutes long and includes 44 questions, also divided into two modules. Questions focus on algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry. Many questions are multi-step and require students to apply logical reasoning to real-world scenarios. A built-in graphing calculator is available for the entire math section, and students are expected to know how to use it strategically. Roughly a third of the math questions involve interpreting models such as graphs, tables, or equations, emphasizing both accuracy and efficiency.

With a clear understanding of the SAT’s format and expectations, students can approach test day with confidence. You can view upcoming SAT test dates and register your student for the exam at satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat. Test Prep Chicago is offering an 8-week SAT course (click here to sign up) that lines up perfectly with both the May 2nd and June 6th SAT testing dates. Want a more personalized approach that works with your schedule? Click here to see our individual tutoring options.