The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardised test widely used for college admissions in the United States, Canada. It is designed to assess a student’s readiness for college and is often used as part of the application process for undergraduate programs at universities and colleges. The SAT is developed and administered by the College Board, a nonprofit organisation.

The SAT covers three main sections:

1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: This section consists of two parts: the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test. The Reading Test assesses reading comprehension skills through passages followed by questions. The Writing and Language Test evaluates grammar, usage, and expression through editing tasks.

2. Mathematics: The Mathematics section includes both a calculator-allowed portion and a no-calculator portion. It tests a range of mathematical concepts including algebra, geometry, statistics, and data analysis.

3. Optional Essay (SAT Essay): While the essay is optional, some colleges and universities require or recommend it. It involves analysing a provided passage and crafting a well-structured essay response.

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with each of the two main sections (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematics) contributing to the overall score. The optional essay is scored separately and does not affect the main score. The scores are reported in terms of a student’s raw score and a scaled score.

In addition to the general SAT, the College Board also offers subject-specific SAT Subject Tests, which are one-hour multiple-choice tests available in various subjects such as mathematics, sciences, literature, history, and languages. Some colleges may require or recommend specific SAT Subject Tests as part of their admission criteria.

Many colleges and universities in the United States accept SAT scores as part of their admissions process, along with other factors such as high school GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. It’s important to research the requirements of the specific institutions you’re interested in to determine whether they require or recommend SAT scores for admission.