• The three hour test measures a student’s verbal and mathematical abilities which are scored independently on a scale of 200 – 800 points. The score is the total number of correct answers minus a percentage penalty of incorrect answers.

• To register for the SAT I, you need a copy of the Bulletin for the SAT I Program which may be picked up in the Counseling Office.

• A Student must register by mail prior to the deadline unless he has previously registered for any tests of the SAT program, in which case the student may register by telephone.

• Registration fees vary. Check fee schedules printed in the Bulletin for the SAT Program.

• Select appropriate test dates. Note registration deadlines. Choose dates that allow the test scores to reach colleges by their deadlines. It takes approximately 5 weeks to process scores and mail them to selected colleges and your home. Rush reporting is available at an additional cost. See the Bulletin for the SAT Program.

• College admission officers use the SAT scores, along with course grades and other academic information, to evaluate how well prepared students are to do college level work.

• Test scores serve as a basis for some scholarships from a wide variety of sources.

• Taking the SAT I: Reasoning Test, available free of charge from the Counseling Office, includes a complete practice test as well as helpful test taking tips.

• To prepare for the SAT I, take the PSAT/NSQT in the fall of your junior year.

• Numerous SAT I preparation courses, books, and computer software programs are available in bookstores.

Taking Tests...

• Community resources for SAT I preparation include a two day workshop (fee) at UCSB, Kaplan and Princeton Review courses, and private tutors.

• PTSA sponsors free preparation classes in both math and verbal skills in the fall. Students must pre-register for these classes as space is limited.

SAT II: Subject Tests

• The SAT II: Subject Tests are multiple choice tests that measure a student’s knowledge of particular subjects, as well as how the student applies that knowledge. Each test is one hour in length.

• Many colleges and universities require one or more SAT II test scores as part of their application process. Check the colleges to which you are applying.

• Request a copy of the booklet Taking the SAT II; Subject Tests from the Counseling office. It includes detailed descriptions and sample questions for each test.

• Plan to take the SAT II as soon as possible after completing a related course of study. For example, if a student takes chemistry as a sophomore and plans to take the SAT II in chemistry, she should register to take that test at the end of her sophomore year.

• Up to three SAT II Tests may be scheduled for the same day.

• Test costs vary depending on the number of Subject Tests taken in one day.

• SAT II: Subject Tests are offered in the following subjects: writing, literature, math, American history, world history, biology, chemistry, physics, Latin, French, German, Italian, Modern Hebrew, and Spanish. Some specialty tests are available for Chinese, Janapese, Korean, etc., on limited dates.

•  SAT II tutorials may be purchased at local bookstores. Private tutors and review classes are also available in the community.