SAT

SAT tests measure the knowledge and skills that students need to do college-level work. There are two kinds of SAT tests - the SAT Reasoning Test (general test) and SAT Subject Tests.

The SAT test is administered by not-for-profit organisation The College Board.

The SAT test (along with the ACT), it is one of two standardised testing programs widely recognised for undergraduate college admissions in the US. Most colleges and universities in the United States require SAT or ACT test scores as part of their application process.

SAT Reasoning Test

The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly known as SAT I) measures the critical reading, writing and mathematical abilities you'll need for academic success in the US.

SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as SAT II) measure your knowledge and skills in specific subjects. Subject Tests fall into five general subject areas - English, History and Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Languages. Students can take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date, but cannot take the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests during the same test administration.

For more information about the tests visit the College Board website:

• SAT Reasoning Test
• SAT Subject Tests

Who needs to sit the tests?

If you are applying to an undergraduate programme in the US then you will most likely have to sit SAT Tests (or ACT) as part of the application process. Many universities may require or recommend one or more of the SAT Subject Tests as well as the SAT Reasoning Test.

Please check admissions criteria of the college(s) you intend applying to, in order to determine which test(s) you should take.

Where can I sit the tests?

There are SAT test centres in Auckland, Wanganui, Lower Hutt, Wellington and Christchurch.

Testing Closer to Home

If you live more than 75 miles (121 km) from the nearest test centre you may be able to sit the test closer to your home. You will need to register by mail by the early registration deadline (generally three weeks prior to the registration deadline - see the SAT website for Early International Registration Deadlines).

Note: this is not available for October or June test dates.

See the SAT website for more information about testing closer to home.

When can I sit the tests?

SAT Tests are given on set dates throughout the year.

The schedule for the 2008-2009 testing cycle is as follows:

* Standby registration is available if you miss the registration deadline. An additional fee applies, and admission to a test center cannot be guaranteed. You can find more information about standby testing on the College Board website or in the SAT Registration Booklet.

Different Subject Tests are offered on each test date. Language Tests with Listening are offered in November only. For a calendar of Subject Test dates see the College Board website.

Test dates for the 2009-2010 cycle will be announced in July 2009. Please do not call us for information about these tests before then, as we will be unable to answer your enquiry.

What do I have to do to sit a test?

Register

You can register online at the College Board website (requires a valid credit card) or by mail.

	download booklet (1.33MB)

To register by mail you need to obtain the SAT Registration Booklet, which you can download from the College Board website or obtain from Fulbright New Zealand by sending a stamped, self-addressed A4-sized envelope ($1.00 standard post, $1.50 fast post) to:

Testing Adviser
Fulbright New Zealand
PO Box 3465
Wellington 6140

Fees

The 2007–2008 fee for taking the SAT Reasoning Test in New Zealand is US$71.00. Fees for SAT Subject Tests are US$66 for Language Tests with Listening and US$55 for all others. Standby testing costs an additional US$38.00. You can find a full list of fees on the College Board website or in the SAT Registration Booklet.

How can I prepare for the tests?

The College Board publish two free preparation booklets for the SAT tests, which you can download from the College Board SAT website or obtain from Fulbright New Zealand by sending a sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope as above:

• SAT Preparation Booklet - download PDF (2.20MB)
• SAT Subject Tests Preparation Booklet - download PDF (2.47MB)

The College Board website also offers a question of the day, practice questions and practice tests.

The College Board offer an Online Course and publish numerous official study guides including The Official SAT Study Guide, The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests and subject-specific study guides, which can be purchased online from the College Board Store.

For other useful information visit the College Board's official SAT website - www.collegeboard.com