Is the SAT Hard? Is the SAT Worth It?

The SAT may seem like an impossible task: a four-hour-long test, strict time limits, lots of passages to read with problems to solve, not to mention the little traps throughout designed to trip up students! 😱 Below the surface, though, the SAT is not so bad at all. 😁 With proper preparation and some self-confidence, EVERY STUDENT can be successful on this test! 🌟

💭 Is the SAT Worth It?

If you are a high school student planning to go to college, the SAT (or any other standardized test) is definitely worth it as you'll see in the following section on the benefits of a good score. However, unlike in the past, the majority of US colleges do not require standardized test scores for admission anymore. The trend is that fewer colleges are considering such tests. For example, schools in the UC (University of California) and California State systems are "test blind," meaning standardized test scores aren't considered at all for admission. On the other hand, some top schools such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Georgetown University still require such scores. Because many schools are "test-optional," meaning you can choose whether to take the test(s) and whether to submit scores, it's worth taking them to see if they'll benefit your college application. You never know! 

Image Courtesy of Galin Education

This being said, the SAT is not the only standardized test that colleges and universities consider. For US students, the ACT is an equally viable option. The SAT provides you more time per question, but the questions are generally considered a bit tricker. The test also weighs math heavily, with such sections accounting for half of your composite score. The ACT, however, moves faster, with questions that are generally considered a bit more straightforward. It also has a science section, which you won't find on the SAT. Because of these differences, we recommend that you try out both tests if you can to see which one best suits your test-taking style! ✍️

Check out our resource piece about the difference between the SAT and ACT to find out what best suits you.

🎖 Benefits of a Good SAT Score

Each school has its own SAT score range that reflects its average standards for test scores. An SAT score that falls within the range of your school is one possible way to demonstrate your ability to meet that school's academic standards. Just always keep in mind that:

🚀SAT SCORES DO NOT DEFINE YOU

Furthermore, they most certainly will not make or break your application because there are plenty of ways to show academic excellence beyond the SAT. Your coursework and extracurriculars oftentimes tell a whole lot more to colleges about your academic achievements and potential, so one number shouldn't define your worth, and it won't even define your college application—it's just another piece to the puzzle. 🧩

Aside from college admissions, a high SAT score can be helpful when applying for scholarships. 💰 Many scholarships value test scores/GPA in their consideration processes. Scholarships can potentially be more strict about test scores because the added aspect of money leads to more competition. Oftentimes, colleges/universities will award academic scholarships to students who simply hit certain test score thresholds as well. So, in terms of scholarships, a high SAT score is always beneficial.

Additionally, some higher educational institutions offer honors programs that require high standardized test scores for admission. The perks of being admitted into an honors college may include scholarship money, special housing, extra enrichment, access to exclusive classes, and the opportunity to win special awards. Make sure to check out your prospective college's honor program to see what kind of test scores can get you in and to hopefully reap the benefits your college offers for admission! 👍

Is the SAT For Me?

Here is a list of factors to consider when deciding if your academic style fits the SAT:

1. • Speed 🏃🏼‍♀️- - If speed is a struggle for you on standardized tests, the SAT is probably your best bet. In comparison to the ACT, the SAT is a bit more relaxed in terms of pacing. ⏲️
2. • Skills 📕🧪- - Are you a humanities person or a math & science person? If you tend to be stronger in the humanities, you may prefer the SAT. The SAT does not have a science section and you are given more time to work through the math sections than on the ACT. 🔬
3. • Future Plans 👨🏼‍🎓- - If you do not plan to go to college, taking the SAT may not be worth it. Other educational institutions such as trade schools do not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. However, if there is any chance you may pursue a college degree, taking the SAT (or any standardized test) is recommended. 📜 If you're worried that your SAT score might hurt your chances at college admissions, there is some good news! A lot of school are going test-optional to make college admissions more equitable. Even so, it doesn't hurt to try the exam anyway. 

📝 Read: Test Optional - Should you go test-optional or take the SAT? 

👷🏻‍♀️ Is the SAT Hard?

📝 Test Overview

The SAT is broken up into four main sections in the following order: Reading, Writing (Grammar), Math (no calculator), and Math (with a calculator). 

The SAT covers topics learned in the first two/three years of high school. If you take the test junior year like most students, it is unlikely you will see anything unfamiliar. Since the SAT is a standardized test, the College Board cannot test information that the average high school student has not learned. Instead, they ask strangely worded and, at times, confusing questions that relate to fundamental skills. ⚒️

The key to success on the SAT is understanding the weird ways the College Board asks questions and becoming comfortable deconstructing them to find their true intent/meaning. The absolute best way to ace the SAT is through practice! Check out our guide containing global strategies to help you get through all sections of the SAT faster and improve your score.

🔢 'How Hard Is It?' By the Numbers

According to the College Board's 2022 SAT score data:

• 7% of students scored in the 1400-1600 range
• • 18% scored between 1200-1390
• • 33% scored between 1000-1190
• 30% scored between 800-990
• 11% scored between 600-790
• • <1% of students scored below 590 The average score from this SAT data set was approximately 1040. Additionally, the College and Career Readiness benchmarks set by the College Board are 480 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 530 for Math, meaning a composite score that achieves these benchmarks could range from 1010 to 1600.

Not sure how the SAT is scored? We break it down for you step-by-step in this resource piece.

👩🏼‍⚖️ Final Verdict

There is no definitive answer to the question "Is the SAT hard?" Every student has different strengths and weaknesses that shape their judgment of the difficulty of the SAT. Some students think it is a breeze while others struggle (which is totally okay!). Regardless of your perception of the SAT or your current level of understanding, one thing is certain: as long as you know the test structure and understand the questions, SAT success is well within your reach! For more college entrance exam advice and college tips, read through these top 15 Twitter threads for college!    

🌟 All-In-All

Now that you have learned about the skills required for the SAT, the exam logistics, and the benefits of taking the test, so Is the SAT Worth it for You? Our answer: Absolutely! You got this!  

Check out Fiveable's SAT Exam Review for 2023-2024 🎉