SAT or standard American tests are the most important part of applying for Ivy League admission. SAT prep itself is stressful but what is even more stressful is the time management. You will have to complete the test in the given time. The problem is, for a better score, you will need to answer every question. Though some schools or colleges have opted for the test-optional approach after COVID-19 it is still encouraged to take the SAT so they can be awarded scholarships and determine their placement. The SAT will last for 3 hours and 15 minutes with breaks. The test includes a section on reading, language, and writing. But, here is the breakdown of the SAT and how it works.
The SAT Test Duration
The duration of the SAT test is three hours and fifteen minutes including breaks. The two breaks are included where one is 10 minutes long after the first section (reading), and the second one is five minutes long after the third section (math without a calculator). An additional fifth section may be included in some SAT tests. It is usually an experimental section where potential future SAT questions are included.
Though it doesn’t affect scores, it does add 20 minutes to the test. After the last math section, you’ll get a two-minute break if your test has a fifth section. If there are disabled candidates then they may request for extended test breaks. However, during their break times, they will have to stay the entire time. Even if they have completed the test, they cannot leave before the time expires.
How Many Questions Are on the SAT?
The SAT test includes four sessions with 154 questions. Since 2021, the College Board hasn’t added an Essay section to the SAT, except where state law requires it. Following is the breakdown of the sessions in the table:
| SAT Sections | Number of Questions | Time | Time Per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 52 | 65 minutes | 75 seconds |
| Writing and Language | 44 | 35 minutes | 48 seconds |
| Math — No Calculator | 20 | 25 minutes | 75 seconds |
| Math — Calculator | 38 | 55 minutes | 87 seconds |
| Total | 154 | 180 minutes | N/A |
Source- Collegeboard
How Long Is The Digital SAT
Now in the advancement in technology, the SAT has officially shifted to the digital format. Now students don’t have to worry about going to the physical SAT test centers for exams. Also, the overall duration of the digital SAT has been reduced too. Unlike traditional SAT, the digital SAT lasts only 2 hours and 15 minutes. The sessions have been reduced to reading, writing and math too.
Also, the digital SAT uses an adaptive testing approach. It will change depending on how a student performs. If a student scores well on the first module, they will get a more challenging second module. On the other hand, students who scored lower will get an easier one. Each student’s abilities can be measured more accurately with this adaptive format.
Digital SAT Time Breakdown Per Session
In total, you will spend 2 hours and 14 minutes taking the test, with each section containing two equal modules. Below is a breakdown of time per section and question.
Here’s a unique table based on the information you provided:
| Section | Time Per Section | Time Per Module | Total Number of Questions | Time Per Question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 65 minutes | 32minutes | 54 | 1 minute and 11 seconds |
| Math | 70 minutes | 35 minutes | 44 | 1 minute and 35 seconds |
In summary, you get more time per question in the Math section, and overall, the average time per question on the test is 1 minute and 22 seconds.
The Best Time Management Tips
The SAT test is all about how you manage the time time. The better you manage time, the better you relieve your stress. Here is how you can do it:
Go Slow And Steady
This is true. You should stay slow while solving questions and make sure they are all accurate. The colleges focus on students with the most accurate answers, not the quantity of answers. You should focus on accuracy to score higher.
Choose The Easiest Questions
This is another essential tip to save time better. You should focus on the easiest question for each session. The questions that don’t consume much time and you believe you know them better. Read also about Digital SAT Prep Guide.
Practice Tests Are Good
If you want to learn time management then practice tests are good for you. The perfect-timed tests will simulate the original tests and will help you understand how the actual tests work. Work on them and aim for a good SAT score with them. They are the best way to learn about SAT time management in the most realistic way possible.
Learn From Your Mistakes
Now you understand how long the SAT will be! Prepare yourself accordingly. SAT is important for any student who wants to go for higher education. However, the SAT is not an easy journey. You have to prepare yourself according to its duration be it a SAT traditional test or digital SAT. Mock tests are your best companion as you can feel the stress of an actual test while being in a controlled environment. Make sure to prepare for the SAT with practice tests for the best experience.
