Expert Guide How Long Is the SAT

Expert Guide How Long Is the SAT SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Studying for the SAT isn’t just about practicing math problems and passage reading- it's also an exercise in timing and pacing. The sheer length of the SAT test, as well as its difficult content, can make it an intimidating challenge. Read on for our guide to the SAT’s length, individual section times, and section ordering. Moreover, learn how to deal with fatigue during the test. Detailed Guide: SAT Test Length The SAT is three hours (180 minutes) long in total, excluding the optional essayand breaks. With the optional essay, the total test time increases to three hours and 50 minutes. Here's an overview of the SAT test length: Section Order on Test Total # of Questions Total Time (Minutes) Reading 1 52 65 Break 1 2 - 10 Writing and Language 3 44 35 Math No Calculator 4 20 25 Break 2 5 - 5 Math Calculator 6 38 55 Break 3 7 - 2 Essay (Optional) 8 1 50 The Math section is the only section separated into two pieces: a No Calculator and a Calculator section. As you can see, the No Calculator section comes first and asks 20 questions in 25 minutes, while the Calculator section comes second and asks 38 questions in 55 minutes. Altogether, then, you'll get 58 questions and 80 minutes for Math. You'll also get a total of three breaks (two if you're not taking the optional Essay): A10-minute break after the Readingsection but before the Writing and Language section Afive-minute break after the Math No Calculator section but before the Math Calculator section A very short two-minute breakafter the Math Calculator section (if you're staying for the Essay section, that is- otherwise, you're done and may leave!) The SAT Isn't Just Long- It's Also Intense The SAT is a long test- more than four hours, from check-in to the end (if you're doing the essay)! However, it can feel as though it moves fairly quickly because of the number of questions you have to answer on each section. Here is an overview of the number of questions you'll have on each SAT section, in addition to the approximate time you'll have to answer each question: Section # of Questions Total Time Time per Question Reading 52 65 minutes 1 minute 15 seconds Writing and Language 44 35 minutes 47 seconds Math No Calculator 20 25 minutes 1 minute 15 seconds Math Calculator 38 55 minutes 1 minute 26 seconds Even though your approximate time per question is usually more than a minute, on the actual SAT things will be a little more complicated. First of all, you'll likely move through easier questions much more quickly and need more time for harder questions. Secondly, if you want to leave time at the end of a section to check your answers, you'll have to spend less time on each question. Keep in mind that for the Reading and Writing sections, you will also have to spend some time reading the passages. In addition, note that stamina is incredibly important. While the old SAT broke up the test into 10 small sections, the current SAT forces you to tackle each subject in one large chunk. Two out of four sections are just about an hour long.So not only do you have to move quickly question-to-question, but you also need to maintain your test-taking speed for a long period of time. Building that kind of stamina takes practice! How to Prepare for the SAT Exam Length: 3 Tips Below, we go over our three best tips for preparing for the SAT exam length. These will help you feel prepared for test day and teach you how to stay focused during the exam. #1: Take Full-Length SAT Practice Tests The best way to prepare for the timing and intensity of the SAT is to take full-length, strictly timed practice tests.This way, even if you're someone who easily gets tired during long stretches of testing, you can get used to the SAT’s format and time expectations. Make sure you're usingofficial practice tests (i.e., those created by the College Board). Don't rely on old practice tests to help you out since these differ a lot from the current SAT structure. Be sure to print out your test ahead of time and find a quiet place to take it, such as a library. As you take your test, time yourself as you'll be timed on the actual SAT.This means no giving yourself extra time on a section and no skipping ahead if you finish one early! You should also take the breaks as described in the table at the beginning of this article. You need to build up endurance and practice your pacing for the SAT- just like training for a race. #2: Do Practice Tests on Weekends The best time to take official SAT practice tests is on a Saturday or Sunday morning so you can get a good idea of what your energy level will be like the day of the actual test. Sure, it might be easier to fit in a practice test late on a Sunday night, but you'll have to take the real test in the morning, so you should practice with that time in mind. Pretend you're waking up for the actual test. Waking up early and jumping into an SAT practice test probably isn’t your ideal way to start a Saturday,but it’s the best way to be prepare for the actual SAT. Plus, it'll preserve your Saturday afternoon and evening for more fun activities! #3: Time Yourself on Individual Practice Sections As you study for the different SAT sections, make sure to periodically take an entire practice section with only the time you're given on the test. For example, after a week of focusing on SAT Reading, take one or two Reading practice tests and give yourself 65 minutes- the time you'll have on the actual exam for that section. This will allow you to get used to the timing on the SAT and furtherbuild up your test-taking stamina. What’s Next? Now that you know how long the test will take, read about the best places to take the SAT. Want additional SAT help? Get tips on how to work quickly and save time during the SAT. Preparing for test day?Check out our top test-day tips so you can be both mentally and physically ready to take on the SAT. Want to learn more about the SAT but tired of reading blog articles? Then you'll love our free, SAT prep livestreams. Designed and led by PrepScholar SAT experts, these live video events are a great resource for students and parents looking to learn more about the SAT and SAT prep. Click on the button below to register for one of our livestreams today!