This test, as mentioned by the Collegeboard, indicates the readiness of a student for college education. More precisely it is said to measure the literacy and writing skills that are needed for academic success in college. It consists of three different sections which are Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing. Writing section is a new addition to the test, which was added only a few year ago. The full marks of each section are 800 so the total score of SAT is 2400.
The structure of the test changes in around every 5 years. The latest model of the test which was introduced in 2005 contains of 3 hours and 45 minutes of timed sections. However the complete test runs for around 4 and a half hours including orientation period, distribution of materials, completion of biographical sections, and timed breaks of eleven minutes each. In the test, the level of difficulty generally increases with each following question. This rule is not followed in the Critical Reading section which uses the chronological order.
Each of the sections have scores ranging from 200-800 so the total score typically ranges from 600-2400, where 2400 is the maximum and the full score which any student can achieve. This test costs $49 for US citizens and $75 for international students.
SAT is used by almost every college in the admission process in the United States. However, there are many SAT optional policies introduced by colleges (which are rising in number), so it is not always true to say that SAT is mandatory to get admitted into United States.
