How Long is the SAT?
The Scholastic Aptitude Test, better known as the SAT, is a standardized test that measures a student's aptitude in three different subjects: critical reading, math, writing and a variable section, which is a non-scored assessment incorporated into one of the three sections. The SAT is a prerequisite examination for most colleges and universities with a total allotted time of three hours and 45 minutes. The time allowed to complete the test is broken into segments for each section.
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Critical Reading
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The critical reading section of the SAT consists of 67 questions: 48 multiple-choice questions and 19 sentence completion. A total of 70 minutes is allowed to complete the critical reading section, and it is broken down into one 20-minute session and two 25-minute sessions.
Writing
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The writing section of the SAT consists of 49 multiple-choice questions that test grammar, usage and word-choice knowledge, and one essay. A total of 60 minutes is allowed to complete this section, broken into one 10-minute session, one 25-minute session and one 25-minute essay
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Math
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Based on a 200- to 800-point grading scale, the math section consists of 54 questions; 44 multiple choice and 10 grid-in questions. Grid-in questions are those designed for students to answer each question on their own, without the benefit of answers to choose from. Included topics are arithmetic, algebra and geometry. A total of 70 minutes is allowed to complete this section, broken into one 20-minute session and two 25-minute sessions.
Variable
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The variable section of the test consists of "experimental" questions placed into either the writing, math or critical reading portion of the test. Test takers are not scored on the variable section of the test, nor do they know exactly where it is placed until the test begins. A total of 25 minutes is allowed for the variable section.
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