SAT and SAT Subject Tests
SAT (SAT Reasoning Test)
The SAT is the nation's most widely used admissions test and will likely be required if your child wants to go to college out of state. While the SAT is accepted at Mississippi colleges, the ACT is generally requested.
Students in 11th and/or 12th grade take the SAT. It tests critical thinking skills and other skills needed for college – reading, writing, and math.
Scores in each section range from 200-800. There are also two writing scores.
The SAT has 10 sections:
Section 1: 25-minute essay
Sections 2-7: 25 minutes for each section:Two Math sections (calculators ARE allowed)
Two Critical Reading sections
One Writing section
(One section will be a sample section and will not count toward your child’s overall score. You won’t know which section it is.)Section 8-9: 20 minutes for each section
Critical Reading
Math(The order of sections 2-9 varies for each tester to prevent cheating. )
Section 10: 10-minute multiple-choice writing
SAT Subject Tests (SAT II)
The SAT Subject tests measure a student’s knowledge of a particular subject. These tests are sometimes used for admission (not at any Mississippi college), course placement, or to advise students about course selection.
20 different SAT Subject tests are offered in five subject areas: English, history, mathematics, science, and languages.
The tests are usually taken at the end of the 11th grade or beginning of 12th grade. Ideally, students should take the tests as soon as possible after completing the related course.
The SAT Subject tests are 60-minute, multiple-choice tests.
Students should consider colleges’ admission requirements before taking the SAT Subject tests.
The SAT is offered seven (7) times a year. The SAT Subject Tests (except the language tests with listening) are offered six (6) times a year. The language tests with listening are only given in November:
2008-09 | Test | U.S. Registration Deadlines | |
| Regular | Late (a fee applies) | ||
| October 4, 2008 | SAT & Subject Tests | September 9, 2008 | September 16, 2008 |
| November 1, 2008 | SAT & Subject Tests | September 26, 2008 | October 10, 2008 |
| December 6, 2008 | SAT & Subject Tests | November 5, 2008 | November 18, 2008 |
| January 24, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | December 26, 2008 | January 6, 2009 |
| March 14, 2009 | SAT only | February 10, 2009 | February 24, 2009 |
| May 2, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | March 31, 2009 | April 9, 2009 |
| June 6, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | May 5, 2009 | May 15, 2009 |
Students who cannot take the test on Saturday for religious reasons may take the test on the Sunday immediately following the scheduled Saturday test date.
Test | Fees |
| SAT Reasoning Test™ | $45 |
| SAT Subject Tests™ Basic registration fee Language Tests with Listening (add to basic reg. fee) All other Subject Tests (add per test to basic reg. fee) | $20 add $20 add $9 |
Fee waivers are available. Talk to your child’s counselor.
Learn more, find test centers, and get registration information online at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html