SAT: The Adversity Score

Go to study in the United States is not easy. Prepare the process to be accepted into an American university is not easy either. Thus, with this post, we want to help you to dispel any doubt about the SAT.

It is important to understand that the exam SAT is key in your path to study in the USA. Because we have a couple of posts explaining how to prepare the SAT and what are the SAT subject tests, in this one, we will focus on two different things: the cost of the SAT and what is its last update – the adversity score-.

Probably you are reading this because you are thinking about studying in the United States, so you should know that you have to take two exams: the SAT and the TOEFL. If you want to know more about the second one you can go to its post.

¿What Is the SAT?  

The SAT is the most recognized exam to gain admission to American universities. The main purpose of the exam is to test your skills in writing, reading, and maths. In other words, it probes the level of the basic skills that you should have learned in High School. Moreover, it shows if you have developed the basic aptitudes you need to succeed in college.

The exam structure consists of three mandatory sections and one optional. The required units are the reading, writing/language, and maths; while the voluntary one is the essay. The SAT total score range goes from 400 to 1600. Although there are three main sections when you take the exam, at the moment of getting the grade, they combine in two. One is maths by its own and the other grade comes from combining the reading and writing/langue exercises. Each section, maths and reading-writing, scores between a minimum of 200 up to a maximum of 800 points.

¿What Are SAT Subject Tests?

SAT Subject tests are exams on specific subjects. They top 30 universities usually require them on the admission process, but any university can ask for them too. They differ from the general SAT because in these you can choose the area of the assessment. In fact, there are 20 different tests among five fields: English, Languages, Maths, History, and Science. On the other hand, something that they have in common with the SAT is that each exam scores between 200 to 800.

Here is a table with all the tests you can take:

 

¿What Is the Adversity Score SAT?

Once we have explained the most basic and important information about the SAT, now we are going to focus on its last update: the adversity score. Lots of questions arise when we think about it. What is the adversity score?  How does the adversity score work? How is the adversity score calculate? When will the SAT adversity score be implemented?

First, the adversity score is a tool that measures the adversity context of the students who take the exam. In other words, it places students’ scores in the environment of their socioeconomic advantages or disadvantages. Second, the College Board has developed it in recent years at the request of several universities that say they want to admit a high percentage of socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Therefore, it is a mechanism for admission officers to understand the academic accomplishment of a student according to where they live and learn. Third, the formula to get index is based on three main factors with subcategories in each one: high school, neighborhood, and family. By last, the adversity score will be available for all colleges in 2020.

Here is a picture of what the admission officers will see at the adversity index:

 

 

¿How Much Does the SAT Cost?

Probably it is one of the most interesting questions that emerge when we want to take the exam. The assessment itself is not very expensive, but the additional services increase the final price.

General SAT

The basic exam with the three main sections costs $49.50, and if you take it with the essay $64.50. Now, we need to add other fees. For instance, if you change the day or you register later, it has a cost of $30, and, if you order additional score reports, they are $12 each (the first report is free).

SAT Subject Tests

Depending on how many subjects you register, the price changes. Nevertheless, main costs are $26 for registration, $22 each test (not languages + listening included), and $26 the language tests with listening.

¿Why SAT Exam Is Important?

Easy: If you want to study at a North America university, you must pass the SAT exam. Almost all four-year colleges require that exam for admission. Furthermore, the exam is a cornerstone to obtain a desirable scholarship.

Athletic Scholarship

The NCAA and the NAIA ask for the exam SAT in order to be eligible to get an athletic scholarship. In this case, you only need to have an acceptable SAT score.

Academic Scholarship

If you do not play any sport but still want to try to obtain a scholarship to study in the USA, the SAT is even more significant. In this case, you must pass the exam with a good grade because the highest grade the more possibilities to receive a good scholarship. Up to 1,200 points, you will get the financial aid, nevertheless, the final amount of it depends on the university.

Admission Top Universities

Lots of US universities, if not all, request the exam SAT as one of the acceptance requirements. Concerning top universities, the process becomes even more complex. They set more requirements to overcome. Thus, if you obtain a high score, you have more chances to enter.

You know a little more about what the SAT is, so its time to start making progress! If you are not registered in or plarform yet, register for free and create your Mooxye Profile. You will have access to a lot of quality content about the SAT, and you can start connecting with Universities and Coaches.