how long is the sat test without essay

How Long Is the SAT?

Last Updated on April 20, 2023

The SAT booklet is the same length and width as standard U.S. Letter paper. So, the SAT is about 11 inches long (and 8.5 inches wide) … Ha!

Now that we’re all smiling, let’s dive into the two closely interrelated meanings of “How long is the SAT?” that you came here for:

• Duration: How much time does the SAT take ?
• Total volume: How many questions are on the SAT?

We’ll also touch on other factors related to SAT timing, including scheduled start time, breaks, and proctors’ warnings.

Here are the topics we’ll cover:

What is the total testing time, how long does the sat last, start to finish, how long will i spend in the test center.

• What Warnings Will My Proctor Give?

When Should I Get to the Test Center?

Who completes the essay, what is the length of the sat with essay, what’s next.

Let’s start by taking a look at how long each section of the SAT is.

How Long Are the SAT Test Sections?

The 2022-2023 SAT will have four sections. As shown on the College Board website , the sections will always appear in the same order, with the following durations:

The total testing time for all four sections of the 2022-2023 SAT (without the essay)—for the test sections only, NOT counting breaks—is 180 minutes.

The total testing time for the 2022-2023 SAT (without the essay) is exactly 3 hours.

When Are the Breaks During the SAT?

There are two scheduled breaks between sections:

• Between Sections 1 and 2 , the two verbal sections, you’ll get a 10-minute break .
• Between Sections 3 and 4 , the two math sections , you’ll get a 5-minute break .

Pay attention to the designated areas where you need to stay during the SAT. During these two breaks, you’ll most likely be restricted to the testing area, restrooms, and the adjoining hallway. If you stray from the designated areas, or if you’re overheard discussing any part of the exam with others, you’ll be dismissed and your scores will be voided!

Including breaks, the 2022-2023 SAT will last 195 minutes, or 3 hours and 15 minutes.

This is definitely more of a marathon than a sprint! So, at home before the test, be sure to eat a nutritious, well-balanced meal that is rich in both protein and complex carbohydrates. (But don’t stuff yourself.) This type of meal will be the ideal breakfast to fuel your brain for the duration of the SAT, so you’re unlikely to ‘crash’ partway through the test or experience big swings in your alertness. A balanced breakfast can also help regulate your stress levels during the SAT .

From start to finish, including breaks, the 2022-2023 SAT lasts for 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The entire duration of your 2022-2023 SAT experience on test day will include the time needed for preliminary procedures: filling out your personal information on the answer sheet, signing and dating your forms, and going over rules and procedures with your proctor.

These initial formalities should take about half an hour, for a grand total of 3 hours and 45 minutes of closed-door time inside the test center.

Since you can be admitted up to 15 minutes early, you could be inside the test center for up to 4 hours.

How Can I Track Time During the SAT?

Your testing area should have at least one clock prominently displayed where you can easily see it without having to wheel around or crane your neck.

In addition, your proctor will issue a predetermined set of time cues out loud for all test-takers to hear.

What Time Warnings Will My Proctor Give?

Here is the entire slate of time cues that your proctor will be instructed to speak aloud.

SECTION 1: Reading (65 minutes)

At the beginning: Time starts now.

After 30 minutes: You have 35 minutes remaining in Section 1.

After 60 minutes: You have 5 minutes remaining in Section 1.

After 65 minutes: Please stop work and put your pencil down.

10-Minute Break

The proctor should post the clock time that ends the break, when testing will resume. The proctor will not be required to give any time cues out loud during the break.

SECTION 2: Writing & Language (35 minutes)

After 15 minutes: You have 20 minutes remaining in Section 2.

After 30 minutes: You have 5 minutes remaining in Section 2.

After 35 minutes: Please stop work and put your pencil down.

SECTION 3: Math, No Calculator (25 minutes)

After 10 minutes: You have 15 minutes remaining in Section 3.

After 20 minutes: You have 5 minutes remaining in Section 3.

After 25 minutes: Please stop work and put your pencil down.

5-Minute Break

The proctor should post the time when testing will resume. The proctor will not necessarily issue any cues aloud.

SECTION 4: Math, With Calculator (55 minutes)

After 25 minutes: You have 30 minutes remaining in Section 4.

After 50 minutes: You have 5 minutes remaining in Section 4.

After 55 minutes: Please stop work and put your pencil down.

Your proctor will issue spoken time warnings on the schedule above. These will be valuable no matter what, but especially if there is any issue with the clocks in your testing room.

For Saturday administrations of the 2022-2023 SAT, the doors at your test center will open by 7:45 AM. The doors will close at 8:00 AM sharp.

Don’t be late! If you arrive after the doors close, you’ll be turned away and your test will be canceled.

What About the Optional Essay?

The optional SAT essay of previous years is no more. The weekend administrations of the 2022-2023 SAT, on nationwide test dates, will not offer an essay section.

However, there is a small group of test-takers in certain states who will, in fact, see an essay on their 2022-2023 SAT. If you’re one of these test-takers, you’ll write the essay as an additional section, after you finish the four sections that make up the SAT without essay.

The only 2022-2023 SAT administrations with an essay will be given during school hours, in states that have adopted the SAT as part of their mandatory statewide 11th grade public-school assessment testing. These states are Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma.

If you’re a rising junior at a public high school in one of these states, you’ll take the SAT with essay at school sometime in March or April 2023. If that’s you, please check with your high school guidance counselor or your college admissions advisor for exact test dates and times.

If you’re one of the “chosen few” who will take the 2022-2023 SAT with essay, you’ll have all the same timings and proctor cues as above, plus an additional 2-minute break and a 50-minute period during which to plan and write your essay.

Therefore, for these in-school administrations, the following times apply:

• The total testing time will be 230 minutes (3 hours and 50 minutes).
• The total duration from start to finish will be 247 minutes (4 hours and 7 minutes).
• Your total time spent inside the testing area will be at least 277 minutes (4 hours and 37 minutes).

Good luck, and enjoy your test prep!

Now that you know everything about SAT testing time, check out some tips for motivating yourself to study for the SAT .

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About The Author

Ron is an inveterate strategist who has always delighted in discovering ‘hacks’ in every corner of his life—cracking standardized tests, charting optimal routes through Southern California's infamous traffic, finding and negotiating bargains, tweaking his own diet and sleep patterns, and more. And in his very first teaching job, back in high school sharing SAT strategies with his own classmates, Ron found the same passion for paying his accumulated knowledge forward. Since those days, Ron has taught in high-school and college classrooms, coached youth track-and-field athletes, and, of course, made a career in test preparation. Ron enjoys long trips on the open road; a bewildering variety of music, from classical to hip-hop to forró to electrocumbia; sharp, well-fitted, and slightly idiosyncratic outfit choices, on himself and others alike; 105-115ºF (40-45ºC) summer days with endless sunshine; and, most of all, building a life with his wife, muse, and kindred spirit, Sarah.

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How Long Is the SAT? 2023 Ultimate Guide

Aaron • Last updated on January 4, 2023

Are you planning to take the SAT soon? 

Before taking the exam, it is essential for you to know the SAT time limit as this is an essential part of your test preparation. In taking the SAT, you need to know more than just how to answer the questions and score high. It’s also crucial that you learn strategies for time management and pacing.

In this SAT time breakdown, we will answer the question: How long is the SAT test? We will identify the SAT time per section and how you can use the time to answer the test more efficiently. 

How long does the SAT take?

The SAT has three sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. The Math section consists of 2 tests: with a calculator and without. The SAT test length is 180 minutes or 3 hours, excluding the time for breaks. 

The optional Essay section, on the other hand, runs for 50 minutes. 

Below is the detailed breakdown of the times per SAT section:

What time does the SAT start?

The SAT begins around 8:30 to 9:00 am, depending on how long the preliminary procedure and reading of instructions will take. The testing center doors open at 7:45 am and close at exactly 8 am. 

Once you get inside the testing room, your electronic devices (except your calculator) and your bag will first be collected by the proctor. As soon as everyone is settled down and seated, the test materials are then distributed and the instructions read. 

Breaks during the SAT

Students need to take a break, especially during an intense and lengthy exam like the SAT. How long is the SAT with breaks included? 

The first break is 10 minutes long and will take place between the Reading section and the Writing and Language section. The next break, which is 5 minutes, will be between the two Math sections. 

For those taking the Essay section, a 2-minute break will be given after the Math test. 

Here is the SAT test time breakdown including the breaks:

You can use the breaks to leave the room, eat a snack, or use the restroom. 

Most testing centers include an additional experimental section as the last section on the SAT ( 1 ). This is for pretesting purposes. Do not worry much about it, though, for this section is NOT counted in the scoring process.

When will you finish the SAT?

The SAT time length is 3 hours and the breaks run for 15 minutes total. If you take the Essay section, you should finish between 12:15 and12:45 pm, depending on the time spent on the preliminary procedure and reading of instructions. If you are taking the Essay section, you should finish between 1:00 and 1:30 pm. 

Once your exam has concluded, the proctor will return your electronic devices and bag. 

How can you prepare for the lengthy SAT?

If you choose to take the Essay section, the SAT would take you nearly 4 hours to finish it. This is pretty long and will feel even longer when you’re nervous. What are the things that you can do to prepare for the long and intense SAT and to keep anxiety at bay?

Answer full-length practice tests

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the SAT is to answer full-length practice tests ( 2 ). These will help you get a good grasp of the actual test structure. Also, you will learn how to manage your time properly and efficiently so you can answer all the questions within the given timeframe. 

In answering SAT practice tests, it would be better to use official practice tests provided by the College Board. This is because the questions are similar to those of the actual standardized test. 

You should also answer newly released official practice tests. Doing so will give you an idea of the latest structure and flow. 

Time yourself

When answering a full-length practice test, time yourself. Now that you know how much time is allocated per section and the entire SAT, you can pace yourself accordingly. It is also recommended that you take breaks just like during the actual SAT. 

Timing yourself during the practice test will let you know how fast you can answer a certain section. If you find the allotted time insufficient, you can make adjustments to your answering process beforehand. 

With the given SAT test time and the number of questions per section, you will be able to calculate the average time per question, in which you can pattern your pace. 

Here is the average time you per question in each section:

Put into practice, you will be able to answer the SAT more efficiently. 

Time management on the SAT

Say, you are answering the actual SAT, how are you going to manage your time? 

According to US News ( 3 ), one of the most effective ways to take the SAT is to answer the easy questions first. Then, you can go back to the harder ones later. This way, you can allot more time to the more difficult questions. 

Experts also suggest that you use a watch to monitor your pace. Knowing the time given per section, you will be able to manage your time better. 

Stamina will also play a huge role in the SAT. The old SAT consisted of 10 small sections. In today’s standardized admissions test, subjects are distributed into four large sections. In answering questions in each section, it will be important for you to not only answer the questions quickly but to also keep the same pace throughout the test. 

Final thoughts

Now that you know how long the SAT takes, you can prepare for the test more efficiently and effectively. Being aware of the breakdown of the SAT exam time is going to be important for you. The SAT is a lengthy test, but always remember to stay relaxed and confident. Aside from your knowledge of concepts and theories, your time management will be crucial in attaining your goals on the SAT. 

• https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-the-sat-experimental-section
• https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-tests
• https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2019-02-22/how-long-the-sat-is-and-how-to-manage-that-time

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Time pressure can bring out your worst instincts as an SAT test-taker.  After all, how often on a high school English or Math test do you have one minute or less to answer a question?

Learn how to budget your time on each section of the SAT , and get the pacing tips you need for the score of your dreams.

How Long Does the SAT Take?

The SAT clocks in at 3 hours (3 hours and 15 minutes with breaks). And if you choose to sign up for the optional essay , the SAT takes 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete (or 4 hours, 5 minutes with breaks).

SAT Test Length by Section

How are those 3 hours broken up by section? Here’s what your SAT test day schedule looks like:

Tips for SAT Pacing

Are you ready for your SAT date ? The biggest mistake many test-takers make is to spend too little time on the easy and medium questions, and too much time on the hard ones. The problem with this approach is that if you rush through the easy and medium questions, you are almost certain to make a few careless mistakes. Here are the pacing steps that will help you improve your score.

1. Slow Down, Score More

You’re not scored on how many questions you do . You’re scored on how many questions you answer correctly . Doing fewer questions can mean more correct answers overall!

2. Mimic the Real Thing

When you take practice tests, time yourself exactly as you will be timed on the real SAT. Develop a sense of how long 35 minutes is, for example, and how much time you can afford to spend on cracking difficult problems. If you know ahead of time what to expect, you won’t be as nervous.

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3. Don’t Get Bogged Down on the Tough Questions

Don’t let yourself get trapped by hard or time-consuming questions. Stop the part of your brain that says, “But I’ve already spent so much time working on this question . . .  I know I can finish it!” If you’re stumped or running short on time, guess and move on. Learn more SAT tips for completing questions out of order. 

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When it comes to the SAT, few factors are as important as time. From carefully scheduled prep work to pacing yourself in each section of the test, you’ll be paying a lot of attention to time as it pertains to your SAT. You’ll even need to consider the exact timing of your test date, to ensure you’re there when you need to be without any hassles.

Don’t miss this post to learn more about how long the SAT takes, what time it starts, and when to arrive at the SAT testing center.

How Long is the SAT? How About Each Section of the SAT?

*Note that there is an informal 2-minute break between the Math and optional Essay sections.

What Time Do I Need to Arrive for the SAT?

Punctuality is a necessity when it comes to SAT day. If you arrive late, you won’t be allowed in, so you need to know exactly when the cutoff is.

The good news is that the SAT is always administered at the same local time, so you can always expect to have the same check-in time, no matter what time zone you’re in. The CollegeBoard recommends that you arrive at your testing center no later than 7:45AM.

It’s a better idea to get there even earlier, though, to account for any lines or registration snafus. We recommend that you aim to be there by 7:30 to avoid any last minute rushes, which might lead to anxiety. To learn more about test taking anxiety and how you can beat it, check out our post 10 Ways to Overcome Test Taking Anxiety . Things do come up however, so just know that doors to testing rooms close at 8:00AM.

What Time Does the SAT Start?

The exact time that you begin taking your SAT is never determined in advance. Instead, it varies according to how long it takes each testing center to complete registration, seat students, and distribute testing materials.

Most SATs begin between 8:30-9:00AM. Once testing has begun, students will no longer be admitted. 

What Time Does the SAT End?

There may not be a strict start time, but once testing begins, timing becomes very rigid. The entire test takes three hours to complete without the optional essay, or three hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay, not including breaks.

Remember, the time that the test actually begins can vary slightly from one center to another, and this determines when your test will end. Allowing time for 15 minutes of formal breaks and another couple of minutes for reading directions between each section, you can expect to finish the SAT without essay anytime between 11:45AM and 12:30PM.

If you choose to complete the essay, you’ll stay for another 50 minutes to complete this section. As such, students writing the optional essay can expect to finish up between 12:30 and 1:30PM.

How to Plan Ahead for SAT Test Day

It’s a good idea to let your SAT be your only commitment on testing day to allay any concerns about what time your test ends or any other schedule constraints.

The first step to success on SAT day is getting out of bed. Seriously, though, you need to make sure you have an alarm set and a backup plan, like asking your parents to wake you if you aren’t up by your set time.

To figure out exactly what time this should be, work back from an ideal ETA of 7:30AM at the testing center. Account for the time it will take you to get to the testing center (and allow a buffer for traffic or detours just to be safe), and consider how much time you’ll need to get up, dressed, fed, and out the door.

Packing your backpack can be done the night before your exam. To learn more about what you need to pack, check out our post What Should I Bring to My SAT? . 

Time Management Strategies for the SAT

• Use the two-passes strategy for difficult questions — meaning that you’ll answer the easier questions first, before going back to tackle the more challenging ones. (After the first pass, skip the question and mark it to return to later.)
• If you can’t eliminate even one answer, just guess. There’s no longer a penalty for guessing, so you won’t lose points. The frequency of responses is roughly evenly distributed, so it’s a good idea to keep using the same letter for answers that require blind guessing, because then you’re likely to be correct around 25 percent of the time.
• Review the directions and format thoroughly before the test. That way, you won’t have to waste time familiarizing yourself with the test on the day of, when time is of the essence.
• Wear a watch. You won’t be able to have your phone out during the test, so having a watch handy will help you keep track of time. 
• Practice, practice, practice. Do so using the same time constraints as the ones you’ll have to face on test. The more you practice using these limits, the more comfortable you’ll be with the actual exam.

Check out How to Pace Yourself on Every Section of the SAT for more time-management strategies.

What to Do if You Run Out of Time

If you’re at risk of running out of time, make sure you’ve tackled as many of the questions you know you can answer without much difficulty first. As you go along, if you really have no idea about the answer to a question, guess immediately. If you can eliminate one or more responses, then write down a possible answer and mark the question to return to later. 

Keep careful track of the ones you skip (if you don’t, you’ll risk filling in your answer sheet incorrectly, which could be disastrous). Pay attention to the time warnings, and when you’re nearing the end of the test, go back and guess on the remaining questions. Remember to guess the same letter consistently if you really have no idea on a question; guess the same letter each time gives you a higher chance of getting the answer right (25%) than picking a different letter every question.

For additional tips about the night before and day of the exam, check out our post How to Prepare for the SAT: A 24-Hour Countdown .

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How Long is the SAT? Your Top Timing Strategies

Featured Expert: Alexia Olguin, University of Pennsylvania

How long is the SAT? Understanding the test's structure and duration is vital to getting a good SAT score . We provide a comprehensive guide on how long the SAT is, how its time is distributed across sections, and strategies for optimizing your speed and performance. Remember, achieving a top SAT score isn't just about studying hard; it's also about understanding the test's structure and planning your approach accordingly. And if you’re still wondering whether you should write the SAT or ACT , this article will help you make this decision.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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Article Contents 11 min read

How long is the sat what content is covered.

While the SAT is slowly releasing its hold on post-secondary institutions (even the easiest Ivy League schools to get into made their admissions test-optional), it is still quite widely used in college admissions in the US. This standardized test claims to measure your literacy, numeracy, and writing skills — all of which are deemed essential for academic success in college.

The total duration of the SAT is 3 hours (180 minutes) for the main sections. However, if you choose to take the optional Essay section, the test lasts 3 hours and 50 minutes.

The main sections of the SAT are Evidence-Based SAT Reading , Writing and Language , and SAT Math , which is further split into sections with and without a calculator. The Essay section, if taken, is the last part of the test.

Want to know how to make your college essay stand out and what do you need to avoid? Watch this video:

SAT Sections

The SAT is composed of various sections, each with its unique set of guidelines, types of questions, and allotted time. Understanding these components is vital as it helps you devise a plan for each section and manage your time effectively during the test. Here, we will explore each section in detail, discussing the number of questions, the academic disciplines each covers, and what each section aims to assess.

Reading Section

The Reading Section of the SAT consists of 52 questions to be answered in 65 minutes. This section aims to test your reading comprehension skills. The questions are based on five passages, which include one literature passage, two science passages, one historical document, and two social science passages. Here's a closer look at what the Reading section comprises:

Academic Disciplines:

• Social sciences (such as economics, psychology, and sociology)
• Natural sciences (such as biology, chemistry, and physics)
• U.S. and World Literature
• U.S. Founding Documents or a text in the Great Global Conversation

The Reading section is claimed to test your ability to:

• Understand words and phrases in context
• Understand the purpose and main idea of a passage
• Understand relationships between parts of a text
• Identify the author's argument or claim
• Interpret data and information presented in different formats, such as tables or graphs

The Writing and Language Section consists of 44 questions, which need to be completed in 35 minutes. All questions in this section are multiple-choice and are based on passages.

• Social studies

The Writing and Language section is claimed to test your ability to:

• Understand grammar rules and conventions in English
• Understand words in context
• Analyze and edit passages at the sentence and paragraph level
• Understand the development, organization, and effective language use in written English

Math Section

The Math Section is divided into two components: one that allows calculator use (38 questions, 55 minutes) and one that doesn’t (20 questions, 25 minutes). The questions in this section are both multiple-choice and grid-in types.

• Problem-solving and Data Analysis
• Advanced Math
• Additional Topics (geometry, trigonometry, and complex numbers)

The Math section is claimed to test your ability to:

• Understand mathematical concepts and apply mathematical principles to solve problems
• Interpret and analyze data to solve problems
• Understanding the structure of expressions and being able to analyze, manipulate, and rewrite these expressions

Essay (Optional)

The Essay section, though optional, is recommended for students applying to colleges that require an SAT essay score. You have 50 minutes to read a passage and analyze how the author built an argument in the provided text.

This section is claimed to test your ability to:

• Comprehend a source text
• Analyze how the author builds a persuasive argument
• Write a clear and coherent essay that deconstructs an argument

Time management plays a crucial role in achieving a high score on the SAT. With a limited timeframe to answer a vast array of questions, strategic planning is key. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time during the test:

1. Practice in a Timed Environment

Familiarizing yourself with the SAT's timing structure can significantly reduce stress on the actual test day. Take several practice tests under the same time constraints you'll face during the SAT, in the same kind of environment. This will help you understand the pacing of the test and gauge how long you can spend on each question. By doing this regularly, you'll gradually increase your speed and efficiency.

2. Strategic Ordering

There's no rule stating you must answer the questions in the order they're presented. A strategic approach would be to first tackle the questions you find easy or are confident about, then move on to the more difficult ones. This method ensures you garner as many points as possible within a short time and prevents you from getting stuck on a challenging question early on.

3. Figure Out Your Answer Before Looking at the Multiple-Choice Options

For multiple-choice questions, try to come up with your answer before looking at the provided options. This strategy can prevent you from being swayed by incorrect answers that may appear plausible at first glance. Once you have your answer, you can look at the options and select the one that best matches. This way, you're relying on your knowledge rather than guesswork.

Strategies for Improving Passage Analysis in SAT Reading Section

Mastering the art of passage analysis is essential for performing well in the SAT Reading section. It involves understanding the main points, identifying significant details, interpreting the author's purpose, and making logical inferences. Below are three strategies that could enhance your passage analysis skills:

1. Highlighting

While going through a passage, it is beneficial to highlight or underline key phrases, arguments, or points of view. This strategy helps keep track of the central theme, main characters, or any shifts in tone or perspective throughout the passage. However, avoid over-highlighting. Try to mark only critical details that contribute directly to the main point or theme of the passage. This way, when you need to refer back to the passage for a question, you can quickly identify the relevant information.

2. Contextualizing the Information

When you read a passage, try to understand it within its broader context. This means considering who the author is, the potential audience, the historical or social setting, and the overall purpose of the text. Pay attention to any given information about the source of the passage. All these factors can influence the message, tone, and language of the passage. Moreover, understanding the context can also help you infer the meanings of unfamiliar words or phrases.

3. What Should I Do If I Don’t Understand the Passage?

It's possible that you'll encounter complex or challenging passages on the SAT. When this happens, don't panic or waste too much time trying to understand every detail. Start by identifying the main idea of the passage. If necessary, reread the first and last sentences of each paragraph, as these often contain the core arguments. Break down complex sentences into smaller parts, and try to understand each part. Then, move on to the questions. Many times, the questions will guide you back to the specific details or parts of the passage that are crucial for answering them. Lastly, practice reading a variety of texts, including historical documents, scientific reports, and literary pieces, to familiarize yourself with different writing styles and structures.

Strategies for Improving Your Speed in SAT Writing and Language Section

The SAT Writing and Language section demands a balance between speed and accuracy. It consists of 44 questions that must be answered within 35 minutes, which equates to less than a minute per question. Hence, improving your speed without sacrificing precision is crucial. Below are some strategies to help you boost your pace:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Question Types

The SAT Writing and Language section primarily tests your understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and argument development. By understanding the types of questions you'll face, you can quickly identify what each question is asking and avoid wasting time trying to figure it out. Practice frequently with sample questions to get the hang of each type.

2. Read Actively and Purposefully

Instead of reading the entire passage first, read the relevant sentence or surrounding sentences for each question. Look for grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or inconsistencies in the information provided. Reading actively allows you to stay focused and pick up the needed information quickly.

3. Answer Questions in Order

The questions in the SAT Writing and Language section are generally in the order of the passage. Answering questions sequentially can save time since it enables a smooth, logical flow of reading without needing to jump back and forth in the passage.

4. Use the Process of Elimination

Often, it's easier to identify the wrong answers than the correct one. Eliminate options that are clearly incorrect due to grammatical errors, redundancy, inconsistency with the passage, or other discernible reasons. This narrows down your choices and speeds up the decision-making process.

5. Trust Your Initial Judgment

Your first instinct is often correct, especially if you've prepared well. If an answer choice seems right immediately, it probably is. Don't waste time second-guessing yourself unless you have a good reason to do so.

6. Practice under Timed Conditions

Regular practice under timed conditions can significantly improve your speed. It can help you get used to the pace of the test, understand how much time you can afford for each question, and learn to make quicker decisions.

Strategies for Improving Your Speed in the SAT Math Section

The SAT Math section demands precision and speed. You need to answer 58 questions in 80 minutes, which equates to about 1.5 minutes per question. Here are some tips that can help you increase your pace without compromising accuracy:

1. Master Key Math Concepts

The SAT Math section tests specific math concepts, such as algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, geometry, and some trigonometry. Familiarize yourself with these topics. The better your understanding, the faster you will be able to identify and use the correct strategies to solve problems.

2. Know Your Formulas

While the SAT provides some formulas at the start of the Math section, it doesn't include all the formulas you might need. Memorize commonly used formulas that aren't provided so you won't waste time trying to recall them during the test.

3. Understand the Question

SAT Math questions often contain extra information or are worded in ways that make them seem more complex than they are. Take the time to understand what is being asked before jumping into calculations. This can save you from time-consuming mistakes.

4. Develop Mental Math Skills

Practice doing simple calculations in your head to save time. The less you rely on a calculator for basic operations, the faster you can solve problems.

5. Use Your Calculator Wisely

While a calculator is a useful tool, it can also be a time sink if not used strategically. Use your calculator for complex calculations but rely on your mental math skills for simpler ones.

6. Practice Grid-In Questions

The SAT includes "grid-in" questions where you calculate the answer and fill it in on a grid. These questions can be time-consuming because they require manual entry of answers. Practice these types of questions so you can do them more quickly on test day.

7. Skip Difficult Questions

Don't spend too much time on a single difficult question. Instead, skip it and move on to the next question. You can return to it later if you have time.

8. Regular Timed Practice

The more you practice under timed conditions, the better you'll get at managing your time. Use practice tests to gauge your speed and figure out where you need to improve.

Writing the optional essay on the SAT can be a daunting task, especially with the time constraint. You have 50 minutes to read a 650-750 word passage, analyze the author's argument, and write an essay. Here are some strategies to help you improve your speed:

1. Understand the Task

You're not being asked to agree or disagree with the author's argument, but to analyze how they build their argument. Understanding this can save you time as you won't spend time crafting your own argument.

2. Read Actively

As you read the passage, underline or mentally note persuasive elements such as evidence, reasoning, and stylistic or persuasive devices used by the author. This will save you time when you start writing your analysis.

3. Plan Your Essay

Spend some time planning your essay before you start writing. Identify your thesis statement and the examples you'll use to support it. A clear plan will make your writing more efficient.

4. Practice Writing by Hand

If you're not used to writing by hand, it can slow you down on test day. Practice writing essays by hand to improve your speed and ensure your hand doesn't get too tired during the actual test.

5. Be Concise

Avoid unnecessary verbosity. Being concise in your writing will help you cover more points in less time.

6. Practice Under Timed Conditions

Like with every other section of the SAT, practice makes perfect. Regularly practice writing SAT-style essays under timed conditions. Over time, this will help you get a sense of how much you can write within the allocated time and improve your writing speed.

7. Proofread, if Time Allows

If you have time, quickly read through your essay to correct any obvious mistakes. But don't spend too much time on this. It's better to have a fully developed, slightly flawed essay than an incomplete but flawless one.

How to Prepare for the Test Day?

Preparing for the SAT involves more than just studying the content; it also requires logistical and mental preparation. Here are some key tips:

• Plan Your Test Day: Know the location of your test center, its distance from your home, and the time it takes to reach there. This planning can help prevent last-minute stress.
• Get a Good Night's Sleep: It's essential to be well-rested for the test. A good night's sleep can significantly enhance your performance.
• Pack Essential Items: Pack all necessary items, such as your admission ticket, photo ID, pencils, erasers, calculator, snacks, and a watch (without an audible alarm), the night before the test to avoid rushing on the morning of the test.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Maintaining a positive mindset is critical. Even if you encounter challenging questions, stay calm, use your strategies, and do your best.

Knowing what to expect on the day of your SAT test can significantly reduce stress and enable you to perform at your best. In addition to the academic preparations, familiarize yourself with the procedures and regulations that will be enforced on test day.

Test Center Closings

Stay updated on any test center closings leading up to your test day. Check the center's website on the morning of your test to ensure it hasn't closed or relocated.

Arrival and Entry

Test centers open their doors at 7:45 a.m. Arrival after 8 a.m. will result in denial of entry. If you're late or absent, consider rescheduling instead of re-registering as it is often cheaper. Ensure you arrive prepared with all necessary items.

Testing Process

Testing begins between 8:30 and 9 a.m. The proctor will assign seats and read instructions from a manual. They can only answer procedural questions, not those about test content. Work within the time constraints for each section, without skipping ahead or returning to previous sections. Once the test is complete, wait for the proctor to collect and account for all test materials before you are dismissed. Remember, your test experience may differ from those around you due to variations in test book sections.

Usually, there are two breaks during the test: one for 10 minutes and another for 5 minutes. These are the only times you can consume food and drinks. Keep your ID and admission ticket with you at all times. All test materials must remain on your desk during breaks, and you cannot use break times to use electronic devices, as doing so could result in score cancellation.

Testing typically concludes around noon.

Electronic Devices

It's essential to respect rules around mobile phones and other electronic devices. Violation of these policies may result in immediate dismissal, score cancellation, or both.

Remember the following:

• Test administrators may collect and hold prohibited devices during the test, including during breaks.
• If your device makes noise, or if you are seen using it or attempting to access it at any time, you risk immediate dismissal, score cancellation, and the possible confiscation of your device.
• The College Board is not liable for loss or damage to personal items, including electronic devices, at the test center.

The SAT test lasts a total of 3 hours without the essay and 3 hours 50 minutes with the essay, including breaks.

The time allotted for each SAT section is 65 minutes for Reading, 35 minutes for Writing and Language, 25 minutes and 55 minutes for Math (with two separate sections), and 50 minutes for the optional Essay.

Improving your speed during the SAT involves knowing the format of the test, practicing time management strategies, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and completing practice questions under timed conditions.

Preparing for SAT test day involves familiarizing yourself with the format and timing of the SAT, practicing with sample tests, getting a good night's sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, and ensuring you arrive at the testing center with plenty of time to spare.

Yes, scheduled breaks are built into the SAT. There is one 10-minute and one 5-minute break during the test.

If you don't finish a section in the given time, you will have to move on to the next one. Unanswered questions can negatively impact your score, so it's crucial to manage your time effectively.

Yes, you are allowed to bring a watch to the test center. However, the watch cannot have a separate timing device, cannot make noise, and cannot be a smartwatch.

Effective time management strategies include: understanding the test format, prioritizing questions, practicing pacing, using the process of elimination, and not spending too much time on a single question.

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How Long Is The SAT Test?

In this blog post, we will delve into the duration of the SAT test, exploring each section and providing tips for managing time effectively during the exam.

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized examination commonly taken by high school students in the United States as part of their college admissions process. It assesses students' readiness for college-level work and provides a standardized measure for colleges and universities to evaluate applicants. One of the important factors to consider when preparing for the SAT is understanding the test's length. In this blog post, we will delve into the duration of the SAT test , exploring each section and providing tips for managing time effectively during the exam.

Overview of the SAT

The SAT consists of two main section s: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section and the Math section. Additionally, there is an optional Essay section, which some colleges and universities require. The total duration of the SAT test varies depending on whether the student takes the essay portion. Without the essay, the test lasts approximately three hours. With the essay , it extends to around three hours and 50 minutes.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) Section

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section of the SAT is a crucial component of the exam that assesses a student's reading, writing, and language skills. This section is designed to measure a test-takers ability to analyze and comprehend written passages, as well as their command of grammar and usage.

The EBRW section consists of two main parts: the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test . Let's take a closer look at each of these components:

The Reading Test evaluates a student's ability to understand, analyze, and interpret a wide range of written texts. It includes passages from various subject areas, such as literature, social sciences, history , and natural sciences. The passages may be excerpts from books, essays, articles, or other forms of written material. The test typically includes one or more paired passages, which require students to compare and contrast information from different sources.

Within the Reading Test, students are expected to demonstrate the following skills:

• Comprehending details: Identifying specific information and understanding the main idea of the passage.
• Making inferences: Drawing logical conclusions and making educated guesses based on textual evidence.
• Understanding vocabulary in context: Determining the meaning of words and phrases based on how they are used within the passage.
• Analyzing rhetorical devices: Recognizing and interpreting the author's use of rhetorical strategies, such as tone, figurative language, and argumentation techniques.

The Writing and Language Test measures a student's ability to revise and edit written passages to improve clarity, coherence, and effectiveness. It assesses grammar, punctuation, usage, and sentence structure. The test consists of multiple-choice questions that require students to identify and correct errors in passages or improve the overall quality of the writing.

Skills assessed in the Writing and Language Test include:

• Sentence structure and formation: Identifying errors in sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and verb tenses.
• Grammar and usage: Understanding and applying the rules of grammar, including pronoun agreement, verb forms, modifiers, and idiomatic expressions.
• Punctuation: Recognizing and correcting errors related to commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and other punctuation marks.
• Word choice and style: Selecting appropriate vocabulary, eliminating wordiness, and improving the overall clarity and coherence of the passage.

To perform well in the EBRW section, students should develop a systematic approach to tackle the questions efficiently. It is crucial to read the passages carefully, underline key information, and pay attention to the author's tone and purpose. For the Writing and Language Test, students should be aware of common grammar and usage rules and practice editing sentences for clarity and effectiveness.

Preparing for the EBRW section involves building strong reading and writing skills over time. Regular reading of various types of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and informational articles, can help improve comprehension and vocabulary. Additionally, practicing grammar exercises and taking sample tests can familiarize students with the format and types of questions found in this section.

The EBRW section is an essential part of the SAT and plays a significant role in assessing a student's ability to comprehend and analyze written material, as well as their mastery of grammar and language. By honing these skills and preparing strategically, students can increase their chances of achieving a strong score in this section of the SAT exam.

Math Section

The Math section of the SAT is a crucial component that assesses a student's mathematical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and fluency with mathematical concepts. This section is designed to evaluate a test-taker's proficiency in various math topics and their ability to apply mathematical principles to real-world scenarios.

The Math section of the SAT is divided into two parts: the Calculator portion and the No-Calculator portion. Let's take a closer look at each of these components:

In this section, students are allowed to use a calculator to solve math problems. The questions in this portion cover a wide range of topics, including algebra, data analysis, advanced math, and problem-solving. The questions may require students to perform calculations, interpret data from graphs and charts, solve equations, and analyze patterns.

The skills assessed in the Calculator portion include:

• Algebra and functions : Solving equations and inequalities, working with linear and quadratic functions, and understanding algebraic expressions.
• Data analysis and problem-solving: Interpreting and analyzing data from tables, graphs, and statistics. Solving problems involving statistics, probability, and proportional reasoning.
• Advanced math: Working with more complex mathematical concepts such as geometry , trigonometry , and exponential functions.
• Coordinate geometry: Understanding the relationships between points, lines, and shapes on a coordinate plane.
• Numbers and operations: Performing calculations with rational numbers, radicals, exponents, and logarithms.

In this section, students are not allowed to use a calculator. The questions in this portion also cover a wide range of topics, but they focus more on foundational math skills and problem-solving techniques. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to perform calculations mentally, apply mathematical concepts accurately, and use critical thinking to arrive at the correct answers.

The skills assessed in the No-Calculator portion include:

• Arithmetic operations: Performing calculations involving fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios.
• Algebraic reasoning: Solving equations and inequalities, simplifying algebraic expressions, and understanding linear and quadratic functions.
• Geometry: Understanding geometric properties, relationships, and theorems. Solving problems involving angles, triangles, circles, and polygons.
• Trigonometry: Applying trigonometric principles, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, to solve problems involving triangles and angles.
• Problem-solving and data analysis: Applying mathematical skills to real-world scenarios, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

To excel in the Math section of the SAT, students should develop a strong foundation in math concepts and practice problem-solving strategies. Familiarity with the SAT math format and types of questions is also crucial. Students should focus on understanding the underlying principles of each topic, practicing different types of math problems, and reviewing any areas where they may need improvement.

Preparation for the Math section involves a combination of studying math concepts, practicing problem sets, and taking timed practice tests. There are numerous resources available, including SAT math study guides, online practice materials, and SAT prep courses, that can help students familiarize themselves with the exam's content and format.

By honing their mathematical skills, mastering key concepts, and practicing problem-solving strategies, students can improve their performance in the Math section of the SAT and increase their chances of achieving a strong overall score.

Optional Essay Section

While the essay section is not mandatory, some colleges and universities may require it for admission consideration. The essay prompt presents a passage and asks students to analyze the author's argument. This section is allotted 50 minutes for completion.

Tips for Managing Time Effectively

Time management is crucial when taking the SAT test to ensure that you have sufficient time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips to help you manage your time effectively:

• Familiarize yourself with the test format and structure beforehand to develop a time allocation strategy for each section.
• Read the instructions carefully and make a mental note of the time limits for each section.
• Pace yourself throughout the test, allocating time for each question or passage based on its difficulty level.
• Skip challenging questions initially and return to them later if time permits.
• Practice time-bound mock tests to improve your speed and efficiency.
• Maintain a steady pace during the exam and avoid spending too much time on any single question.

The duration of the SAT test varies depending on whether the optional essay section is taken. Without the essay, the test lasts approximately three hours, while with the essay, it extends to around three hours and 50 minutes. Understanding the test's length and effectively managing time is crucial for achieving success on the SAT. By following the tips provided and practicing regularly, students can approach the SAT with confidence and maximize their performance.

FAQs: How Long is the SAT Test?:

How long does the sat test typically take.

The duration of the SAT test varies depending on whether you choose to take the optional Essay section. Without the essay, the test lasts approximately three hours. With the essay, it extends to around three hours and 50 minutes.

What are the main sections of the SAT?

The SAT consists of two main sections: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section and the Math section. Additionally, there is an optional Essay section.

How much time is allotted for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section?

The EBRW section includes the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test. Combined, these two tests take approximately 100 minutes to complete.

How much time is given for the Math section?

The Math section is divided into two portions: the Calculator and No-Calculator sections. Students have a total of 80 minutes to complete both sections.

Is the Essay section mandatory?

No, the Essay section is optional. However, some colleges and universities may require it for admission consideration. The essay portion is allotted 50 minutes.

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The Optional SAT Essay: What to Know

Tackling this section of the SAT requires preparation and can boost some students' college applications.

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Even though an increasing number of colleges are dropping standardized test requirements, students who must write the SAT essay can still stand to gain from doing so.

Although the essay portion of the SAT became optional in 2016, many students still chose to write it to demonstrate strong or improved writing skills to prospective colleges.

In June 2021, the College Board opted to discontinue the SAT essay. Now, only students in a few states and school districts still have access to — and must complete — the SAT essay. This requirement applies to some students in the SAT School Day program, for instance, among other groups.

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Whether or not to write the SAT essay is not the biggest decision you will have to make in high school, but it is certainly one that requires thought on your part. Here are three things you should know about the 50-minute SAT essay as you decide whether to complete it:

• To excel on the SAT essay, you must be a trained reader.
• The SAT essay begs background knowledge of rhetoric and persuasive writing.
• A growing number of colleges are dropping standardized test requirements.

To Excel on the SAT Essay, You Must Be a Trained Reader

The SAT essay prompt never comes unaccompanied. On the contrary, it follows a text that is about 700 words long or approximately one page. Before test-takers can even plan their response, they must carefully read and – ideally – annotate the passage.

The multifaceted nature of the SAT essay prompt can be distressing to students who struggle with reading comprehension. But the good news is that this prompt is highly predictable: It always asks students to explain how the author builds his or her argument. In this case, "how” means which rhetorical devices are used, such as deductive reasoning, metaphors, etc.

Luckily, the author’s argument is usually spelled out in the prompt itself. For instance, consider this past SAT prompt : “Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved.”

Due to the essay prompt’s straightforward nature, students should read the passage with an eye toward specific devices used by the author rather than poring over “big ideas.” In tour SAT essay, aim to analyze at least two devices, with three being even better.

The SAT Essay Begs Background Knowledge of Rhetoric and Persuasive Writing

Since your SAT essay response must point to specific rhetorical devices that the author employs to convince the reader, you should make it a point to intimately know 10-15 common ones. The more familiar you are with rhetorical devices, the faster you will become at picking them out as you read texts.

Once you have read the passage and identified a handful of noteworthy rhetorical devices, you should apply many of the same essay-writing techniques you already use in your high school English classes.

For instance, you should start by brainstorming to see which devices you have the most to say about. After that, develop a concise thesis statement, incorporate quotes from the text, avoid wordiness and other infelicities of writing, close with an intriguing conclusion, and do everything else you could imagine your English teacher advising you to do.

Remember to always provide evidence from the text to support your claims. Finally, leave a few minutes at the end to review your essay for mistakes.

A Growing Number of Colleges Are Dropping Standardized Test Requirements

In recent years, some of America’s most prominent colleges and universities – including Ivy League institutions like Harvard University in Massachusetts, Princeton University in New Jersey and Yale University in Connecticut – have made submission of ACT and SAT scores optional.

While this trend began as early as 2018, the upheaval caused by COVID-19 has prompted many other schools to adopt a more lenient testing policy, as well.

Advocates for educational fairness have long expressed concerns that standardized admissions tests put underprivileged students at a disadvantage. In light of the coronavirus pandemic , which restricted exam access for almost all high school students, colleges have gotten on board with this idea by placing more emphasis on other factors in a student’s application.

To assess writing ability in alternative ways, colleges now place more emphasis on students’ grades in language-oriented subjects, as well as college application documents like the personal statement .

The fact that more colleges are lifting their ACT/SAT requirement does not imply that either test or any component of it is now obsolete. Students who must write the SAT essay can still stand to gain from doing so, especially those who wish to major in a writing-intensive field. The essay can also demonstrate a progression or upward trajectory in writing skills.

The SAT essay can give a boost to the college applications of the few students to whom it is still available. If the requirement applies to you, be sure to learn more about the SAT essay and practice it often as you prepare for your upcoming SAT.

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Stressed about getting into college? College Admissions Playbook, authored by Varsity Tutors , offers prospective college students advice on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, SAT and ACT exams and the college application process. Varsity Tutors, an advertiser with U.S. News & World Report, is a live learning platform that connects students with personalized instruction to accelerate academic achievement. The company's end-to-end offerings also include mobile learning apps, online learning environments and other tutoring and test prep-focused technologies. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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How Long is the SAT Test

Time management is precious when it comes to anything related to academic achievements.Ensure you are aware of all the SAT test times so that you can prepare well enough for the test. You can even order custom essay from Studyfy’s essay writers to learn by example. Knowing SAT section times is critical if you want to complete everything on time. Find out how long the SAT test time lasts with and without the Essay section, and how many times you can go for a break.

What Time Do You Need to Arrive

While you can find an essay writer for hire to help you with your homework, SAT is your responsibility only. That’s why you should pay attention to the details.When the day of the SAT test comes, everything must be perfect. You should make sure you arrive at the needed location on time. And this does not mean you can enter the center a few minutes before the beginning. The administration closes the doors of the test center at 8:00. Therefore, watch the time and arrive earlier, let’s say, around 7:45.Besides, the first thing to do as you arrive is to pass the registration. The administrators would ask you to show your ticket and ID during this. Finally, if you come earlier, you can focus on the test, calm yourself down, and get your thoughts in order.

When does the SAT Start

The instruction before the testing lasts for about 30 minutes. It would be best if you come early to hear all the recommendations and guidelines from the administrators. The exam starts around 8:30-9:00. For you, it is critical to come in time and listen to the essential details so that you don’t miss anything.

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How Long Does the SAT Take

As it always happens with some crucial tasks, SAT time runs fast. So, how long is the SAT with and without an Essay part? Let’s see: all the mandatory parts – Reading, Writing and Language, Math – No-Calculator, Math – Calculator – last for 3 hours. If you decide on taking the Essay part as well, the SAT test will last for 3 hours, 50 minutes for you. What time does the SAT end? Note that the test will end between 11:45 and 12:30 (without the optional Essay part).

However, if you write an essay, the exam will end between 13:00 and 13:30.

How Long is Each Section of the SAT

Sat reading time.

Reading time seems to be the easiest part of the SAT exam. You can prepare for this section anywhere and anytime you want. Note that the duration of the part accounts for 65 minutes – from 8:30 till 9:35. So, you will receive the passages, and your task is to interpret these.

Don’t be too relaxed; this section allows you to gather all your concentration for the next parts. The passages might be related to science, literature, or any other subject. Your task is to interpret the text in the right way. That is why you must read the question and understand what you are looking for.

SAT Writing and Language Time

The Language and Writing sections last for 35 minutes (from 9:45 to 10:10). You will have a passage where you will need to find the grammatical and punctuation mistakes. All in all, there are two types of questions you need to handle:

• The first one will ask you to improve the use of the word or phrase
• The second one will ask you to make a sentence sound grammatically correct and standardized.

The main idea of the section is to understand the theme of the passages. Stay focused while you are reading the text. More importantly, practice some reading before the day of the actual SAT test.

SAT Math Time

The SAT Math section time is divided into two parts:

• 55-minute section with a calculator( 10:10-10:35)
• 25-minute section without a calculator (10:40-11:35)

As you can see, the duration of the whole section is 80 minutes. During the test, you need to cover 58 questions. The math parts – both with and without calculators – require special attention and critical thinking.

Besides, the new variant of the Math section in the SAT exam presupposes the knowledge of both mathematical algorithms and theories. Another novelty is a grid-in question that is worth 4 points. Thus, be prepared to use your brain to the full extent.

SAT Essay Time

The essay section is an optional one and lasts for 50 minutes (from 11:35 till 12:25). Here is what this assignment offers: you receive a text (around 600-700 words), read it, and write about your thoughts regarding the topic. The task is not that hard – what you need is attention and attentiveness to the details. Also, you must get the main idea.

While analysis will take some time, make sure you practice fast reading before the test. Being able to read fast, you will have enough time to digest the information. Please, pay attention to some strong arguments of the writer and think about how to interpret them. Create an outline with these arguments and your explanations. After this, you may get down to work.

SAT Breaks: Duration and Schedule

There are two breaks during the entire test and one more break for those who decided on taking an essay assignment. So, the first break takes time between the Reading and Writing sections. You will have 10 minutes to drink water and eat some snacks from 9:35 till 9:45. The next break will be between two maths tests, and it will last from 10:35 till 10:40.

Finally, for those going to take an Essay section, there will be a brief additional break (2 minutes only) after the math tests. Try to distract a little during all the breaks so that your brain has some rest. Remember to drink water and eat a little because hunger is the last thing you need while answering the test questions.

What to Do if You Run Out of Time

As you prepare for the SAT test, it's important to keep in mind that it can be stressful and time-limited. If you find yourself stuck on difficult questions, try not to panic. Instead, focus on answering the questions you know first, as there may be many other questions you can answer quickly. Don't spend too much time on tough questions, as this could prevent you from demonstrating your overall knowledge.

Once you've covered all the questions you know, you can then go back to the ones you found challenging earlier. The length of the SAT test should provide you with enough time for this strategy. If you come across a question that you're unsure about and have no idea how to answer, it's still better to guess rather than leaving it blank. Try to eliminate inappropriate answer choices and make an educated guess. Sometimes, this intuitive approach can yield positive results.

If you're struggling with writing tasks like philosophy essays, term papers, or nursing essays, don't hesitate to seek help from reliable term paper writing services or nursing essay writers . These professional services can provide you with valuable assistance and guidance, helping you improve your writing skills and achieve better results on your assignments. Remember to manage your time effectively during the SAT test and seek help when needed to maximize your chances of success.

Your Guide: How Long is the SAT Without Essay?

Are you wondering about the duration of the SAT without the essay section? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the length of the SAT, its sections, and effective preparation strategies. Taking the SAT is an important step in your academic journey, and understanding the timing and structure of the test can help you maximize your performance. Let’s dive in!

• The SAT without the essay section is approximately 3 hours long, excluding breaks.
• The test consists of three main sections: reading, writing and language, and math.
• The reading section is 65 minutes, the writing and language section is 35 minutes, and the math section varies depending on whether a calculator is allowed.
• The essay section is optional and adds an additional 50 minutes to the test duration.
• Time management is crucial; prioritize easier questions first and utilize guessing strategies as there is no longer a penalty for guessing.

Now that you have a general understanding of the SAT duration without the essay section, let’s delve deeper into each section and explore effective strategies for success. By familiarizing yourself with the format and optimizing your time management skills, you can approach the SAT with confidence and achieve your desired results. Let’s get started!

Understanding the SAT Format

The SAT without the essay section lasts approximately 3 hours, excluding breaks, and features different sections with specific time allocations for reading, writing and language, and math. Let’s take a closer look at each section of the exam to understand the duration and format.

Reading Section:

The reading section of the SAT without the essay is 65 minutes long and consists of 52 questions. It assesses your reading comprehension skills through a variety of passages, such as literary fiction, social sciences, and natural sciences. The questions test your ability to analyze, interpret, and draw inferences from the given information.

Writing and Language Section:

The writing and language section allows 35 minutes for you to answer 44 questions. This section evaluates your ability to identify grammatical errors, improve sentence structure, and revise passages for clarity and coherence. It covers topics like grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills necessary for effective writing.

Math Sections:

The math portion of the SAT is divided into two sections: one without a calculator and the other with a calculator. The section without a calculator gives you 25 minutes to solve 20 questions, testing your ability to apply mathematical concepts and solve problems without the aid of a calculator. The section with a calculator provides 55 minutes to answer 38 questions, allowing you to use a calculator for more complex calculations.

These sections provide a breakdown of the SAT without the essay, highlighting the time limits and question counts. It is essential to manage your time effectively during the test to ensure you complete each section within the allocated duration.

To optimize your performance, prioritize answering easier questions first and allocate sufficient time for more challenging ones. Remember, there is no longer a penalty for guessing, so make sure to answer as many questions as possible. Preparing for the SAT with practice tests, understanding the test format, and getting enough rest are all key factors in performing well.

In the next section, we will delve into the reading section of the SAT without the essay, providing tips and strategies to tackle this part of the exam effectively.

Breakdown of the Reading Section

The reading section of the SAT without the essay consists of 65 minutes and includes 52 questions, testing your comprehension and critical analysis skills. This section evaluates your ability to understand and interpret various types of texts, such as passages from literature, social sciences, and natural sciences. It also assesses your ability to draw inferences, analyze arguments, and identify main ideas and supporting evidence.

During this section, you will encounter different question formats, including multiple-choice questions and passage-based questions. The passage-based questions require you to refer back to specific parts of the text to answer questions accurately. It is crucial to read the passages carefully and actively engage with the content to grasp the author’s main points and arguments.

To excel in the reading section, it is advisable to practice reading and analyzing complex texts regularly. Developing strong reading comprehension skills and effective strategies, such as skimming and scanning, can significantly improve your performance. Remember to manage your time wisely, as pacing yourself is essential to complete all the questions within the given time frame.

Key Takeaways:

• The reading section of the SAT without the essay lasts for 65 minutes and contains 52 questions.
• You need to demonstrate your comprehension and critical analysis skills.
• Practice actively engaging with various types of texts to improve your performance.
• Develop effective reading strategies and manage your time wisely during this section.

Strategies for the Writing and Language Section

With 35 minutes and 44 questions, the writing and language section of the SAT without the essay demands strong grammar and editing skills. Here are some strategies to help you excel in this section:

• Read the Passage Carefully: Before diving into the questions, take the time to read the passage thoroughly. Pay attention to the main idea, tone, and structure of the writing. This will help you better understand the context and make informed decisions.
• Focus on Grammar: This section tests your command of grammar rules. Pay attention to subjects, verb agreement, tenses, pronouns, and modifiers. Brushing up on grammar rules beforehand can greatly improve your performance.
• Manage Your Time: Time management is crucial in this section. Aim to spend no more than a minute on each question. If you’re stuck on a particular question, don’t dwell on it. Make an educated guess and move on to maximize your chances of answering all the questions.

Additionally, here’s a breakdown of the question types you might encounter in the writing and language section:

By implementing these strategies and familiarizing yourself with the question types, you can approach the writing and language section of the SAT without the essay with confidence. Remember to practice regularly, review grammar rules, and manage your time effectively to optimize your performance.

Navigating the Math Sections

The SAT without the essay includes two math sections, one without a calculator lasting 25 minutes with 20 questions, and another with a calculator lasting 55 minutes with 38 questions. Let’s explore how you can tackle these sections successfully.

When approaching the math sections, it’s important to manage your time effectively. Start by scanning through the questions and identifying those that you feel confident answering. Prioritize these easier questions to ensure you score valuable points early on. Remember, there is no penalty for guessing, so if you’re unsure about a particular question, make an educated guess and move on.

For the math section without a calculator, you’ll need to rely on mental math skills and problem-solving techniques. Utilize the scratch paper provided to perform calculations and work through complex problems. It’s crucial to double-check your work and ensure accuracy, as even a small error can lead to an incorrect answer.

When you reach the math section with a calculator, use it strategically. While a calculator can be a useful tool, avoid over-reliance on it. It’s still important to possess strong mathematical skills and understanding. Use the calculator for complex calculations, but be cautious not to waste time inputting simple calculations that you can solve mentally. Additionally, be sure to familiarize yourself with the calculator’s functions before the exam to maximize efficiency.

Math Sections Overview

By managing your time, leveraging problem-solving strategies, and practicing with sample questions, you can approach the math sections of the SAT without the essay section confidently. Remember, preparation and practice are key to achieving success on the test. Good luck!

The Optional Essay Section

While the essay section is optional on the SAT, it adds an additional 50 minutes to the test duration, but only in certain states where it is required. Let’s examine the importance of this section and whether it is necessary for your college admissions.

For students considering taking the optional essay section, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and expectations. The essay portion of the SAT allows you to showcase your analytical and writing skills, providing colleges and universities with an additional piece of information about your abilities. It tests your ability to critically analyze a given passage and construct a well-organized, coherent response within a limited timeframe.

While some colleges may require the essay portion, many have made it an optional component of their admissions process. It’s important to research the specific requirements of the institutions you’re interested in to determine if the essay section is necessary for your application. If you’re unsure, it’s recommended to take the optional essay section, as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate your writing proficiency and showcase additional skills that may enhance your application.

Remember, even if the essay section is not required for your top-choice colleges, it’s always beneficial to have strong writing skills. The ability to construct a well-argued, coherent essay is a valuable asset in college and beyond. Taking the optional essay section can help prepare you for the writing demands you may encounter in higher education and other aspects of your academic journey.

As you prepare for the SAT, consider your strengths in writing and time management. Reflect on the requirements of your target colleges and decide whether taking the optional essay section aligns with your goals. Remember to practice under timed conditions and review sample essay prompts to familiarize yourself with the expectations of this section. Taking the time to prepare will ensure that you can make an informed decision and perform your best on test day.

Time Management and Test Strategies

Proper time management is crucial for success on the SAT, and understanding how to utilize the allocated time efficiently can significantly impact your overall score. Let’s explore some key strategies for managing time effectively during the test.

1. Prioritize Easier Questions: When you first encounter a section, quickly scan through the questions and identify those that you find easier or more familiar. Answering these questions first will help you build confidence and save time for more challenging ones later.

2. Pace Yourself: The SAT is a timed test, so it’s essential to keep track of the time and allocate it wisely. Divide the time available for each section, and aim to complete the questions within the designated time frame. Remember, spending too much time on a single question can cost you valuable time on others.

3. Utilize Guessing: Since there is no longer a penalty for guessing, it’s in your best interest to answer every question, even if you’re unsure of the correct answer. Use strategic guessing techniques, such as eliminating obviously wrong options or making an educated guess based on partial knowledge.

4. Take Advantage of Breaks: The SAT includes breaks between sections, so make use of this time to recharge and refocus. Stretch your legs, have a snack, or take a few deep breaths to relax. These short breaks can help alleviate test anxiety and enhance your concentration for the next section.

By implementing these time management strategies and practicing them during your SAT preparation, you can optimize your performance and maximize your chances of achieving your desired score. Remember, preparation, practice tests, and getting enough sleep are also key factors in performing well on the SAT.

Important Considerations and Changes

When planning for the SAT without the essay, it’s important to factor in breaks, travel time, and any special accommodations that you may require. Additionally, recent changes to the test structure, including the optional essay and subject tests, are important to keep in mind.

The SAT without the essay section is approximately 3 hours long, excluding breaks. The reading section consists of 52 questions and lasts for 65 minutes. Following this, the writing and language section, with 44 questions, is allocated 35 minutes of test time. The math section without a calculator requires 25 minutes to answer 20 questions, while the math section with a calculator grants 55 minutes for 38 questions.

It’s worth noting that the essay section is only available in certain states where it is required, adding an additional 50 minutes to the test duration. To ensure an accurate schedule, there are breaks included in the test: a 10-minute break between the reading and writing sections, and a 5-minute break between the two math sections. Furthermore, test time may be extended by an additional 20 minutes for a pre-tested section.

Students should aim to complete the SAT between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m., considering travel time and potential special accommodations for those with medical conditions or exceptional circumstances. With recent changes to the test, the SAT no longer includes subject tests and the optional essay section will no longer be required after June. Time management is crucial for success on the SAT, so students should prioritize easier questions first and avoid spending too much time on any one section. Additionally, there is no longer a penalty for guessing, encouraging students to answer as many questions as possible within the given time limit. Adequate preparation, practice tests, and sufficient rest are pivotal factors in performing well on the SAT without the essay.

Updated SAT Test Structure

“The path to success on the SAT without the essay lies in careful planning. Consider your need for breaks, travel time, and any special accommodations you may require. Stay informed about the recent changes, such as the optional essay no longer being required after June. Prepare well, manage your time effectively, and remember to rest. Success awaits!”

To excel on the SAT without the essay, it is crucial to understand its duration, sections, and test-taking strategies, while also prioritizing preparation, practice tests, and getting sufficient rest. By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your performance on this important college admissions exam.

The SAT without the essay section is approximately 3 hours long, excluding breaks. It consists of several sections, each with its own time limit and number of questions. The reading section lasts for 65 minutes and includes 52 questions, while the writing and language section is 35 minutes long with 44 questions. The math section without a calculator is 25 minutes with 20 questions, and the math section with a calculator is 55 minutes with 38 questions.

It’s important to note that the optional essay section is available in certain states and adds an additional 50 minutes to the test. However, after June, the SAT essay section will no longer be required. Additionally, breaks are provided during the test, including a 10-minute break between the reading and writing sections, as well as a 5-minute break between the two math sections. The test time may also be extended by an additional 20 minutes for a pre-tested section.

In order to make the most of your SAT experience, consider travel time and any special accommodations required due to medical conditions or other circumstances. Remember, the new SAT has a total duration of 3 hours, or 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay section. Time management is key to success on the SAT, so prioritize easier questions first and don’t spend too much time on any one section. With the removal of the guessing penalty, feel free to answer as many questions as possible within the given time limits.

Ultimately, preparation, practice tests, and ensuring you get enough sleep are crucial factors in performing well on the SAT. By understanding the test structure, managing your time effectively, and implementing smart test-taking strategies, you can increase your chances of achieving a high score and opening doors to future educational opportunities.

Q: How long is the SAT without the essay section?

A: The SAT without the essay section is about 3 hours long, not including breaks.

Q: What is the breakdown of the SAT without essay sections?

A: The reading section is 65 minutes with 52 questions, the writing and language section is 35 minutes with 44 questions, the math section without a calculator is 25 minutes with 20 questions, and the math section with a calculator is 55 minutes with 38 questions.

Q: Is the essay section mandatory?

A: The essay section is only available in certain states where it is required and adds an additional 50 minutes to the test.

Q: Are there breaks during the SAT without the essay?

A: Yes, there is a 10-minute break between the reading and writing sections, and a 5-minute break between the two math sections.

Q: Can the test time be extended?

A: Test time may be extended by an additional 20 minutes for a pre-tested section.

Q: What time should students aim to finish the SAT without the essay?

A: Students should aim to finish between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m., but travel time and special accommodations should also be taken into account.

Q: How long is the new SAT without the essay section?

A: The new SAT without the essay has a total duration of 3 hours, or 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay section. The reading section is 65 minutes, the writing and language section is 35 minutes, and the math section is 80 minutes.

Q: Are there any penalties for guessing on the SAT without the essay?

A: There is no longer a penalty for guessing, so students can answer as many questions as possible within the time limit.

Q: What are some tips for success on the SAT without the essay?

A: Preparation, practice tests, and getting enough sleep are important factors in performing well on the SAT. Students should prioritize easier questions first and not spend too much time on any one section.

Q: Are there any recent changes to the SAT without the essay?

A: The SAT essay section will no longer be required after June, and optional subject tests have also been discontinued.

Source Links

• https://blog.collegeboard.org/how-long-does-the-sat-take
• https://www.collegeraptor.com/getting-in/articles/act-sat/your-guide-to-the-new-sat-timing-content-scoring-and-tips/
• https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-long-the-sat-is-and-how-to-manage-that-time

Baron Cooke has been writing and editing for 7 years. He grew up with an aptitude for geometry, statistics, and dimensions. He has a BA in construction management and also has studied civil infrastructure, engineering, and measurements. He is the head writer of measuringknowhow.com

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The Definitive Guide to the SAT 2024

Dec 12, 2023 | Articles , SAT , Standardized Tests

What is the SAT?

The Digital SAT is a standardized test created by the College Board and has been completely redesigned beginning with the March 2024 test. You’ll take the test on the SAT Bluebook™ app (unless you have paper-based accommodations) which you’ll want to download and practice with before test day. Typically, juniors and seniors take the test for college admissions, scholarship awards, and school assessments. The test takes about two and a half hours, including two short breaks. For some students in particular states, an optional Essay portion adds an extra fifty minutes at the end.

What are the sections of the SAT? 

The Digital SAT includes two sections with two modules each, Reading & Writing and Math . Each section counts for 50% of your composite score. This newly adaptive test contains a mix of easy to difficult questions in the first module for each section, then offers an easier or tougher second module depending on how well you answer the questions in the first section.  No Science section exists on the SAT as on the ACT, but knowledge of interpreting charts, tables, and graphs is assessed throughout all test sections. The SAT provides 68% more time per question than the ACT, and there’s no penalty for guessing.

Reading & Writing

The Reading & Writing section includes short (25-150 words) reading passages (or passage pairs) on subjects from literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.  Each multiple-choice question that follows a passage covers one of four domains:

• Information and Ideas.  Measures comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas from texts and informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs).
• Craft and Structure.  Measures the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge needed to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts.
• Expression of Ideas.  Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.
• Standard English Conventions.  Measures the ability to edit text to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.

The Math section requires a deep understanding of algebra, but the test provides basic geometry formulas. The Bluebook app includes a built-in calculator, or you can still choose to bring your own from an approved list . Most (approximately 75%) questions are multiple-choice; but for some questions, you’ll need to provide a specific answer. These student-produced response (SPR) format questions may have multiple correct responses, but you’ll only provide one answer. Questions measure your ability to apply essential math concepts and about 30% of questions ask you to evaluate an in-context (worded) scenario and determine how to apply your math skills to find the answer. Each question covers one of four content areas:

• Algebra. Algebra measures the ability to analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities as well as analyze and fluently solve equations and systems of equations using multiple techniques. (13-15 questions)
• Advanced Math. The Advanced Math area measures skills and knowledge central for progression to more advanced math courses, including demonstrating an understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations. (13-15 questions)
• Problem-Solving and Data Analysis. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis measures the ability to apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understand and apply unit rate; and analyze and interpret one- and two-variable data. (5-7 questions)
• Geometry and Trigonometry. Problems to solve include area and volume formulas; lines, angles, and triangles; right triangles and trigonometry, and circles. (5-7 questions)

How long is the SAT? 

How many questions are on the SAT? 

The SAT includes 154 questions. 

• Reading & Writing includes 54 questions in 64 minutes (average 71 seconds per question)
• Math  has 44 questions in 70 minutes (average 95 seconds per question)

What are the SAT dates? 

The SAT is offered seven times each year in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. This provides multiple opportunities to take the test and increase your scores. Many schools, especially in states where the SAT is mandated for all high school juniors, also offer the test during the school day for students, generally in the spring. Check with your school to see if and when they offer the SAT. 

What is the average SAT score?

SAT scores range from 400 to 1600. The average SAT score for the class of 2023 was 1028 , down 22 points from 2022. ( Curious what that would be on the ACT? ) A ccording to the College Board’s latest score report , only 7% of all test-takers scored higher than 1400. No one scored below 590, and 12% of test-takers scored between 600 and 790. The Digital SAT (March 2024 onward) may be difficult to compare with the previous version of the SAT.

How do you register for the SAT?

Register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org . Test centers can be found on the SAT website , where you can search by state and test date. B ring a photo ID with your admission ticket on test day. You can use a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you don’t have any of these IDs, the SAT offers alternative methods to prove your identity.   When you register, you can choose to include information to allow colleges and scholarship organizations to contact you. 

On test day, you are expected to bring your fully-charged device with the Bluebook testing app already loaded. You can also bring a pen/pencil and use the scratch paper provided at the test site.

How much does the SAT cost? 

For 2023, taking the SAT costs $60. Add $30 if you register late, after the regular deadline. You can send up to four free score reports up to nine days after the test date. Additional score reports or reports ordered after you take the test are $14 per report. The SAT offers fee waivers to eligible test-takers (free & reduced lunch, receiving public assistance, etc.). Students can use the waivers to take two free SATs (with or without the essay) and send unlimited score reports. If you think you may be eligible, work with your school counselor to submit your request. 

When should you take the SAT?

Taking the PSAT is a good introduction to the format and content of the SAT, during the sophomore or junior year of high school. You may only qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program by testing during your junior year. Register for the PSAT through your school. After taking the PSAT, consider taking the SAT at least four times. No one gets their best score the first (or even second) time. Try taking the test twice in your junior year and twice in your senior fall. This increases the chances of scoring your best and boosting potential scholarships and financial aid! 

Should you take the SAT or ACT? 

All colleges accept both the ACT and SAT, so try both, then decide where to focus your effort. The SAT has two Math sections compared to only one for the ACT. The ACT, however, has a Science and Data Interpretation section.   In general, the content on the SAT is more challenging, but more time is given per question, compared to the ACT. Th e most important thing is to take either test multiple times. Improve your scores through practice.

How long does it take to get SAT scores? 

SAT multiple-choice scores are usually reported within 2-3 weeks of your test date. A schedule for individual test dates is available. The College Board sends a ll score reports to your selected colleges within ten days. 

How do you improve your SAT scores?

Practice and preparation are two of the biggest ways you can improve your SAT score. Find SAT prep that’s fun and engaging but also gives you strategies to help take the test. Not all test prep is created equal, so research, read reviews, and look past flashy guarantees.   OnToCollege offers an effective video course that not only gives you strategies but also practice tests and solution videos to help you learn from your mistakes. Use actual SAT practice tests as you study, (three are included in our course) to learn the format of the test. Then take the actual SAT multiple times, ideally twice your junior year and twice your senior year. 

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Exams Know-how

SAT Exam Durati...

SAT Exam Duration: How Long is It?

Curious about how long is SAT ?  Get ready for this examination with a precise duration of 2 hours and 14 minutes. Initiating your SAT journey necessitates grasping a fundamental element: the exact duration of the exam. The SAT , a pivotal milestone on your path to higher education, extends over a specific time frame that can significantly influence your approach to test-taking and overall experience.

In this exploration, we delve into the intricate details of the SAT's duration and the strategic opportunities it presents. This comprehensive guide of Yocket breaks down the SAT's timeline, including expert tips to maximize every minute of your test-taking journey. Learn about all the pacing tips you need to ace and achieve the score of your dreams. Dive in and embark on your path to college success today. Keep reading!

How Long is SAT?

The SAT is a commonly employed standardized test for college admissions. Previously, the SAT time duration would typically span 3 hours and 15 minutes . The previous timeframe encompasses three primary sections: 

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW),
• Mathematics, and
• An optional Essay. 
• The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) segment necessitates 1 hour and 35 minutes, 
• The Math section consumes 1 hour and 20 minutes, and if you opt to engage with the Essay portion, it prolongs the examination by an additional 50 minutes. 

Grasping the timing aspects of the SAT is pivotal for effective exam readiness and adept time management during test day.

Suggested: How to Register for SAT?

How long is SAT in 2023 ?

Previously, the SAT exam duration was 3 hours and 15 minutes. However, the SAT exam in 2023 will be held in different duration. The current timeframe for the SAT exam 2023 is a condensed duration of 2 hours and 14 minutes , featuring only two main sections: 

• Reading and 
• Writing, 
• as well as Mathematics (where a graphing calculator is permitted throughout the Math section)

Additionally, the SAT is a multistage-adaptive test, offering the convenience of being taken entirely online. Moreover, the exam will be held seven times throughout the year.

SAT Test Time Breakdown

The following table helps you understand the SAT exam time breakdown of the various sections, the SAT time limit or SAT time duration, and the total number of questions given:

Suggested: SAT Exam Pattern

7 Tips to Ace SAT Exam

Ready to conquer the SAT exam with style? Elevate your SAT game with these stellar tips, and watch your score soar.  Here are some irresistible tips by Yocket to help you shine:

• Kickstart Early: Begin your SAT prep journey well ahead, giving yourself plenty of time to soar.
• Crack the Code: Understand the SAT format inside and out. Know what to expect in terms of sections, questions, and timing.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Dive into official SAT practice tests to groove your test-taking groove.
• Target Weak Spots: Identify your Achilles heel and turn it into a strength.
• Strategic Guessing - When in Doubt, Make Guesses. It's natural to encounter challenging questions on the SAT. This tip advises test-takers that if you're uncertain about an answer, it's often beneficial to make an educated guess. The SAT doesn't give you negative marks for incorrect answers, so taking a well-informed guess can improve your chances of getting points rather than leaving questions unanswered.
• Sleep Soundly: Prioritize a Good Night's Sleep before your test. Adequate sleep is crucial for optimal cognitive function. Prioritizing a good night's sleep before the test is essential. Well-rested individuals are more alert, focused, and better equipped to perform their best on test day. 
• The Finishing Touch - Review Your Answers for a Perfect Finish. This tip highlights the importance of time management. If you complete the test sections with some time to spare, take advantage of it by reviewing your answers. This final check allows you to catch any errors or oversights and improve your score. However, be mindful of the time; don't review questions for too long and risk leaving questions unanswered.

These strategies can significantly enhance your SAT performance by addressing common challenges like anxiety, uncertainty, and time management. If you have more questions or need further information on any of these strategies, please visit yocket .

Suggested: SAT Fee Waivers

In summary, understanding the duration of the SAT exam is crucial on your journey to mastery. Traditionally spanning a comprehensive 3 hours and 15 minutes, the SAT has represented a significant chapter in your academic path. However, this year, the timeframe has been reduced to 2 hours and 14 minutes. 

Within this condensed period, you will have to navigate through the multifaceted sections, including the Reading and Writing, and the math-focused Math sections, now featuring the use of a graphing calculator. Importantly, this isn't just a countdown of minutes; it's an opportunity, a canvas on which you can showcase your intellectual prowess and abilities. 

Successfully tackling the SAT involves a meticulous blend of time management, test-taking strategy, and the demonstration of your academic strengths. Dedicate yourself to methodical preparation, where you refine your knowledge and fine-tune your approach. In doing so, you're not just appearing for an exam but forging a trajectory toward your educational ambitions. So, prepare diligently with Yocket and step onto the SAT stage ready to radiate brilliance!

Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Exam Duration

How long is SAT exam?

The SAT exam duration is 2 hours and 14 minutes in 2023.

Is the SAT exam very difficult?

You can ace the SAT exam in no time with proper practice and effort.

How many sections are there in the SAT exam 2023?

Three sections: Reading, Writing and Maths.

Kashyap Matani

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, sat with essay vs without.

Hey all, I need some advice. I'm taking the SAT soon, and I'm not sure if I should do it with the essay or without. Can anyone give me some pros and cons of each option? And do colleges still require the essay sometimes?

Hey there! It's a good idea to think about whether to take the SAT with or without the essay. I'll share some pros and cons of each option and discuss the essay's relevance in college admissions.

Pros of taking the SAT with the essay:

1. Some colleges require or recommend it: While the number of colleges requiring the essay has significantly decreased, there are still a few that prefer it. It's important to research the specific colleges you're interested in to determine their requirements.

2. Showcase your writing skills: If you excel in writing, the essay portion can provide another opportunity to showcase your abilities.

Cons of taking the SAT with the essay:

1. Additional cost: Taking the SAT with the essay costs more than taking the test without it.

2. Longer testing time: Including the essay adds an extra 50 minutes to the test, which might be tiring for some students.

3. Less focus on other sections: Preparing for the essay might divert your attention from the main sections of the test (Math, Reading, and Writing and Language).

Pros of taking the SAT without the essay:

1. Less expensive: The test fee is lower without the essay option.

2. Shorter testing time: You'll spend less time in the testing center, which might help you maintain focus on the crucial sections of the exam.

3. Focus on core subjects: Removing the essay allows you to concentrate on improving your scores in the main areas colleges care about.

Cons of taking the SAT without the essay:

1. Potential requirement: As I mentioned earlier, a small number of colleges still require or recommend submitting the essay. If you change your mind about applying to such a school, you could find yourself taking the SAT again.

In recent years, the importance of the SAT essay has diminished in the college admissions process, with many opting for test-optional policies or disregarding the essay altogether. However, it's important to double-check the requirements of the colleges you plan to apply to.

To decide whether to include the essay, research your target schools, consider your writing abilities, and think about your willingness to invest additional time and money in the test. Good luck with your decision and SAT preparation!

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How Long is the SAT with Optional Essay Section?

by Christian | Dec 24, 2017 | SAT Prep | 0 comments

Get a higher SAT Essay score - fast - with our instant-download complete course.

How long is the sat test with essay.

There’s no doubt that the entire SAT test takes a long time to finish! The test is even longer if you’re taking the (optional) SAT Essay.

So, how long is the SAT with Essay? Well, it comes out to a total of 4 hours and 5 minutes with breaks.

WOW, that’s a long test. Better make sure you prepare !

The SAT test typically starts between 8:30 and 9 AM. So, with essay, that means you’ll get out of the testing center at about 1 PM.

The SAT Essay section itself is 50 minutes long, and is given at the very end of the test. This allows any students who are not taking this optional essay to leave the testing center.

By the way, only fifteen minutes of that entire four-plus hours are break time. That means you spend a total of three hours and fifty minutes purely on high-stress SAT testing .

Remember that the SAT Essay section is “optional” but usually recommended (more on this later)…

How Long is the SAT Test without Essay?

But - what if you aren’t taking the SAT with essay? How long is the SAT Test without the optional essay section?

Well, in this case, the SAT test without essay is three hours and fifteen minutes with breaks. Only fifteen minutes of that are break time. So the SAT is a solid three hours of testing even without the essay.

Again, the SAT test usually starts between 8:30 and 9 AM, so  without the Essay section you’ll usually get out of the test a bit after noon.

Is the SAT Essay Optional, and Why Would You Take It?

So, if the SAT Essay is optional and adds fifty minutes to test day, then why would you bother to take it? After all, not  every student needs an SAT Essay score.

However, it’s much wiser to assume you  will need an SAT Essay score when you apply to your favorite colleges .

If you take the SAT with Essay, the worst-case scenario is you have an extra essay score you don’t use.

But, if you  don’t take the SAT with Essay, and you  do turn out to need an SAT Essay score, then I’ve got bad news. You’ll actually have to retake the entire SAT Test, just to get a chance at the Essay.

So, does that sound worth it to you, just to avoid writing one measly SAT Essay?

I didn’t think so. Be safe, be wise, and register to take the SAT with “optional” Essay.

How Do You Register for the SAT Test with Essay?

So, how exactly do you register to take the SAT Test with Essay?

Well, like all SAT test registrations, you’ll head to the official College Board website to register online. (Although you  can register for the SAT test via other methods, like phone, the vast majority of students will simply register online.)

During the SAT registration process you’ll have a simple and easy option to include the SAT Essay.

Note: It will cost approximately $14 extra to register for the SAT Test with Essay. Again - for the sake of your college applications and peace of mind, I would recommend simply paying the fee and taking the essay.

By the way, don’t forget to prepare diligently for the other sections of the SAT Test before the Essay. The real “meat” of your SAT score comes from a gigantic multiple-choice test over Reading, Grammar, and Math. Be ready!

Where Can You Learn More About the SAT Essay?

So, where can you go to learn more about acing the SAT Essay and getting your top score?

We’ve published tons of free info you can use for a higher SAT Essay score. Start with this article and make sure to practice diligently at home.

If you want a thorough and complete training course on the SAT Essay from a perfect-scoring pro tutor, get our Complete SAT & ACT Essay Course . It’s  only available in our online course store. And, it also covers the ACT Essay in detail (but you don’t have to use that part of the course if you don’t need it!)

Finally, if you’re interested in private 1-on-1 tutoring for the SAT Essay, we do that too. Contact us for more details and a free personalized consultation, no matter where in the world you live.

Do you h ave any other burning questions about the SAT Essay? Leave them in the comments below!

Get Higher SAT Essay Scores Today!

Do you want to ace your SAT test, and the SAT essay too? Of course you do! If you get higher scores on your SAT test, you’ll have access to much better colleges and scholarships. And, a better education means more opportunities, more money, and a better lifestyle.

It’s worth it - but you’ll have to work for it. Higher SAT scores are  earned , not handed out like candy.

Step One: get our complete SAT Essay course today. Use that course to focus all your attention towards a higher SAT Essay score.

Step Two: Join our free SAT email list ! We’ll keep you updated with exclusive SAT prep tips and other score-raising info.

Step Three:   Contact us today for a free, personalized consultation. We are fun and cool experts in SAT testing and preparation, led by a multi-time perfect scorer and veteran tutor.

Take action today and put our expertise to work for yourself. A higher SAT Essay score is within your reach, and all the great college and long-term life benefits that come along with it. Get started now and you’ll never regret it!

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SAT Timing: How Long is the Test Duration & Time Management

• Updated On December 19, 2022
• Published In SAT 👩‍🎓

Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is an aptitude test that must be given by students who wish to pursue their undergraduate studies in the USA or Canada. However, before appearing for it, one must be conversant with the syllabus and SAT time duration. This blog will elaborate on SAT timing , syllabus , eligibility criteria and application process. Keep reading the blog to know more! 

Table of Contents

How Long is the SAT Exam ? 

SAT spans a total of 3 hours. If one has opted for the essay, one will be given an additional 50 minutes. However, this is entirely optional. This denotes the duration of SAT exam .

According to the College Board, the committee that administers this exam, 57% of approximately 2.2 million test-takers opted for the essay. In contrast, many experts believe that the essay was not a prerequisite for many colleges and will be eradicated. Not only that but subjects’ tests have also been curbed. However, international students are still allowed to appear for it in May and June. There were 20 subject areas which later got categorised into five subject areas, mainly, Languages, History, English, Mathematics and Science. Moreover, the total duration of the exam is 3 hours and its scoring ranges from 400 and 1600 points. The below table illustrates the scoring section and SAT time : 

How many Breaks are there During SAT? 

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There are several breaks offered during the SAT. Firstly, there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing Sections. Furthermore, there is a 5-minute break during the two math sections. Moreover, if one has opted for an additional essay, one will get a two-minute break. 

When does the SAT Exam Start? 

The test doors open at 7:45 am exactly and close by 8 am. Once students are in the examination room, the invigilator will take all electronic devices, and one must get approval for the SAT calculator beforehand.  After students are checked in, the invigilator will distribute the test materials, and candidates must start reading the preliminary instructions. Then, the invigilator will announce the time a candidate has to finish the exam. A second warning is given when there are five minutes left. 

Managing SAT Time during exam

Following are some tips to manage the SAT time during exam – 1. Bring a watch to keep track of the time. This will further help you set time-based targets for each section of the SAT exam. 2. Should have complete knowledge about the type of questions assigned under each section. The sections are as follows –

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section – Comprises 96 (MCQs and essay based MCQs) questions to be attempted in 100 minutes.
• Mathematic section – Consists of 58 questions to be attempted in 80 minutes.
• Optional Essay Section – Contains 1 essay to be completed in 50 minutes.

3. Individuals should have prior knowledge of the instructions under each section, which one can obtain through practice. 4. Assess and skip questions that may take more time. Cater to them after answering the rest of the questions. 5. If you are entirely unaware of the answer to a particular problem, don’t waste your time and turn to guess. SAT has no negative markings for wrong answers. 6. Read passages and comprehension underline the essential pointers. Though it may seem to waste your time, it later manages your time fruitfully. 7. Do not allow equal time for every question. Follow a pattern of answering easy questions quickly first to save your time attempting the tricky questions at last. 8. For the reading section, attempt the detail-oriented passages to help you save time from re-reading it again to answer the questions. 9. Don’t wander here and there if you have completed the exam paper with time left. Instead, assess the answers or try solving the problems whose answers you have guessed. 10. Though you only have 25 minutes to complete the essay, it doesn’t mean you start writing from the word go. Take a couple of minutes to brainstorm and make a rough outline, including examples and supporting comments. This will make your essay stand out and help you manage your time. 11. Set a target score. If you target 800 and answer 80% of the answers correctly, you can get a respectable score of 650. Further, if you don’t attempt one-sixth of the questions and have a few answers incorrect, you can still score 650. If you target for the following scores –

• 700 – Leave one-twelfth of the questions unattempted
• 600 – one-fourth of the questions can be left unattempted
• 500 – one-third of the questions can be left blank

Experts suggest that candidates must answer easy questions at first and then deal with the difficult ones. One should be able to decipher the type of question and its difficulty level and then allocate a specific time.  One should attempt to achieve the desired score by practising mock tests consistently. This will help understand the strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, one can also take the help of preparatory guides and online resources to amp the preparation. The cut off marks for some colleges are given below: 

When are SAT Exam Dates? 

Before registering for the exam, one must choose the dates accordingly. However, one must ensure that it does not clash with English proficiency exams or university admissions. One can select SAT dates from the table underlined below:

One can send his or her SAT scores to the desired universities they wish to apply to. However, candidates must select four to five universities during the registration process. Moreover, the College Board will be sending the scores without charging any additional cost. In addition, one can mail their scores.

How to Send SAT Scores ? 

One must follow the below-mentioned steps to send his/her SAT scores: 

Step 1 – Navigate to the College Board Website. 

Step 2 – Create an account and provide all the necessary information. 

Step 3 – Select the exam date and the test centre. 

Step 4 – Upload your photograph and documents. 

Step 5 – Pay the application fee.Now that one knows SAT time , one must start preparing for it. However, one must check if one is meeting the eligibility parameters of the universities to which he or she has applied to.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. how long does the sat take.

The SAT exam duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes, with 15 minutes allotted for break time. If an individual opts for the optional essay test, the exam duration becomes 4 hours 5 minutes, with 15 minutes break (3 hours 50 minutes excluding break).

2. What do you need on  SAT test  day?

An individual appearing for the SAT should bring the admission ticket, valid photo ID proof, calculator for the mathematics section, pencils, erasers, and other permissible items to the test centre.

3. How long is the SAT test without an essay?

If an individual opts out of the optional SAT essay exam, he or she will have to deal with an exam duration of 180 minutes and 15 minutes break. The essay section comprises 1 question to be answered in 50 minutes.

Lalitha Manjunath

My 8-year long journey as a SAT trainer has been paved with considerable success, excellent feedback, and extremely satisfactory learning outcomes.

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The SAT is coming back at some colleges. It’s stressing everyone out.

A patchwork of admissions test policies is wreaking havoc on students, parents and college admissions consultants.

A California mother drove 80 miles this month to find an SAT testing center with an open seat where her high school junior could take the exam. During college tours this spring, a teen recalled hearing some would-be applicants groan when admissions staffers announced they could not guarantee test-optional policies would continue.

And across the country, college counselors are fielding questions from teenagers alarmed, encouraged or simply confused by what seems like the return of the standardized test in admissions — maybe? Sort of? In some places, but not in others?

“You could be expecting and preparing for a certain way to apply to a college and present yourself — but then they change it mid-application process,” said Kai Talbert, a 17-year-old high school junior in Pennsylvania. “That’s really confusing. It can set back a lot of people.”

Colleges nationwide have been updating their coronavirus-era policies on standardized testing, which many dropped when the pandemic shut down in-person testing centers. Some of the most selective schools are declaring they will require tests again — including, across the last two months, Dartmouth College and Yale and Brown universities. Others, such as the University of Chicago and Columbia University, won’t. And still others have not yet picked a permanent policy: Princeton, Stanford, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania have said they will remain test-optional for another year or two, and Harvard University plans to keep its test-optional policy at least through the 2025-26 application cycle.

Public universities have veered in different directions, too: The University of Tennessee system requires tests. The University of Michigan will be test-optional. The University of California system is test-blind, meaning schools refuse to consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions.

The patchwork of policies is wreaking havoc on applicants, parents and college admissions consultants nationwide, who are being forced to recalculate where and how they are willing to apply — or what to tell anxious teenagers about whether to test, retest or skip testing entirely — as decisions keep rolling out in real time.

Laurie Kopp Weingarten, founder of One-Stop College Counseling in New Jersey, said she has a new response whenever a student gives her a list of their school targets. She starts by going down the list, school by school, to review each institution’s testing rules and whether those seem likely to change.

Taking a breath, Weingarten rattled off a summary of the different testing requirements in place at every Ivy League school. It took her three minutes.

“Even just saying it, it sounds like insanity to me, and then we’re expecting kids to understand this?” Weingarten said. “Colleges should really analyze the data, come up with a decision and stop changing their mind.”

The shifting testing expectations are among many changes roiling college admissions this year. Colleges are still grappling with the fallout from the landmark Supreme Court ruling that ended the use of race-based affirmative action in admissions. Many are undertaking an array of experiments in response to the decision in a bid to maintain diverse admitted classes — ending legacy preferences in some cases, adding essay prompts on adversity or identity in others, or increasing outreach in low-income areas.

And the disastrous rollout of a federal financial aid form that was supposed to simplify the notoriously difficult process has left students, parents and schools scrambling .

This is the most hectic and distressing admissions cycle in recent memory, said Jennifer Nuechterlein, a college and career counselor at a New Jersey high school. She laid special blame on schools that reinstated testing mandates in the past two months, some of which affect the high school juniors who will begin applying in the fall. This class of teens will have to take the SAT or ACT, should they decide to do so, within the next six months.

“Students can’t just test overnight,” Nuechterlein said. “There are students who want to prep, there are students who are not math- or English-ready. ... Students are going to be unprepared.”

For the most ambitious, high-achieving students, the tests are another stressful hurdle to clear as they apply to the most selective colleges. And for many other students, the test scores — even if not required for admission — are mandatory if they want to qualify for some financial aid programs or, on some campuses, certain degree programs.

Critics of standardized tests have argued that they mirror, or exacerbate, societal inequities, in part because students from unstable homes or with limited resources cannot afford SAT or ACT tutors or testing preparation classes, or may not know of free resources such as Khan Academy . Even before the pandemic, some schools had moved to make the scores optional to avoid creating another barrier for students.

Then the pandemic hit, spurring a crisis response when students literally could not access spaces in which to take standardized tests, said Dominique J. Baker, a University of Delaware associate professor of education and public policy who studies admissions policies.

“There were a number of institutions that never would have chosen to have gone test-optional except the pandemic made them,” she said. “Those institutions, by and large, are going back to requiring test scores.”

MIT, Georgetown University and the University of Florida are among schools that quickly chose to reinstate the requirements, with MIT announcing the change in 2022. Many others have spent the years since the virus arrived studying what effect going test-optional had on their admitted classes.

At Brown, Yale and Dartmouth, officials said they had found something surprising: Considering test scores would help them identify more promising applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, not fewer. After looking at their own data, leaders at the three Ivy League schools say they concluded that SAT and ACT scores are highly predictive of students’ academic performance in college, more so than high school grades. They also found that some less-advantaged students withheld their scores when sharing them would have boosted their chances.

Depriving admissions officers of SAT and ACT scores meant they were less able to evaluate an applicant’s chances of thriving at Brown, Provost Francis J. Doyle III said in an interview this month .

“Our analysis suggested our admissions could be more effective if we brought back testing as an instrument,” Doyle said.

The University of Texas at Austin is also choosing to require testing again, the school announced earlier this month. Jay Hartzell, the school’s president, said he and others worried the cost and preparation associated with the tests could keep students from applying. But about 90 percent of UT Austin applicants in the latest round took the SAT even though it was optional, Hartzell said. And the school found that students who declined to submit scores were less successful once enrolled.

John Friedman, a professor of economics and international and public affairs at Brown, said he wouldn’t be surprised if more of those highly selective schools reinstate a testing requirement. He was one of the authors of the study from Opportunity Insights, a nonprofit at Harvard University, on standardized test scores and student performance at a dozen “Ivy-plus” universities.

“It’s not just about the test scores being a good predictor,” he said. “We show in the paper that students who attend a school, having been admitted without a test score, perform at the bottom of the distribution.” He said schools should look at their own data to determine their policy.

Nonetheless, most schools nationwide will probably remain test-optional, predicted Angel Pérez, the chief executive of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. For many institutions, he said, the policy has been a huge success, bumping up the number of applicants and diversifying admitted classes.

He added that most American high-schoolers are applying to schools that admit nearly all applicants, to public schools or to colleges close to home, he said: “So the majority of students aren’t going to be impacted.”

Morehouse College is among those maintaining a test-optional policy, which the historically Black college adopted in 2020. Since going test-optional, Morehouse has seen an increased number of applicants and an increased acceptance rate from admitted students, said Michael Gumm, Morehouse’s director of admissions and recruitment.

The majority of Morehouse applicants choose not to submit scores, Gumm said, and more students are completing their applications than in the past. He said Morehouse is looking for leaders, so essays and letters of recommendation carry a lot of weight.

Gumm said he often preaches to students: “Your test scores do not make you who you are.”

But for some students, the tests remain a priority. Alina Bunch, a 16-year-old high school junior in Texas, said that even when she saw schools dropping test requirements, she never altered her plan to take the ACT. The exam, she says, is a way to demonstrate determination and academic rigor.

She thinks it’s generally a good thing that schools are bringing back testing requirements, because they can function as a mechanism of standardization in a sometimes subjective admissions process. She does fear the effects of reinstating test requirements for students who cannot afford tutoring.

But for herself — after taking a summer course to prepare for the ACT and scoring high on the exam — she has no real worries. “It was never a question for me, of whether I should do it or not,” Alina said.

Many students pursued similar strategies, continuing to take standardized tests throughout the test-optional trend. After a dramatic drop in 2020 spurred by the sudden closure of test sites, the number of students taking the SAT nationally has risen every year since, per the College Board, and reached 1.9 million for the class of 2023. That’s about 300,000 short of the last pre-pandemic total, when 2.2 million members of the class of 2019 sat for the exam — the largest-ever group to do so.

Joan Koven, who heads college consulting company Academic Access in Pennsylvania, said she never expected standardized testing to suffer a real drop in popularity.

“The ACTs and the SATs are Burger King and McDonald’s,” she said. “They’re not going away.”

But in some places, counselors wish they would. Priscilla Grijalva, a high school counselor in California’s San Jacinto Unified School District, said the elimination of test requirements in the UC system and California State University campuses was a godsend for the nearly 300 students she works with every year, a mix of White, Black and Latino teens, most of whom are socioeconomically disadvantaged.

In the past, many of her students applied only to community colleges. But now she has seen a sharp rise in those willing to aim for state universities.

“It has changed our students’ mindsets,” Grijalva said. “Now it’s like, ‘Hey, I can do this.’ They’re more confident in their leadership and their grades.”

But the flurry of recent announcements from schools altering their testing rules has proved alarming, she said. Her students “do feel the pressure coming back,” she said. “They’re starting to talk.”

Claire Elkin, 16, overheard some of this nervous chatter when she was touring colleges this spring with her family — making visits to places including the University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At every school, recalled Claire, who took the ACT and intends to submit her scores, admissions tour leaders said something like: “Yeah, we’re test-optional now, but we can’t guarantee anything for you.”

Every time, the crowds of hopefuls around Claire broke into murmurs that ranged from anguished to angry, she said. She remembered one family whose daughters seemed especially upset, spurring the mother to jump into emergency action trying to calm the girls as the admissions presentation continued.

“A lot of kids my age can’t set a path right now for what they should be prioritizing when they’re applying for schools,” Claire said. “So there is definitely more panic.”

An earlier version of this article included incorrect information about the rise in the number of students who have taken the SAT since a drop sparked by the pandemic. The number of students taking the test reached 1.9 million for the class of 2023, about 300,000 fewer than for the class of 2019. The article has been corrected.

Editorial: Why it’s smart for universities to bring back the SAT requirement

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The SAT and ACT are making a small but important comeback after the tests were widely dropped as a requirement for college applications during the pandemic.

Most schools went test-optional, meaning students could submit scores if they wanted but not doing so wouldn’t count against them. The University of California won’t consider test scores at all.

Only a handful of schools have resurrected the testing requirement, but among them are heavyweights in the world of higher education: MIT, Dartmouth and Georgetown. Most recently, the University of Texas at Austin and Brown University joined the list and the University of North Carolina is considering it . Yale also will require standardized test scores, but tests such as Advanced Placement can be used in place of college entrance exams.

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Additional competitive schools are likely to join the group, along with schools that aren’t as selective. The University of Tennessee, which accepts 68% of applicants, decided a year and a half ago to bring the tests back .

The tests were criticized long before the pandemic as giving an unfair boost to more affluent students who could afford tutoring. And it’s true that scores are closely correlated with family income. But the pause in testing gave colleges a chance to study the issue more closely. They found that SAT scores were extremely effective at predicting whether students would succeed in college.

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No one should be surprised. The University of California convened a panel several years ago to study the issue at length and it reached the same conclusion . The standardized tests were more equitable than grades, the panel said, because grade inflation is more pervasive at affluent schools. Yet UC refuses to consider test scores, after bowing to pressure from critics. We hope that the trend toward reinstating the tests in admissions makes UC leaders rethink this position.

Making the tests optional was actually counterproductive, Dartmouth, Yale and Brown found. Their applicant pools became less diverse, because low-income students and students of color were less likely to apply even if they had good test scores, thinking they hadn’t tested well enough.

The whole debate has sadly ignored the bigger factors perpetuating the uneven playing field of college admissions. Yes, rich students can receive SAT tutoring, and it helps, though only a little. The most rigorous study of the topic found that tutoring could raise scores by about 20 points.

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Meanwhile, some aspects of college admission tilt the field in favor of wealthier students more than test scores do. For example, teachers at more affluent schools have more time for writing letters of recommendation for college applications than teachers at low-income schools.

Athletes continue to get the upper hand on acceptance , and not just in commonly played games like football and soccer that most students have access to in high school. Golf, equestrian, fencing, gymnastics and crew are among the sports that require families to pay for their children to participate, and those athletes also get preferential treatment in college admissions.

Essays can be coached, heavily edited or even written by college consultants for a fee. A 2021 study at Stanford University found that the quality of essay content was closely correlated with family income among University of California applicants. Yet UC kept the essays and got rid of the tests.

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As much as 70% of faculty at U.S. higher educational institutions are contract workers without benefits or job security. That’s not good for them, students or schools.

Feb. 1, 2024

There is nothing inherently evil about the SAT or ACT. It all depends on how they’re used. They can act as a reality check — a student who didn’t get great grades might show a lot of potential in the test scores, and vice versa. And, as UC did before it scrapped the tests , colleges should consider the scores in context, such as, is this the best score in a generally low-scoring high school? A score might reflect the education at that school, not the student’s aptitude for college work.

These latest changes also point to a larger problem in admissions at selective colleges: Every school seemingly wants different things. Some want high SAT scores, others care more about AP exams, and others don’t want any standardized test scores. Some enhance grade-point averages depending on how tough the courses are, others don’t, and others in just some cases.

Of course, schools have a right to seek out the students who will fit best at their institution. But the lack of transparency and consistency has given rise to a nearly $3-billion-a-year industry of pricey college-admissions consultants.

Talk about tilting the playing field.

More to Read

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Letters to the Editor: If the inequitable SAT is back, bring test prep to all high schools

March 21, 2024

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Guest Essay

How the SAT Changed My Life

By Emi Nietfeld

Ms. Nietfeld is the author of the memoir “Acceptance.”

This month, the University of Texas at Austin joined the wave of selective universities reversing Covid era test-optional admissions policies, once again requiring students to submit ACT or SAT scores.

Many schools have embraced the test-optional rule under the assumption that it would bolster equity and diversity, since higher scores are correlated with privilege. But it turns out that these policies harmed the teenagers they were supposed to help. Many low-income and minority students withheld scores that could have gotten them in, wrongly assuming that their scores were too low, according to an analysis by Dartmouth. More top universities are sure to join the reversal. This is a good thing.

I was one of the disadvantaged youths who are often failed by test-optional policies, striving to get into college while in foster care and homeless. We hear a lot about the efforts of these elite schools to attract diverse student bodies and about debates around the best way to assemble a class. What these conversations overlook is the hope these tests offer students who are in difficult situations.

For many of us, standardized tests provided our one shot to prove our potential, despite the obstacles in our lives or the untidy pasts we had. We found solace in the objectivity of a hard number and a process that — unlike many things in our lives — we could control. I will always feel tenderness toward the Scantron sheets that unlocked higher education and a better life.

Growing up, I fantasized about escaping the chaos of my family for the peace of a grassy quad. Both my parents had mental health issues. My adolescence was its own mess. Over two years I took a dozen psychiatric drugs while attending four different high school programs. At 14, I was sent to a locked facility where my education consisted of work sheets and reading aloud in an on-site classroom. In a life skills class, we learned how to get our G.E.D.s. My college dreams began to seem like delusions.

Then one afternoon a staff member handed me a library copy of “Barron’s Guide to the ACT .” I leafed through the onionskin pages and felt a thunderclap of possibility. I couldn’t go to the bathroom without permission, let alone take Advanced Placement Latin or play water polo or do something else that would impress elite colleges. But I could teach myself the years of math I’d missed while switching schools and improve my life in this one specific way.

After nine months in the institution, I entered foster care. I started my sophomore year at yet another high school, only to have my foster parents shuffle my course load at midyear, when they decided Advanced Placement classes were bad for me. In part because of academic instability like this, only 3 to 4 percent of former foster youth get a four-year college degree.

Later I bounced between friends’ sofas and the back seat of my rusty Corolla, using my new-to-me SAT prep book as a pillow. I had no idea when I’d next shower, but I could crack open practice problems and dip into a meditative trance. For those moments, everything was still, the terror of my daily life softened by the fantasy that my efforts might land me in a dorm room of my own, with endless hot water and an extra-long twin bed.

Standardized tests allowed me to look forward, even as every other part of college applications focused on the past. The song and dance of personal statements required me to demonstrate all the obstacles I’d overcome while I was still in the middle of them. When shilling my trauma left me gutted and raw, researching answer elimination strategies was a balm. I could focus on equations and readings, like the scholar I wanted to be, rather than the desperate teenager that I was.

Test-optional policies would have confounded me, but in the 2009-10 admissions cycle when I applied, I had to submit my scores; me and my fellow hopefuls were all in this together, slogging through multiple-choice questions until our backs ached and our eyes crossed.

The hope these exams instilled in me wasn’t abstract: It manifested in hundreds of glossy brochures. After taking the PSAT in my junior year, universities that had received my score flooded me with letters urging me to apply. For once, I felt wanted. These marketing materials informed me that the top universities offered generous financial aid that would allow me to attend for free. I set my sights higher, despite my guidance counselor’s lack of faith.

When I took the actual SAT, I was ashamed of my score. Had submitting it been optional, I most likely wouldn’t have done it, because I suspected my score was lower than the prep-school applicants I was up against. (Exactly what Dartmouth found in the analysis that led it to reinstate testing requirements.) When you grow up like I did, it’s difficult to believe that you are ever good enough.

When I got into Harvard, it felt like a miracle splitting my life into a before and after. My exam preparation paid off on campus — it was the only reason I knew geometry or grammar — and it motivated me to tackle new, difficult topics. I majored in computer science, having never written a line of code. Though a career as a software engineer seemed far-fetched, I used my SAT study strategies to prepare for technical interviews (in which you’re given one or more problems to solve) that landed me the stable, lucrative Google job that catapulted me out of financial insecurity.

I’m not the only one who feels affection for these tests. At Harvard, I met other students who saw these exams as the one door they could unlock, which opened into a new future. I was lucky that the tests offered me hope all along, that I could cling to the promise that one day I could bubble in a test form and find myself transported into a better life — the one I lead today.

Ms. Nietfeld is the author of the memoir “ Acceptance .” Previously, she was a software engineer at Google and Facebook.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, which colleges require the sat essay complete list.

SAT Logistics , SAT Essay

Planning to take the SAT? Before you sign up, you need to decide whether you're going to take the test with or without the optional Essay . How should you pick? Well, some colleges require that you apply with the SAT with Essay; others don't care whether you submit an SAT score with or without the Essay.

In this article, I'll provide you with a complete list of colleges that require or recommend taking the SAT with the Essay .

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

What Is the Optional SAT Essay?

The redesigned SAT debuted in March 2016 with a now-optional Essay section. For the Essay, you have 50 minutes to read a passage (similar to those you see on the Reading section ) and write an essay dissecting how the author made the argument . Did the author use evidence to support the main claim? Appeals to emotion? Specific word choice?

If you take the SAT without Essay, the test length is three hours . However, if you take the SAT with Essay, the optional Essay adds 50 minutes . It also costs more to take the SAT with Essay : $64.50 vs $49.50 without the Essay.

Don't automatically assume you must take the Essay. Whether it's important for you depends on which schools (and scholarships) you're applying to and what the rest of your application looks like. I'll go into more depth later about how to decide which version of the SAT to take.

List of Schools That Require the SAT With Essay

Below, I've compiled a list of colleges that require or recommend taking the SAT with Essay. All data comes from the College Board and some individual schools we consulted separately.

Note: This list is subject to change, so make sure to double-check with each school you're applying to.

Surprisingly (and in contrast to how it's been in the past), top schools mostly do not require the SAT essay . Currently, no Ivy League School requires students to take the SAT with Essay; the same is true for Stanford, Caltech, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Northwestern, NYU, and UChicago. Many of these schools no longer even recommend students to take the SAT with Essay, which is a huge turnaround from just a couple of years ago.

Similarly, most liberal arts colleges do not require or recommend the SAT with Essay ; however, there are some exceptions, such as Soka University, which does require it.

In general, most state schools also do not require the SAT with Essay, though there's still a significant portion that do. There tends to be some weird variance even within states. For example, all University of California schools require the SAT with Essay, but most of the California State University schools do not.

Regardless of the types of schools you're applying to, don't assume that they all ask for the SAT with Essay . Check with every school to make sure you understand their testing requirements.

How to Decide Whether to Take the SAT Essay: 4 Questions

When making your decision about whether to take the SAT with Essay or the SAT without Essay, you'll need to consider the following four questions.

#1: Do Any Schools I Want to Apply to Require the SAT Essay?

If you're applying to any school that requires the Essay, then you must take the SAT with Essay . If you take the SAT without Essay, your application will be incomplete and you won't get admitted. By contrast, if you apply to any schools that don't require the SAT Essay, you can still take the SAT with Essay since these schools will accept both types of SAT scores (with or without Essay).

To reiterate, colleges that require the SAT Essay won't consider your score if you took the SAT without the Essay . The last thing you want to do is take the SAT without the Essay and get a good score—but then find out that one of your target schools requires you to take the SAT with Essay.

Remember that some colleges change their application policies from year to year, so make sure to double-check the testing policies of the schools you're applying to .

#2: Do Any Schools I Want to Apply to Recommend the SAT Essay?

If you're not applying to any schools that require the SAT Essay section but are applying to some that recommend it, then I'd still suggest taking it . This gives you another dimension schools can use to evaluate your application; however, there are some cases in which you shouldn't take the SAT with Essay.

If, for some reason, you do not qualify for SAT fee waivers and paying the extra cost to take the SAT with Essay would be a financial burden to you , then please don't feel as if you have to take it. In this case, it's fine to take the SAT without Essay instead.

In addition, if you really struggle to write essays under time constraints (due to anxiety), you might want to opt out of the Essay . That said, I only recommend this for students who normally have strong English and writing skills but struggle to write coherent essays when there's the added pressure of a time constraint.

For example, do you get As on essays you can work on at home but Cs on in-class essays because you get easily nervous? If that's the case, taking the SAT with Essay might not be a good idea.

#3: Am I Applying to Any Scholarships That Require an SAT With Essay Score?

Many scholarships (such as National Merit ) require you to submit SAT scores , and some specifically want SAT with Essay scores.

Therefore, be sure to check the requirements of each scholarship you're planning on applying for . While scholarships that don't require or recommend the SAT Essay should still accept your SAT with Essay score, scholarships that require the Essay section will not consider your SAT score if you took the no-essay version .

#4: Will the SAT Essay Enhance My Application in Other Ways?

Generally speaking, taking the SAT Essay if it's not required won't add a lot to your application. In truth, colleges that don't recommend or require the Essay really don't pay much attention to it.

Nevertheless, the Essay might be helpful for international students who want to prove they have strong English skills and who think they'll do especially well on it. If you fall into this category and feel confident you'll get a high score on it ( after doing practice essays , for example), definitely consider taking the SAT with Essay.

On the other hand, if you don't think you'll do well on the Essay, I recommend against taking it.

What's Next?

Need help preparing for the SAT? Read our ultimate study guide to get expert tips on prep and access to the best free online resources. If you're taking the test soon, learn how to cram for the SAT .

Want to learn more about the SAT Essay? Check out our step-by-step guide to writing a great essay .

Not sure where you want to go to college? Learn how to do college research right and figure out your SAT target score .

Ready to go beyond just reading about the SAT? Then you'll love the free five-day trial for our SAT Complete Prep program . Designed and written by PrepScholar SAT experts , our SAT program customizes to your skill level in over 40 subskills so that you can focus your studying on what will get you the biggest score gains.

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As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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Standardized tests like the SAT are back. Is that a good thing? | The Excerpt

On a special episode of The Excerpt podcast: One of the many ways the COVID pandemic upended education was with regards to college admissions. Widespread lockdowns meant that in-person tests like the SAT and ACT were no longer offered. That led dozens of high-end universities to drop those requirements. Many thought this was a good thing, leveling the playing field for disadvantaged applicants. But recently, there’s been a trend to reverse that. Which students are being hurt by this decision and which ones are getting a leg up? Our guest, John Friedman, Professor of Economics at Brown University and Co-Director of Opportunity Insights at Harvard University, studies the impact of standardized testing on social capital and economic mobility.

Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it.  This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

Podcasts:  True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here

Taylor Wilson:

Hello, and welcome to The Excerpt. I'm Taylor Wilson. Today is Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, and this is a special episode of The Excerpt.

One of the many ways the COVID pandemic upended education was with regards to college admissions. Widespread lockdowns meant that in-person tests like the SAT and ACT were no longer offered, and that led dozens of high-end universities to drop those requirements. Many thought this was a good thing, leveling the playing field for disadvantaged applicants, but recently there's been a trend to reverse that, which students are being hurt by this decision and which ones are getting a leg up. I'm now joined by John Friedman, professor of economics at Brown University and co-director of Opportunity Insights at Harvard University, who has studied the impact of standardized testing on social capital and economic mobility. John, thanks for joining me today on The Excerpt.

John Friedman:

Thanks so much for having me. It's a pleasure to be here.

So, John, earlier this year, Brown joined Yale and Dartmouth and announcing it will again require the SAT for admissions. How did they justify the change?

I think it's really about looking at the data to understand what role the test scores are playing in admissions and then how that affects not only the overall pool of admitted students but also how it might differentially affect different students from different types of backgrounds. So first of all, the test score just turns out to be a good predictor of academic preparation. Students that have higher test scores are more likely to be academically successful in college, they're less likely to have academic struggles, and they're also more likely to be successful by various measures after they leave college.

Now, all of that, I think, would be not super helpful if the test score were biased in some direction. For instance, if it understated the academic preparation of students coming from less well-resourced backgrounds, and so we also tested that. We looked to see just, basically, if two students from different backgrounds have the same test score, let's say two kids each have a 1400, are they predicted on average to do about the same? And the answer is yes, but especially in these Ivy Plus school contexts, it really seems like the test score is giving a good and unbiased predictor of academic preparation.

So, John, I must admit, I was someone who really liked taking standardized tests. I felt like it showed my strengths. I know not everyone feels this way, to say the least. Who does standardized testing help, and who does it hurt?

It's a totally understandable situation. These are stressful events, and it's not something that students often get excited for. But it turns out that test scores are not only, as we've discussed, good predictors of academic success, they also seem to be one of the fairest measures. And so when you think about who do test scores benefit, we have to ask relative to what? And in most academic contexts, there are several other measures that schools might turn to in the absence of test scores. One measure might be other, more nuanced signals of academic strength. For instance, have you taken an AP test? Have you been involved in research or taken in some other advanced academic curriculum? But that there too is something that's typically much more available to students who are either individually from high-income families or they're attending well-resourced schools. It's not something that's broadly available in the population.

High school GPA is another thing that colleges might look to in the absence of test scores. Unfortunately, for students that are on the border of admission at schools like Brown, grade inflation in recent years has made it so that there's just not a whole lot of useful information in GPA to predict academic preparation. You could admit many times over a full class at lots of these schools of students that have a 4.0, a perfect GPA at their local school, that's just not getting the job done in terms of the admissions process that needs to happen.

Recently, the SAT was changed, so not everyone is getting the same test. Part two depends on how the student does on part one, for instance. Is it possible for standardized tests to be engineered to level the playing field for everyone?

Well, that's, I think, what the tests have been aiming to do from the very start, right? These tests started historically as exactly a way to identify really talented students from outside of the traditional network schools that fed students into these colleges. The idea was that it didn't matter who you knew. If you just did well on the test, that was a way to identify you as a really promising student. Now, we know historically that these tests have not always lived up to that promise. And that's why I think it's really important just to look at how these tests perform in the data, right? It's a data-driven question. Whether these tests offer a level playing field for students coming from different backgrounds or whether they're tilted in one direction or another, no test is going to be perfect. But what the data show in these contexts is that, one, the tests do appear to be pretty fair and that they're much fairer than many of the alternative ways that one could measure academic preparation.

John, where you attend college can clearly have a profound impact on the future path and success of a student. What are some measurable ways this decision point impacts a student down the road?

Colleges are really crucial for shaping a student's future trajectory. It matters who their peers are going to be. It matters what type of instruction they're going to get, and it matters what type of hiring networks these colleges launch students into. And so, in recent work, we've looked at what's the causal effect of being able to attend an Ivy Plus college relative to even the very best public schools like Michigan and Berkeley in this country. And what we see is, not only do students earn about 25% more, they're about 50% more likely to be in the top 1% of earnings. You're twice as likely to be attending an elite graduate school, and you're nearly three times more likely to be in one of these prestigious firms that really puts students on track towards leadership and socially influential positions later in life. And so these decisions about where to go to college, and as part of that, the admissions decisions that colleges are making, it's really impactful.

And so I think it's incredibly important that we try to do that in a way that provides as much equal opportunity as possible for students that are applying and perhaps even tries to push back on many of the social inequalities that exist more broadly in society to try to help level the playing field in terms of opportunity.

John, for schools that don't require standardized tests, what are they focused on with student applications, and how have they tried to help people who are more diverse economically, socially, and culturally?

So without the information of the test score, schools will look to other measures of academic preparedness like high school GPA, like performance in advanced coursework, or even just the fact that you took advanced coursework to begin with. So, for instance, at UC Berkeley and the rest of the UC system, similar analysis there shows that test scores are a good predictor, but high school GPA is also a good predictor.

The other thing, especially private admissions offices look to, are a range of non-academic characteristics. These might be a student's extracurricular activities, a student's personality, other factors. And those factors particularly seem to be quite imbalanced in the way they affect admissions, specifically students from higher-income backgrounds. Students from very well-resourced schools seem to be able to shape their extracurriculars in ways that lead to more of the type of thing admissions offices look for. They get recommendation letters from teachers and guidance counselors that have more time to focus on writing really high-quality letters for a small number of students that really draw out the nuances of an application in ways that lead to much higher admissions rates for students, even with the very same test score from high-income families compared to those from low and especially middle-income families.

So you touched on something crucial there. I think, John, does this issue differ for private versus public universities? And also, how do we fix this bias towards students of privilege?

I think that what's very important is to be able to evaluate a student's level of academic preparation in context. And so what I found across a bunch of different findings is that focusing on academic characteristics and qualifications, it seems to be easier to adjust for a context than when trying to do that for non-academic factors. So let me give you an example. Suppose that a student is coming from a high school that doesn't offer that many AP classes. An admissions officer can say, "This student has taken two AP tests." And even though that's well below the average for most admitted students, that's really taking advantage of all the opportunities that that student had in his or her context.

Whereas for non-academic factors, it's much more difficult to realize that here's a student who might've legitimately done something pretty cool and interesting last summer. Here's another student who just worked a job at the local pool. And that's because the first student had the resources to spend that summer in a different way, either to financially support themselves. They had the information that spending the summer in that way would be helpful on their college application essay. It's just much harder, I've found, to undo that effective context when focusing on these non-academic characteristics. And so, I think, whether it's the test or other factors, the academic aspects of applications seem to be the fairest in terms of providing a level playing field across different students from different backgrounds.

John, this is an election year. How is the issue of standardized testing playing out on the campaign trail?

I think that as schools start to bring back test scores, it's something that may help in fighting back against what I think is a very serious problem, the lack of faith in these institutions of higher education. There's a concern that these institutions are just kind of making it up as they go. They're filled with liberals, they're not judging students based on their merits. And I think, again, test scores are not perfect, but it's a step in the direction of really trying to evaluate students based on their academic preparation and merit in that way. And so I do think this helps restore faith in these institutions, as really those that support mobility for all students, those that support equal access in our society.

So, John, for students that aren't in the 1% who are looking at an evolving admissions process, what should they keep in mind?

So, I'd say there are two pieces of advice. So the first thing is to make sure you take the test, take it seriously, because this is going to be a piece of information that can help really distinguish you. Second, I think you should really think about the test, even if you're applying to a school where it's not formally required to submit the test. And most of these schools really do evaluate test scores in context. So even if you have a test score that's below what you see on the website as the average test score, your admissions chances are probably a lot higher than you think, especially if you submit the score.

All right. John, thanks so much for being on The Excerpt today. Great insight.

Thanks so much for having me.

Thanks to our senior producers, Shannon Rae Green and Bradley Glanzrock, for their production assistance. Our executive producer is Laura Beatty. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to [email protected]. Thanks for listening. I'm Taylor Wilson, and I'll be back tomorrow morning with another episode of The Excerpt.

I invested most of my salary for 7 years and had enough to retire at 29. My best tips: start young, take risks and don't settle in expensive cities.

• Daniel George worked at Google X and then as a VP for JP Morgan after receiving his Ph.D. in 2018.
• That year, he started investing most of his income and was living off 2% of his investments by 2023.
• Daniel shares five things that were key to achieving financial freedom and quitting his job at 29.  

This is an as-told-to essay based on a transcribed conversation with Daniel George , the cofounder of ThirdEar AI . Daniel George provided documents to verify his finances. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

At the age of 29, I reached financial independence to retire early.

After finishing my Ph.D. at 24 in 2018, I worked at Google X, leading AI for secret early-stage moonshot projects. In 2020, I left for a VP role at JP Morgan and stayed with the firm until 2023.

Starting with only $1,000 in 2017, I had aggressively invested my income in stocks and crossed my first $1 million in my late 20s. By 2023, my yearly expenses in the US had become less than 2% of my investments, so I left my job .

I don't need to worry about earning a salary again, so I can work on whatever I'm most passionate about. I spend my time building my startup,  ThirdEar AI , an AI that gives real-time help and suggestions without prompts.

Here are the ways I was able to do it:

1. Avoid educational debt

I grew up in Kerala, India, where my parents made less than $20,000 a year. I wouldn't have been able to afford an undergraduate education in the US or even go to private colleges in India without taking on debt. So I decided to study in a government college in India which is much cheaper.

I studied hard for a test students in India take every year for college admissions. I was ranked among the top 0.1% and got to study engineering and physics at the India Institute of Technology Bombay, a top public university in India. The entire cost was only about $1,200 a year, including tuition, housing, and food. 

Instead of taking on debt to pursue a master's degree, I applied directly for a Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

You can apply directly for Ph.D. programs in the US without getting a master's degree first. Ph.D. students at US universities will often get their tuition fees waived and receive a stipend from day one — usually $2,000 to $3,000 monthly. You get a free master's degree two years into the Ph.D. program, saving you time and money.

I moved to Illinois in 2015. In two years, I received a free master's degree. After just one more year, I finished my Ph.D. early at age 24.

My entire education didn't cost me anything overall. I only needed half of the stipend I received to cover living costs; the leftover income was far more than the cost of my undergraduate degree.

2. Invest aggressively in stocks when you're younger

I also made a side income during my Ph.D. by working part-time and doing summer internships at tech companies. Most of the money I made initially sat in a bank account, earning negligible interest. In the final year of my Ph.D., I slowly started buying stocks.

I learned more about investing. When I started working full-time at Google X, I began investing all my savings. I spent less than 10% of my compensation at Google X and invested every dollar after taxes in the stock market — mostly tech stocks. I didn't invest in anything other than stocks and kept no cash savings.

Related stories

The earlier you invest, the better because of compounding exponential growth . However, this growth is coupled with a lot of risk and volatility. However, time in the market beats timing the market. Even if stocks go down, they usually will go back up if you can wait long enough without selling.

When you're young and working, you can handle the risk and market volatility because you have an income from your job and lower living costs.

When you're older or retired, you probably want to diversify into safer, less volatile assets like bonds, treasuries, and regular savings accounts.

3.  Work in expensive cities at first but don't settle in them long-term

In San Francisco, New York, and Seattle, the compensation for many jobs can be much higher . This doesn't usually help toward saving because the cost of living there is also high.

Moving to these cities early in your career when you don't have much expenses means you can take full advantage of this high income to accelerate your savings rapidly.

When I started working at Google X in Mountain View, California, I made about $270,000 a year. I shared a nice apartment with friends, ate most of my meals at Google offices, and didn't have other major expenses, so I spent less than 10% of my income.

Eventually, when you want to settle down, you can multiply the value of your savings by moving to places where living expenses are significantly lower.

4. Learn to negotiate pay

For my first job at Google X, I was given an offer right after grad school and accepted it immediately.

I had friends who joined at a lower-level role than me without a Ph.D. but were getting paid triple the stocks because they negotiated by showing Google counter offers from other companies. 

When JPMorgan approached me about a job a couple of years later, I had a lot of leverage because I made sure to get several offers from tech companies and hedge funds. I also invested some time to learn about  negotiation strategies .

I leveraged other offers, avoided specific numbers when discussing salary expectations, and looked at all aspects of my pay package when interviewing at JP Morgan. I negotiated my pay well and got nearly double the initial compensation they offered. 

5. Find a partner who has similar goals

My wife and I met at Google X. We were around the same age and had both done Ph.

D.s in AI. We had similar income, and we each have roughly equal savings invested in separate stock accounts.

We share the same mindset about spending and investing, splitting our expenses equally. We both enjoy a minimalist digital nomad lifestyle , valuing travel and experiences over owning expensive material possessions, which is why I could retire early.

If you want one, finding the right partner is one of the most important factors in your long-term happiness and success.

Watch: Nearly 50,000 tech workers have been laid off — but there's a hack to avoid layoffs

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