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SAT Syllabus

Written by  Rachit Agrawal

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

SAT Syllabus

Written by  Rachit Agrawal

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

SAT EXAM SYLLABUS 2021

The SAT Exam Syllabus 2021 includes majorly the topics studied in Grade XI-XII. In addition, the SAT Exam Syllabus has questions related to Math, English, History, Science and Verbal abilities. Moreover, the SAT Exam Syllabus for both the tests: general and subject-specific differs as the former includes general topics where the latter includes text related to a particular subject like algebra, geometry, statistics in Math, etc. Furthermore, the SAT Exam Syllabus 2021 also constitutes Reading tests, writing tests, reading tests, language and math tests.

Components of SAT Exam

Writing Section : The SAT Exam syllabus has a writing section and revolves around language and evidence-based reading. This section has three passages related to social sciences, humanities, commerce and science. The three passages have forty-four multiple-choice questions in which the participant had to read and answer according to the given content. Commonly asked questions in the writing section are related to word choice in the passage, structural changes to do in the text and questions about grammar, punctuation, verb tense and construction. The writing section of the SAT Exam syllabus is scored on a scale of 200-800 marks.

Critical Reading Section : The critical reading section of the SAT Exam syllabus constitutes three 500-750 words long passages about the US or world literature, psychology, sociology, economics, etc. The first part of the critical reading section of the SAT Syllabus includes a passage for comprehension by the applicant. The second part constitutes a passage for sentence completion and, the third section is for paragraph-length critical reading by the applicant. Each paragraph has 10-11 multiple choice questions related to the theme, explanation of a phrase used in the passage, style, tone of the paragraph.

Math Section : The Math section of the SAT exam syllabus is divided into two parts of math-test with a calculator and a math test without a calculator. In addition, the math section has three segments related to algebra & functions, geometry statistics & probability & data analysis. Moreover, the College Board provides a cheat sheet of all the math formulas on the day of the SAT Exam. Overall, the score range of the math section in SAT Syllabus lies between 200-800 marks.

Section

SAT Syllabus

Number of questions

Duration

Score Range

Reading

This section consists of sentence completion, passage comprehension, understating text from literature, social sciences and humanities.  

52

1 hour 5 minutes

200-800

Writing 

It has grammar, expression, editing passages, conjunction, and expression of ideas and standards in the given text. 

44

35 minutes

200-800

Math

This section has two levels, math 1 and math 2. Math 1 and 2 are similar in the syllabus except for pre-calculus and trigonometry in Math 2.

58 

1 hour 20 minutes

200-800

Essay (optional)

It includes writing around some given topics or evaluating an argument.

1

50 minutes

2-8 points

SAT Math Syllabus

SAT Math Syllabus includes all the mathematical formulas and concepts taught to the students in high school and is useful throughout life. SAT commonly consists of three major sections in the SAT Math Syllabus: Algebra and functions (took 25 minutes to complete), geometry statistics (took 20 minutes to complete) and probability and data analysis (took 20 minutes to finish). Moreover, there are two levels of mathematics in the SAT Math syllabus .i.e. Mathematics Level 1 & Level 2 (both differ in the specialization).

Some of the major points from the SAT Math Syllabus are:

  • The first section of the Math Syllabus consists of algebra, including solving linear equations and representing the relationship between quantities. 
  • Problem-solving and data analysis is the second section having topics related to using ratios, percentages, proportional relationships and units. 
  • The third section is advanced math that comprises a syllabus related to volume, distance, area and theorems of triangles, lines, angles and circles. 
  • Moreover, an additional section in the SAT Math Syllabus is creating algebraic expressions and working with trigonometry functions. 

SAT Math Level 1 Syllabus

SAT Math Level 1 Syllabus is a perfect blend of algebra and geometry. The applicants majoring in engineering, science or related subjects should study according to the SAT Math Level 1 Syllabus. The SAT Math Level 1 syllabus can be covered by a graduate (in 3rd year) and took approximately 5o minutes to complete and three years for preparation. 

Some major points in the SAT Math Level 1 Syllabus are:

  • The syllabus includes questions about the elementary functions (pre-calculus), algebra, trigonometry and geometry. 
  • The statistics section includes learning about the mean, median, range, mode, graphs, plots and regression. 
  • Moreover, there is a section of numbers and operations (ratio, complex numbers, matrices, sequences) in the SAT Math Level 1 Syllabus. 
  • Other sections include knowing parabolas, coordinate lines, circles, symmetry, transformations, surface area and volume. 

SAT Math Level 2 Syllabus

The SAT Math Level 2 Syllabus is similar to the level 1 only, different in the complexity and advanced level of the questions asked. The SAT Math Level 2 Syllabus consists of trigonometry and pre-calculus with algebra and geometry. It is scored on a scale of 200-800 points and took approximately 60 minutes to complete (50 questions). 

Some of the major points in the SAT Math Level 2 Syllabus are:

  • Number and operation are the first sections including, complex numbers, vectors, series, proportion, ratio, and fractions. 
  • The second section comprises 48-52% in the SAT Math Level 2 Syllabus and consists of equations, expressions, modelling, exponential, rational, logarithmic, inverse trigonometry, periodic and parametric. 
  • In addition, other topics in the SAT Math Level 2 Syllabus are right triangles, surface area, radian measure, regression, probability, polar coordinates, and hyperbolas. 

SAT English Syllabus

SAT English Syllabus mainly revolves around comprehension and editing of the passages, proses and poetry. The SAT English Syllabus has topics from American literature, English literature and other English literature (Canada, Ireland). The syllabus includes analysing the themes of the passage and figuring out connations of words. 

Some of the major points in the SAT English Syllabus are:

  • The common topic in the SAT English Syllabus is to match the following where the applicant chose the correct ones and match them together. 
  • The other question in the Syllabus is related to concentration on specific words like least, except or no to check the comprehension power of the applicant. 
  • The SAT English Syllabus also comprises of Prose and poetry where the applicant has to evaluate it in terms of tone, function, speaker and audience. 
  • The other topics are storytelling, explaining a research/study and making a dialogue/argument. 

SAT Biology Syllabus

SAT Biology Syllabus is divided into Biology-M (Molecular) and Biology-E (Ecology). Biology-M Syllabus comprises energy flow, populations and biological communities. On the other hand, The DAT Biology-E syllabus consists of cellular structure, respiration and photosynthesis. The SAT biology Exam helps students get admission to top Universities of Medical Sciences.  

Some of the major points from the SAT Biology Syllabus are:

  • There is a huge section in the SAT Biology syllabus for genetics, meiosis, inheritance patterns and molecular genetics. 
  • Moreover, there is a chapter on organism biology (focus on animals and plants behaviour) in the syllabus.
  • In addition, the SAT Biology syllabus has topics like evolution, patterns of evolution, metric system, biochemistry, diversity of organisms and speciation. 

SAT Chemistry Syllabus

The SAT Chemistry Syllabus is a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications.The SAT Chemistry Syllabus includes studying the Periodic table, observing results and learning about the experimentations. Moreover, the Office Board conducts the SAT Chemistry Exams in June, August, November and December and, the score ranges from 200-800. 

Some of the major points from the SAT Chemistry Syllabus is:

  • The first and foremost section in the SAT Chemistry syllabus is the structure of the matter. It constitutes atomic and molecular structure, bonding, gases, liquids & solids. 
  • The second section in the Chemistry syllabus is the states of the matter. It comprises topics like the solution, acids and bases. 
  • Reaction types are the third section consisting of oxidation, reduction, precipitation, and mole concepts. 
  • At last, topics like chemical equations, equilibrium systems, conservation of energy, ions, and compounds are the last section of the SAT chemistry syllabus. 

SAT Physics Syllabus

The SAT Physics Syllabus covers waves, thermodynamics, heat, electricity, water, and modern physics. Moreover, the syllabus has multiple-choice questions that help the candidate prepare for the SAT Physics exam. It intends to assess the applicant's ability to understand the principles of physics. Major areas in the SAT Physics syllabus are mechanics, electricity, waves, etc. 

Some of the major points from the SAT Physics Syllabus are:

  • The first section in the SAT Physics Syllabus is of mechanics, waves and optics.
  • Moreover, topics like electricity, magnetism, heat and thermodynamics also comprise 6-24% in the course. 
  • Apart from this, modern physics and miscellaneous topics have a 4-11% weightage in the curriculum.   

SAT EXAM PATTERN 2021

SAT Exam Pattern constitutes two sections of reading and writing & Math. Moreover, the Essay section is optional in the SAT Exam Pattern as all Universities do not ask for it compulsory. The first reading and writing section has 3-4 passages, poetry with questions related to grammar, comprehension, punctuation, conjunction. The second section has two parts: one part has questions where the applicant can use the calculator. And, in the other part, they cannot use the calculator. In addition, the applicant will take 3 hours to complete the SAT Exam and 3 hours 50 minutes with an Essay.

Section

Time Allotted

Number of questions

Reading

1 hour 5 minutes

52

Writing and Language

35 minutes

44

Math

1 hour 20 minutes

58

Essay (optional)

50 minutes

1

SAT Essay Topics

There are various SAT Essay topics available on the College Board Website to aid the applicants in their SAT Preparation and practice. However, the Essay section in the SAT Exam is optional and, the candidates can take it based on the University they are applying for.

To know about some of the common SAT Essay topics, take a look below:

  • Adversity 
  • Success
  • Creativity and originality
  • Happiness and self-satisfaction
  • Authority and Leadership
  • Individuality
  • Morality and ethics
  • Motivation
  • History and tradition
  • Society and community
  • Friendship and Collaboration
  • Media and many more

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SATH MATHEMATICS LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL SYLLABUS

SAT Math Level 1 and Level 2 are similar in their syllabus. The only difference is the addition of some complex topics in SAT Maths Level 2 Syllabus. Level 2 Maths is difficult and advanced than level 1. It constitutes majorly algebra and geometry (taught in high school). Moreover, the SAT Math Level 2 Syllabus has advanced topics like precalculus, trigonometry, triangles, regression, and hyperbolas

Topics

SAT Math Level 1 Syllabus

SAT Math Level 2 Syllabus

Number and Operations

It includes Ration, proportions, fractions, operations, sequences.

It includes Counting elementary number theory, series, matrices, vectors, and complex numbers.  

Algebra and Functions

It has Expressions, equations, inequalities, representation, modelling, linear, rational and exponential. 

On the other hand, it has Logarthimitic, inverse trigonometric, periodic, piecewise, recursive, parametric functions.

Geometry and Measurement

It consists of Lines, parabolas, symmetry, circles, transformations and right angles.

Moreover, it has Parabolas, circles, ellipses, hyperbolas, polar coordinates, surface area and volume. 

Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability

At last, it includes Mean, median, mode, range, graphs, probability and plots. 

It comprises Mean, median, standard deviation, least square regression, and interquartile range. 

FAQs

✅ Is there any laid syllabus for SAT?

Yes, the College Board has laid SAT Exam syllabus that has four sections of reading, writing, math and essay (optional). Moreover, the composite score of SAT Exam ranges between 400-1600 and every section score ranges from 200-800. In addition, the SAT Essay has a score range between 2-8 points.

✅ What types of questions are asked in the SAT Exam?

The SAT exam consists of questions related to analytical skills, aptitude, comprehension abilities, data reasoning, critical reading questions and vocabulary.

✅ Which math level suits best for studying to get admission in Engineering Colleges?

The applicant has to give the SAT Math Level 1 Exam to qualify for the engineering Colleges. The syllabus has chapters on algebra, geometry, data analysis, number sequences (essential for engineering degrees). The SAT Math Level 2 Exam has an advanced syllabus with concepts like trigonometry, the law of sines and precalculus.

✅ How much time is allotted for the four sections of the SAT Exam?

The first reading section is allotted 65 minutes (52 questions). Moreover, the applicant gets 55 minutes for math no- calculator sections and 25 with a calculator. In addition, the Writing section is allotted 35 minutes with 44 questions. 

✅ What are the major topics covered in the SAT English Syllabus?

The College Board covers SAT English Syllabus topics related to grammar, punctuation, conjunction, preposition, etymology, vocabulary, and passage comprehension.

About the Author & Expert

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Rachit Agrawal

author • MBA • 2 years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.