SAT eligibility criteria | Age, minimum score and frequency

SAT eligibility and a brief about the exam

Let’s review the basics of the SAT before diving into the test requirements. The Scholastic Assessment Test, offered by the College Board, is a must-have for people applying to schools in other countries. The SAT curriculum consists of three parts- writing, math, and reading/writing analysis. The College Board sets no specific SAT eligibility standards for this exam. 

Eligibility criteria for SAT examination

There are no required prerequisites or eligibility criteria to take the SAT exam, which the College Board administers. However, a few ground rules do exist-

• Age 

An individual of any age may register for the SAT exam. As it’s meant for high school students, most test takers are between 16 and 19. In any case, there is no specific age limit for taking the test, so anyone interested in attending one of the world’s best colleges can do so.

1. Only via phone or letter registrants younger than 13 years old can do so. Unfortunately, online applications are not available to pupils under 13 due to security concerns. It’s worth noting that kids who apply over the phone can skip the casting process.

2. Those students who have yet to reach the ninth grade are exempt from submitting a photo with their registration; moreover, they must have a valid photo ID with them to the testing center.

3. Any student or candidate who is above 21 years and who plans on taking a government-administered exam must carry a government-issued photo ID to the testing facility.

• Frequency 

Seven times a year, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is given. Students can take the SAT as often as needed to acquire the score they want.

• Documents

Any student who wishes to take the SAT must present a passport that is currently in effect. If they don’t have a passport, they’ll need to provide another kind of government-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license or military ID.

The following are examples of documentation that cannot be used to prove SAT eligibility for students of Indian origin and other countries-

1. Any file that has been tampered with digitally
2. A faulty, worn, or torn ID card
3. Validation of any temporary identification documents
4. Birth certificate
5. Electronically produced documents 
6. Employee ID card
7. Missing child ID card
8. Social Security card

• English proficiency 

English fluency is required for all applicants. Most top colleges worldwide use English as the language for communication and instruction.

SAT exam eligibility for students with disabilities

  

Students with disabilities who wish to take the SAT need not meet additional requirements. Students with disabilities who wish to take the SAT with additional accommodations must notify the governing body (the College Board) of their disability in advance. 

All accommodations must be pre arranged with the college board’s disability services department. The test with the additional features can be utilized for both the SAT General and SAT subject tests if the application is approved. Disabled students’ SAT exam facilities include-

1. Braille and large-print question papers are used for visually impaired applicants.
2. Extra time allotted for SAT exam completion.
3. Computer implementation for essays.
4. Extra breaks are provided during the exam.

SAT exam eligibility for application fee waiver students

The College Scholarship Service (CSS) will waive the SAT registration cost for students who qualify as members of a low-income demographic. High school juniors and seniors applying for a fee waiver to take the SAT must provide evidence that they come from low-income families (defined as those earning less than $100,000 per year). 

Once they are selected, a school counselor or representative will assist them in completing the application. Under the College Board India Scholars Program, Indian students can receive a cost remission of up to 90% when registering for the SAT. The SAT curriculum is geared specifically toward students currently enrolled in or graduating from high school.

Key takeaways 

• High school seniors take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) to gain entry to some of the world’s best undergraduate institutions.
• Students who meet the SAT requirements can enroll in various undergraduate majors.
• Applicants must meet no minimum age requirement, educational threshold, or other conditions. However, examinees must be fluent in English. They are also allowed an infinite number of tries.

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FAQs

Question 1: Is the SAT administered offline or online?

Answer: Currently, SAT is given on paper, but that will change in 2023 for students from outside the United States and 2024 for those within the country.

Question 2: Is a passport required for taking the SAT?

Answer: If you are 21 or younger, you must present a valid passport to take the SAT.

Question 3: What is the SAT exam registration fee? 

Answer: The cost of the SAT is Rs 4,207 (about USD 55). The non-US regional fee for students from India is Rs 3,748. Put another way, the full cost for a student from India is Rs 7,956.