The SAT reasoning test (earlier known as the scholastic aptitude test and scholastic assessment test) is a standardised test for admission to colleges in the United States, though the test is also taken by students worldwide and is accepted by colleges in many other countries. A non profit organisation, the College Board owns the exam and it is administered by ETS. The test is claimed to be an accurate judgement of a student’s readiness for college. The test now (since 2005) consists of three 800 point sections (maths, critical reading and writing) and subsections also known as subject tests, which are scored separately.

Subject tests
Earlier known as the SAT II the SAT Subject Tests are 20 multiple-choice standardized tests given on individual subjects. Depending on the candidate’s choice of college and course they decide which test to take. The time for each test is one hour. In one sitting a student can give up to three subject tests. Except for the language tests with listening, which are generally available only in November most subject tests are offered along with the regular SAT.
The subjects tested are : Literature, U.S. History, World History, Mathematics Level 1 and Mathematics Level 2, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Chinese with Listening, French with Listening, German with Listening, Japanese with Listening, Korean with Listening, Spanish with Listening.

The three sections:

• Critical Reading: The total time for this section is 70 min. (divided among two 25 min sections and one 20 min section). It includes short as well as long reading passages on which questions are based. Some questions require the test taker to complete sentences. Scores range from 200-800
• Mathematics: The total time for this section is 70 min. (divided among two 25 min sections and one 20 min section).The questions are based on Number and operations, algebra and functions; geometry; statistics, probability and data analysis. The questions are five-choice multiple choice type and student produced response type (in which the test taker has to write down the numerical answer instead of ticking a choice). Scores range from 200-800. The use of a four function, scientific or graphic calculator is allowed and most students use a scientific calculator.
• Writing: The total time for this section is 60 min. and it tests grammar, usage and word choice. The students are given multiple choice questions and are to write an essay. Scores range from 200-800.

According to the test developers, the essay tests one’s ability to develop, organize, express and support your ideas clearly. The word usage and sentence formation is also tested here. The essays are scored from 1-6. The MCQs test one’s ability to identify sentence errors and improve sentences and paragraphs

SAT Test order, style of questions
Most of the questions in the SAT are multiple choice questions except for the essay type and student produced response type. The MCQs give one raw point for each correct answer and deduct one fourth raw point for a wrong answer. The essays are scored on a scale of 1 -6 and the student produced response type questions have no negative marking. The final scores are generated from the raw scores.

Important Dates

The fee for the SAT Reasoning Test is $45 ($94 Outside US). For the Subject tests the Basic Registration Fee is $20 and $9 per test each (except for language tests with listening, which cost $20 each)
Registration is to be done onlinehere and payment is done only through credit card.
For registration by mail one needs the “SAT Information Bulletin” available with USEFI offices or from College Board website. The completed form and draft is to be mailed in the provided envelope to College Board SAT Program, Princeton, NJ 08541, USA. One can also register through the SAT reps in India.

Preparation for SAT in India mainly focuses on English and word usage. For that vocabulary books by Princeton review are preferred. For preparation online, forums (see useful links) are very helpful.

Students with disabilities
The College Board allows for accommodations for students with disabilities which are generally in the form of an increased time limit. To take SAT with accommodations, you must ensure that your school has an SSD Coordinator’s Form on file with The College Board. You must complete Section I of the Student Eligibility Form and forward it to your school, where school officials are to complete section 2 and 3. The three sections should be then sent to The College Board where the form is thoroughly reviewed and in about 5 weeks the procedure is complete.
Refer to theofficial site for further information

The unscored section
To ensure the fairness of the test, apart from the nine scored sections, test takers need to answer a 25-minute section which does not count towards the final score on the SAT. It is a multiple choice section and can be of mathematics, critical reading or writing. The College Board states that this practice allows for comparison of scores on later editions of the SAT.

Standby testing 
At some centres the provision of standby testing is provided for those who haven’t registered till the exam date though seat availability is neither guaranteed nor can be reserved. One will need a completed registration form, full fees including the standby fees, photo and other necessary documentation as required and must arrive by 7.45 am on the test day.

Standby testing is not available for Language Tests with Listening, School-based testing for students with accommodations, Centre-based testing for any accommodations other than 50 percent extended time and in Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Togo.

Useful Links 
http://www.collegeboard.c om/student/testing/sat/about.html
http://www.proprofs.com/sat/
http://www.urch.com/forums/sat/
http://www.english-test.net/forum/forum21.html