How long does the SAT take? SAT test-taking strategies to get a high score

To achieve the best results in SAT exam, việc nắm rõ thời gian thi và phân bổ thời gian hợp lý là vô cùng quan trọng. Hãy cùng xem chi tiết thời lượng làm bài cho từng phần thi và áp dụng các mẹo quản lý thời gian hiệu quả để nâng cao điểm số của bạn. Trong bài viết dưới đây, Anh ggữ Du Học ETEST sẽ giúp bạn tìm hiểu chi tiết hơn về SAT test time as well as necessary knowledge about SAT.

How long is the SAT test?

Since March 2023, the College Board has officially converted the SAT test format from paper (SAT Paper) to computer-based test (SAT Digital) for international candidates. For candidates in the US, this change will take effect from March 2024.

Along with the move to digital formats, content and SAT Digital exam structure There are also some notable changes. Specifically, SAT Digital only has 2 test sections (sessions): Reading & Writing and Math, instead of 3 sections as before (Reading, Writing & Language, Math).

According to information from the College Board, the total time to take the SAT Digital test is approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes), divided as follows:

• Reading and Writing: lengthen 64 minutes, consisting of 2 modules, each module 32 minutes. Questions focus on short passages, requiring candidates to demonstrate reading comprehension skills, language analysis, grammar and sentence improvement.
• Math Section: lengthen 70 minutes, also divided into 2 modules, each module 35 minutes. The test content emphasizes the ability to think logically, solve problems and apply mathematics to practical situations.

Compared to the traditional paper-based SAT, SAT Digital significantly reduces timeThis not only helps candidates reduce exam pressure but also reflects the trend of modernizing education that prioritizes flexibility, efficiency and personalization of learning experiences.

Effective SAT test-taking strategies

Reading and Writing (Reading and Writing Test)

Master the exam structure

In the SAT Digital format, the Reading and Writing section consists of two modules, each with 27 questions (consists of 25 graded questions and 2 practice questions). Each module lasts 32 minutes, the total time for this part of the test is 64 minutes.

The questions in this section mainly test the ability to read, analyze text, identify grammatical errors and choose clear and coherent expressions. Understanding the structure of the test is the first step to help candidates build an effective test-taking strategy.

How to allocate time 

Proper time management within each module is key to ensuring candidates can tackle all questions without getting overwhelmed. Here is a recommended effective time allocation strategy:

• First 3–5 minutes: Read quickly to get the main idea: Start by skimming the passages and questions to get a sense of the topic, find key words, and identify the type of question (main idea, purpose, inference, grammatical error, etc.). This will help you better navigate the test.
• Next 15–17 minutes: Do easy and familiar questions: Prioritize solving questions related to direct information, grammar structures, vocabulary – where you can give quick and accurate answers. This method helps optimize time and create a comfortable mindset for the rest.
• Next 10–12 minutes: Tackling difficult questions: Spend the remaining time on questions that require inference, careful semantic analysis, or trick questions. Thanks to the time you “saved” in the previous step, you will have enough space to think without pressure.
• Last 2–3 minutes: Review and adjust: Use the last minute to go over any questions you're unsure about, making sure you don't miss any questions – including the practice questions (which don't count for points) because you don't know exactly where they are.

Math (Reading – Writing Test)

Master the exam structure

The Math section of the SAT Digital test is divided into two modules, each with 22 questions and lasting 35 minutes, for a total test time of 70 minutes.

The questions cover a wide range of topics, from Basic Algebra, Functions, Geometry, to Statistics and Probability. Each question can be divided into levels from easy to difficult, requiring candidates to not only have a solid grasp of the background knowledge but also have a reasonable test-taking strategy.

How to allocate time 

Time management is vital in the Math section – especially when you need to calculate accurately and quickly. Here are some tips for how to allocate your time wisely during your practice and real test:

• First 10–11 minutes: Tackle the easy questions: These questions usually involve simple calculations, basic arithmetic, or geometrical recognition. Each question should only take about 30 seconds to 1 minute to solve. Doing these questions quickly will help you “collect” safe points and build momentum for more difficult questions.
• Next 14–16 minutes: Tackle medium questions: This is the part that requires you to think logically and apply some steps to solve a problem. Types of problems like quadratic equations, coordinates of intersections, or practical applications often appear here. Spend 1 to 2 minutes on each question to ensure accuracy without getting too caught up in the details.
• Next 9–10 minutes: Tackling difficult questions: Questions in this section often require you to combine multiple concepts at once, such as optimization problems, complex probabilities, or advanced functions. Don’t be afraid to spend 2–3 minutes on a question if necessary, but be smart: if you spend too much time and are still unsure, mark it and come back to it later.
• Last 2–3 minutes: Review your work: Double-check your calculations, measurements, and especially any questions you’re unsure about. Sometimes just one quick check is enough to catch a small error and earn you valuable extra points.

Mastering the test structure and developing a reasonable time allocation strategy is the key to confidently entering the SAT exam and achieving the desired results. In addition, to achieve a high score on the SAT exam - especially with the new Digital SAT format, it is important not only to understand the test structure but also to have a systematic and personalized study path for each student. At that time, choosing a reputable, professional and experienced test preparation center is very necessary.

Currently, ETEST English for Study Abroad is a unit with a team of experienced lecturers in the field. SAT test preparation and study abroad consulting. Courses at ETEST are designed specifically for each student with a class size limited to 6 people, ensuring maximum interaction between students and instructors.

In addition, students also receive 1:1 guidance outside of regular class hours, helping to consolidate knowledge and effective test-taking strategies.

Special, ETEST English for Study Abroad is the pioneer center in Vietnam to deploy Digital SAT test preparation course – accurately simulates the latest test format of the College Board. Students not only get familiar with the actual test software right at the center, but also take a Digital SAT practice test to assess their abilities and improve their test-taking strategies at each stage.

With American standard curriculum, personalized learning path, and commitment to increase from 150 – 200+ SAT score, ETEST Study Abroad English has helped hundreds of students achieve impressive scores such as 1420, 1500+ and even 1580/1600. Learn more and register for the SAT preparation course today to get ready for the SAT exam and your study abroad journey ahead!