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SAT Exam - A Complete Overview

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SAT Exam - A Complete Overview

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standard college admission test in the United States of America. The SAT exam aims to test applicants’ knowledge and preparedness in reading, writing and maths for college and university admissions. Indonesian students wanting to take the SAT can opt for the digital SAT, and its score will help them find colleges not just in the United States (US) but also in other countries like the UK, Canada and Australia where the SATs are accepted.

SAT Exam 2025

SAT Full Form

Scholastic Assessment Test

Purpose

Undergraduate admissions (mainly in the US and other English-speaking countries)

Subjects Tested

Section 1: Reading and Writing

Section 2: Math (Calculator allowed throughout)

Exam Format

Digital 

Duration

2 hours and 14 minutes

Best Time to Take the Exam

Grade 11 or early Grade 12 (1–2 years before university intake)

Score Range

400–1600 (800 for Math, 800 for Reading & Writing combined)

Average Score (International)

Around 1050–1150

Conducted By

College Board (www.collegeboard.org)

Exam Frequency

Multiple times a year (March, May, August, October, December)

Fee for Indonesian Students

$69 + $43 (international fees) / IDR 1,885,470 

What is the SAT exam?

The SAT is an entrance test for college admissions in the United States of America. Started in the year 1926 by the College Board, this exam aims to test students' preparedness for higher education. It is a 2 hour and 14 minute long test divided into two sections: Reading & Writing and Mathematics.

SAT scores are a crucial part of college admissions both domestically and internationally. Your SAT scores are valid for five years from the test date, which means you have plenty of time to apply for university after attempting the SAT.

Why is the SAT exam important for Indonesian students?

As an Indonesian student, the SAT is a crucial part of your college admission success both in the country and abroad. A high-value SAT score on your college application can help it stand out. Here is a list of reasons as to why the SAT exam is important for Indonesian students:

1. Boosts Your College Application: In a competitive pool of college applicants, a strong SAT score can help your application stand out. Even if your school grades are not a perfect match for your dream university, a good SAT score can balance your profile and improve your chances.

2. Sets an Academic Benchmark: Your SAT score does not just show that you are ready for college—it also positions you alongside students from around the world, giving universities a clear benchmark of your academic ability.

3. Opens Doors to Scholarships: For Indonesian students, a high SAT score can unlock merit-based scholarships abroad. Many universities look at SAT results as proof of academic excellence when awarding financial aid.

4. Shows Your Commitment: Submitting SAT scores with your application sends a strong message—you are serious about your education and willing to go the extra mile to get into your desired college.

5. Globally Accepted: While the SAT is popular in the US, it is also accepted by universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, and even some institutions in Indonesia. Taking the SATs is a smart choice if you are exploring options across multiple countries.

SAT Eligibility

The SAT can be taken by high school students, mostly by grade 11 and 12 students. College Board - the conducting body of the SAT exam has not set any eligibility criteria for students taking the SAT including not setting any minimum or maximum age requirements, and it can be taken multiple times until you have reached your desired score.

SAT Exam types

The College Board runs multiple SATs in the States and globally to suit the needs of students willing to apply for colleges. There are mainly four types of SAT’s : SAT, PSAT, PSAT10, PSAT8/9. Here is a table to help you understand the different types of SAT exams:

Exam Type

Target Grade

Purpose

SAT

Grade 11–12

College admissions, scholarships, and international applications

PSAT/NMSQT

Grade 11

Practice for SAT; Qualifies US students for National Merit Scholarship

PSAT 10

Grade 10

SAT practice and academic readiness check

PSAT 8/9

Grades 8–9

Early assessment of college and career readiness

Source: College Board

How to Register for the SAT Exam in Indonesia?

Registering for the SAT exam from Indonesia is a three-step process: Registration, submit photo and make payment, opt student search service. Let’s break it down for you:

Registration: SAT registration is a 30-minute process where you start by selecting your exam centre, test date. Once decided, create an account on the College Board and fill in the registration form.

Upload photo: Uploading your photo is a crucial step in the SAT registration process, as it serves as a primary form of identification on test day. To ensure your photo is accepted, it must be in a .jpg, .gif, or .png file format and must clearly show your face according to the College Board’s photo guidelines.

Make Payment: Once you have filled out all the information, including personal information, test centre, date and photo correctly, then make a payment. Now payment as an Indonesian can be made via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB are accepted. Alternatively, you can sign up for a PayPal account and make a digital payment.

Opt student search service: There is an easy way to directly send your SAT score to colleges by opting for ‘Student Service’ while registering for the SAT. College Board's Student Search Service is a great way to send your SAT score directly to colleges of your choice. This way your SAT scores are directly sent to colleges, and based on your score, you will hear from them.

SAT Dates 2025 - 26

SAT exams happen seven times a year and these are the SAT Exam Dates for 2025-2026.

SAT Exam Dates 2025 (Fall 2025)

  • June 07, 2025
  • August 23, 2025
  • September 13, 2025
  • October 4, 2025
  • November 8, 2025
  • December 6, 2025

SAT Exam Dates 2026 (Spring 2026)

  • March 14, 2026
  • May 2, 2026
  • June 6, 2026

SAT Test Centres for Indonesia

There are 19 SAT test centres available in Indonesia. It is important to note that depending on your test date there may be changes in the availability of these test centres so double check them on the College Board website. For now, here is a detailed list of SAT Test Centres in Indonesia:

SAT Indonesia Test Centre

Centre Code

Address

ACG School Jakarta

64758

Jl Warung Jati Barat No 19, Jati Padang, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia

Bali Island School

64102

JL. Danau Buyan IV No. 15, Sanur, Denpasar, Indonesia

Bandung Alliance Intercultural School

64105

Jalan Bujaggamanik Kav 2, Kota Baru Parahyangan, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

Bandung Independent School

64104

Jln. Prof. Drg. Suria Sumantri 61, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Beacon Academy

64149

Pegangsaan Dua No. 66, Kelapa Gading, Jakarta, Java, Indonesia

Bina Bangsa School Semarang

64245

Jalan Jangli Boulevard, Ngesrep, Kec. Banyumanik, Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Global Jaya School

64160

Emerald Boulevard, Sektor 9, Bintaro, Banten, Indonesia

Jakarta International School

64140

Jl. Terogong Raya 33, Cilandak, Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta Multicultural School

9219

Jalan Pisangan Raya No 99, Cirendeu, Ciputat Timur, Tangerang Selatan, Banten, Indonesia

Medan Independent School

64167

Jl. Jamin Ginting Km.10, Jl. Tali Air No.5, Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Mountainview Christian School

64236

Jl. Nakula Sadewa Raya No. 55, Salatiga, Central Java, Indonesia

Pribadi Bilingual Boarding School (Bandung)

64110

Jl. PHH Mustofa No 41, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Pribadi Bilingual Boarding School (Depok)

64131

Margonda Raya Street, Depok, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

Sampoerna Academy Medan

64113

Citra Garden, Jl Jamin Ginting - Padang Bulan, Medan, Indonesia

Sekolah Victory Plus

64112

Jl. Citra Niaga Raya Blok AO 1-14, Perumahan Kemang Pratama, Bojong Rawalumbu, Bekasi, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

Semesta Bilingual Secondary School

64246

Jl. Raya Semarang Gunungpati Km 15, Semarang, Indonesia

Surabaya Intercultural School

64264

CitraRaya International Village, Jalan Sekolah Internasional, Surabaya, Indonesia

Sekolah Ciputra

64775

Puri Widya Kencana L Kav 1 Citraland, Surabaya, Indonesia

Sekolah Pelita Harapan

64267

SPH Lippo Village, 2500 Bulevar Palem Raya, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia

SAT Exam Fees 2025: Cancellations and Rescheduling Fees

The SAT registration fee is US $68, plus a US $43 international fee. There are also additional fees which are the same for both American and international students. Here is a table to help you understand additional charges of the SAT exam 2025:

SAT Fees

Fee (USD)

Approximate Fee (IDR)

SAT Standard Fee

$68

IDR 1,143,165

Additional International SAT Fee

$43

IDR 722,883

Test Center Fee (selected centres)

$24

IDR 403,470

Late Registration

$34

IDR 571 582

Change Test Center

$29

IDR 487,526

Cancel Registration

$29

IDR 487,526

Late Cancel Fee

$39

IDR 655,639

Source: College Board | USD $1 = IDR 16811.25
You can reschedule your test date and correct any personal information till five days before the test day by logging into your College Board account. Please remember in case of a change of test date you will have to cancel the first application and create a new one with the additional fee mentioned above.

SAT Exam Pattern 2025

The SAT is made up of two main sections:

  • Reading and Writing
  • Math

You will get 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes for the Math section—the total test time is 2 hours and 14 minutes. The first module in each section includes a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Depending on how well you do, the second module will adjust—giving you either more challenging or easier questions.

SAT Syllabus 2025

The SAT test examines students' reading, writing and mathematical knowledge. The SAT exam is divided into two sections, Reading & Writing and Maths and the SAT Syllabus for the two sections include::

The SAT Reading and Writing syllabus constitutes one of four content domains—Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas.

The SAT Math Syllabus section focuses on the areas:

  • Algebra
  • Advanced Math
  • Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
  • Geometry and Trigonometry

Here is a complete breakdown of SAT Exam Pattern and SAT Syllabus 2025

Section

Reading and Writing (RW)

Math

Format

Two stages: one for Reading and one for Writing. Each stage is separately timed and tested through modules.

Two stages: both modules test Math skills separately with their own timing.

Test Length (including operational and pretest questions)

First Module: 25 scored questions + 2 pretest questions

Second Module: 25 scored questions + 2 pretest questions

First Module: 20 scored questions + 2 pretest questions

Second Module: 20 scored questions + 2 pretest questions

Time Duration

32 minutes per module (total 64 minutes)

35 minutes per module (total 70 minutes)

Total Number of Questions

54 questions

44 questions

Total Test Time

64 minutes

70 minutes

Question Types

All questions are multiple choice with four answer options.

About 75% are multiple choice, and 25% are student-produced responses (SPR), where you enter your own answers.

Topics Covered

Reading and Writing will focus on Literature, History/Social Studies, Humanities, and Science.

Math questions will be based on Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving, and real-world applications.

Use of Informational Graphics

Graphs, tables, and charts (like bar graphs and line graphs) will appear throughout the Reading and Writing section.

Visuals like graphs and charts are also included to support Math problem solving.

SAT Preparation tips and strategies for 2025

Scoring high on the SAT requires a well-structured SAT preparation plan. Here's how you can set yourself up for success:

  • Set a Target SAT Score: Start by identifying your goal score based on the universities you’re aiming for.
  • Create a Personalised Study Plan: Build a schedule that aligns with your target score and available study time.
  • Use the Right Study Materials: Choose reliable SAT prep books, online resources, and sample test papers.
  • Practice with Realistic Tests: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam.
  • Analyse Your Performance: Review your test results carefully to identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time improving the sections where you’re scoring low.
  • Stick to Your Plan Consistently: Consistency is key. Regular study sessions will build your confidence and test-taking technique.

By following a clear and focused strategy, you’ll be better prepared to achieve your desired SAT score.

Here are SAT study prep material recommendations:

Resource Type

Official Source

Description

Best SAT  Books

The Official Digital SAT Study Guide – College Board

Includes 4 full-length practice tests and test-taking strategies.

SAT Sample Papers

College Board

Free downloadable official SAT practice tests and questions.

App

Bluebook App by College Board

The official app for taking full-length digital practice tests.

Video Lessons

Official SAT YouTube Channel

Videos on SAT strategies, question breakdowns, and test updates.

SAT Scores 2025

The total SAT score is calculated on a score range of 400-1600 with each section holding an equal score range of 200-800. Once you take the test, these scores are available to students typically within 2–4 weeks.

If you take the test on a weekend, you can expect your results in about two weeks, while school-day testers might have to wait up to four weeks. You can easily access your SAT scores through your College Board account — and if you select the archived score option, it will even be sent to your email.

SAT Exam Date

SAT Score Date (tentative)

June 07, 2025

June 20, 2025

August 23, 2025

September 05, 2025

September 13, 2025

September 26, 2025

October 4, 2025

October 17, 2025

November 8, 2025

November 21, 2025

December 6, 2025

December 19, 2025

March 14, 2026

March 27, 2026

May 2, 2026

May 15, 2026

June 6, 2026

June 19, 2026

SAT score is the sum of your two section scores. For example, a 600 out of 800 in Reading & Writing and a 700 out of 800 in Math would give you a total SAT score of 1300 out of 1600. Your scores are valid for five years, giving you flexibility to plan your college applications.

Sat Cut Off 2025

A score of around 1200 is generally seen as a competitive cut-off for a wide range of universities in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. However, if you are aiming for Ivy League or other top-tier institutions, you will want to target a score in the 1400–1600 range to strengthen your application.

How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

During SAT registration, candidates can select up to four colleges to which their scores will be sent free of charge, as this service is included in the registration fee. However, if test-takers wish to send their scores to more than four colleges, they must log in to their SAT account on the College Board website and select the additional institutions by name or code, incurring a SAT Score fee of US $14 for each selection. Scores are sent electronically via standard delivery and typically arrive within 5–10 business days.

The SAT plays a big role in a U.S. student’s academic journey—and the same goes for Indonesian students aiming to get into top universities in the U.S. or other study destinations that accept SAT scores. If you are dreaming of a spot at a reputed college, the SAT can be your ticket in.

Understanding the SAT is just the first step. The real journey begins when you start preparing for it. Not sure where to start? Reach out to AECC’s expert team—they will guide you on how to kickstart your SAT prep and help you with everything you need to know to boost your chances of success.

SAT Exam FAQs

There are no SAT eligibility requirements for Indonesian students; it is taken by 11th or 12th class or anyone who has completed 12 years of school education in Indonesia.

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