The SAT is digital, adaptive and about two and a quarter hours long. Each of its two sections is split into two separately timed modules, and performance on the first module decides how hard the second one is. That single design choice changes how the test should be approached.
What the test looks like
| Section | Questions | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 54 (two modules of 27) | 64 min (32 + 32) | 200–800 |
| Math | 44 (two modules of 22) | 70 min (35 + 35) | 200–800 |
| Total | 98 | 134 min | 400–1600 |
Each module carries two pretest questions that do not count toward the score, which is why the operational count is slightly lower than the total.
Why the first module matters more
This is a two-stage adaptive design. The second module of each section is assembled based on how the student did in the first. Accuracy early on therefore sets the ceiling for the section, and rushing the opening module to bank time for later is the wrong trade.
Maths changed in ways worth knowing
There is one maths section rather than the old split between a calculator-allowed and a no-calculator portion, and calculators are permitted throughout. Students may bring their own approved calculator or use the graphing calculator built into the testing app. College Board also shortened the average length of in-context word problems, so less of the maths score now depends on reading speed.
The 400–1600 scale has not changed
Despite the move to digital, the SAT is still reported on the familiar 400–1600 total with 200–800 per section, and the SAT and PSAT remain linked on a vertical scale so growth across the suite stays comparable. A target score from two years ago is still a valid target.