Many colleges and universities in the United States require students to submit scores from the SAT test as part of the application process. The test was originally called  the Scholastic Aptitude Test and later became the Scholastic Assessment Test. The acronym SAT no longer stands for anything but is the actual name of the test. 

According to the College Board, The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. A student who takes the SAT can expect a test of reading, writing and math comprehension. A student may also take SAT subject tests,which measure comprehension of a specific subject.

Though strategies for study may vary, the College Board recommends that students prepare for the SAT in a straightforward way:

• Taking challenging classes
• Studying diligently
• Reading and writing in and outside of the classroom

Various programs offer SAT preparation courses that students can sign up for to gain better familiarity of both test and question format.

At over 1,000 testing centers, the College Board offers the SAT six times a year: October, November, December, January, May and June. To ensure that the results for international students are held to “the same standards of quality, service, shipping, and security,” there are additional fees to take the tests.

While students should do their best, remember that the SAT score is only one of many factors that school admission officers take into account.

Source:

• About the SAT; The College Board
• SAT Subject Tests; The College Board
• International students and the SAT; The College Board