Start Here: your friendly guide to the SAT

Never taken the SAT before? No problem. This page explains what it is in plain language, then points you to lessons and practice. You can start today, at any age — the earlier you build the skills, the easier test day feels.

1. What is the SAT?

The SAT is a test many students take in high school. Colleges sometimes use it to help compare students from different schools. It is not a test of how smart you are — it checks a specific set of reading, writing, and math skills. That's good news: skills can be practiced, and practice is exactly what this site is for.

Today's SAT is the Digital SAT. You take it on a computer, and it takes about 2 hours and 14 minutes.

2. What the test looks like

The test has two big parts, called sections:

• Reading & Writing — short reading passages with one question each.
• Math — from simple equations to word problems and geometry.

Each section is split into two shorter modules. Here's a helpful detail: the test is adaptive. How you do on the first module decides whether the second module is a bit easier or a bit harder. That's why doing your best early really matters.

You also get built-in tools: a calculator (Desmos) you can use for the whole Math section, and a formula sheet. And there's no penalty for wrong answers — so you should never leave a question blank. A guess can only help.

3. How scoring works

Your score ranges from 400 to 1600. It's really two scores added together:

• Reading & Writing: 200–800
• Math: 200–800

A "good" score depends on the colleges you're interested in, but you don't need to worry about that yet. Right now, the goal is simple: learn the skills and get comfortable. The score follows.

4. What's in Reading & Writing

You'll read short passages and answer questions about them. The skills include:

• Understanding what you read — the main idea, details, and what the author is doing.
• Vocabulary in context — picking the best word for a sentence.
• Grammar and punctuation — commas, sentences, verbs, and clear writing.
• Using evidence — finding the fact or quote that supports an idea.

Our Reading & Writing modules teach each of these one at a time, with examples.

5. What's in Math

The Math section covers:

• Algebra — equations, lines, and simple systems.
• Problem-solving & data — percents, ratios, averages, and reading graphs.
• Advanced math — quadratics, exponents, and functions.
• Geometry & a little trigonometry — triangles, circles, and angles.

Don't worry if some of those words are new — that's what the Math modules are for. Each starts from the basics.

6. A simple study plan

You don't need to study for hours. Short and steady wins:

• Pick one module and read its short lesson.
• Do a 12-question practice set. Stuck? Tap "Need a hint?" before looking at the answer.
• Come back tomorrow and keep your streak alive. A little every day beats cramming.
• Every week or two, take a full practice test to see your progress.

Turn on focus music (the 🎧 button) if it helps you concentrate.

7. How to use this site

Everything here is free, and you can learn without signing up:

• Browse the modules and start any lesson right now — no account needed.
• Want to save your XP, streak, and progress across devices? Create a free account. A parent or guardian approves it by email — it keeps younger students safe.
• Ready to test yourself? Try a full-length practice test.