Many colleges will request that you submit a standardized test score as part of your application. The two standardized tests that colleges accept are the SAT and the ACT. Most students choose to take only one of these tests, but you can also take both tests and submit both scores as part of your application if desired. Although most colleges are currently test optional (meaning that a standardized test score is not required to be submitted), it is often still beneficial to submit a good score to demonstrate your merit as a student. This article will focus on discussing the SAT test.
The SAT is a standardized test administered by the nonprofit organization CollegeBoard. The test is taken digitally and consists of one English section and one Math section. The English and Math sections are each scored out of 800 points, and your overall score is out of 1600 points (your English score plus your Math score). No points are deducted for incorrect answers, so there is no harm in guessing.
The English section of the test is all multiple choice. In the English section, you will be asked to

• Locate and interpret information from texts and graphs
• Use reasoning skills and knowledge to define vocabulary used in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between two texts
• Revise texts to improve their effectiveness
• Fill in the blank to make the text grammatically correct

The English section is broken into two subsections called modules. Both modules will test the student on the same topics (reading, writing, grammar, etc.). However, after completion of the first module, your performance will be gauged, and the difficulty level of the second module will be adjusted accordingly. The better you do on the first module, the harder the second module will be. Each English module consists of 27 questions and has a time limit of 32 minutes, making the whole English section 54 questions and 64 minutes long.
The Math section has multiple choice and free response questions. You are allowed to use calculators for the entirety of the Math section. The test provides the graphing calculator Desmos on the testing device, but you can also bring an additional personal calculator if desired. In the Math section, you will be tested on

1. Algebra
   
   • Linear equations in 1 variable
   • Linear equations in 2 variables
   • Linear functions
   • Systems of 2 linear equations in 2 variables
   • Linear inequalities in 1 or 2 variables
2. Advanced math
   
   • Equivalent expressions
   • Nonlinear equations in 1 variable
   • Systems of equations in 2 variables
   • Nonlinear functions
3. Problem-solving and data analysis
   
   • Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
   • Percentages
   • One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread
   • Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
   • Probability and conditional probability
   • Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
   • Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments
4. Geometry and trigonometry
   
   • Area and volume formulas
   • Lines, angles, and triangles
   • Right triangles and trigonometry
   • Circles

The Math section does not test on calculus topics and higher, but knowledge of calculus may help in unique scenarios. Similarly, the Math section is also broken into two modules. The modules work the same way: they will test on the same topics but the second module will become more difficult if you perform better in the first module. Each Math module consists of 22 questions and has a time limit of 35 minutes, making the whole Math section 44 questions and 70 minutes long.
The SAT can be taken as early as freshman year, but most students take it during junior year because that is when they have learned most of the English and math topics. In order to take the SAT, you must create an account on CollegeBoard. Once you are signed into your account, go to "My SAT" (https://mysat.collegeboard.org/dashboard) and click on "Register for the SAT." From there, you can register for the SAT, following the website's instructions. The SAT is taken in a specific testing site, most of which are local high schools. You select which site to take the test in when registering. The test itself will be taken on an electronic device, and before test day, you must install the Bluebook application by CollegeBoard. Once you register for the SAT, your registration will be shown on the Bluebook app. Before test day, you must complete an exam setup where you will confirm your information and receive an admission ticket for the test. On test day, make sure to bring the following items.

• Your fully charged testing device with the Bluebook application installed and exam setup completed
• Your up-to-date admission ticket from the Bluebook app. Bringing a printed ticket is preferred, and you can access the ticket after completing the exam setup (available starting 5 days before the test)
• Acceptable photo ID
• Pencils or pens for scratch work.
• An acceptable calculator for the Math section (Desmos will also be provided on Bluebook)

The SAT is offered 7 times a year, and you can take the SAT as many times as you want until you get your desired score.

Find a testing site for the SAT:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/test-center-search

SAT testing dates:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines

List of acceptable calculators:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/what-to-bring-do/calculator-policy
Below are recent statistics on the SAT scores of high schoolers from CollegeBoard. The range of possible scores is 400 - 1600, with the English and Math sections being scored from 200 - 800.
Colleges have different policies when it comes to SAT score submission. In the case where you have taken the SAT multiple times, some colleges require you to submit ALL of your SAT scores. On the other hand, some colleges allow score choice, meaning that you can select which SAT scores to send and your other scores are not shared. Other colleges have a submission policy called a superscore. In this case, you would take the highest English score and the highest Math score (these scores can come from separate tests), and you would add them together to create your SAT "superscore," which is then submitted to the college. It is best to check the college's website to see their policy.