The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardised test widely used for college admissions in the United States and internationally. There are no strict eligibility criteria for taking the SAT, as it is open to anyone, regardless of age or educational background. However, it is typically taken by high school students (usually in grades 11 or 12) who are preparing for college. There is no upper age limit, and it can be taken multiple times to improve scores. The primary requirement is the payment of the registration fee, although fee waivers are available for eligible low-income students.
The SAT exam has no formal age restrictions, meaning there is no minimum or maximum age requirement. While it's primarily taken by high school students, typically between the ages of 16 and 19, anyone who wishes to apply to top global universities is eligible to take the test, regardless of age.
There are no specific educational qualifications or prerequisites to take the SAT exam. It is generally intended for high school students looking to apply to undergraduate programs in colleges and universities, usually in their junior or senior year. Students of any age or grade can register for the SAT, including those who are homeschooled or international students, as long as they have a valid ID. It's essential to check the admission requirements of the colleges you're applying to, as some may prefer the SAT over other standardised tests like the ACT.
For Indian students appearing for the SAT exam, the following ID proofs are considered valid:
Valid Passport:
A passport is the most widely accepted form of identification.
The passport must be original (not a photocopy) and valid (not expired).
The name on the passport must exactly match the name registered for the SAT exam.
Aadhaar Card:
In India, the Aadhaar card is also accepted as a valid form of identification.
It must be the original Aadhaar card, not a photocopy.
Important Points:
The ID should be government-issued, unexpired, and contain a photograph of the student.
If the student’s name has been changed, they must bring appropriate legal documentation as proof.
Make sure to check the specific requirements in case of any updates directly from the College Board or the SAT registration portal before the exam date.
When registering for the SAT, you'll need to upload a photo that meets specific criteria to ensure identity verification on test day. Test centre staff will match your photo to your ID, so your picture must meet the necessary standards.
Need to know:
If your photo doesn’t comply with the rules, you won’t be allowed to take the test. Receiving confirmation that your upload was successful only means the file type and size are correct, not that the content meets all requirements.
File Formats Accepted
You can use a digital camera, or smartphone, or even scan a paper photo. The image file must be in .jpg, .gif, or .png format. You’ll have the chance to crop and adjust your photo after uploading it.
To ensure your photo is valid, follow these guidelines:
You must be easily identifiable.
Only you should appear in the picture.
It must be a clear head-and-shoulders shot, showing your full face, both eyes and hair. Religious head coverings are permitted.
The image should be sharp and in focus.
No shadows or dark spots should obscure your features.
Black-and-white photos are allowed.
You won't be permitted to test if your photo:
Obscures one or both eyes, such as with sunglasses.
Contains other individuals.
Is blurry or otherwise makes you hard to identify.
Has lighting issues or shadows that distort your appearance.
Shows you wearing a hat or headgear that isn’t for religious reasons.
Has been digitally modified, such as through filters or editing tools.
Make sure your photo meets these guidelines to avoid any issues on test day!
Students with disabilities are not subject to any additional criteria for taking the SAT. However, they are required to notify the College Board, the exam's governing organisation, in advance about their specific needs to receive appropriate accommodations.
These accommodations must be approved ahead of time by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Once granted, these accommodations apply to both the SAT General Test and SAT Subject Tests.
Some common accommodations available for students with disabilities include:
Provision of Braille or large-print test materials for visually impaired students
Extended time to complete the SAT
Access to a computer for writing essays
Additional breaks during the exam