SAT

SAT Exam Information

MHS test coordinator is Mrs. Bafus ([email protected]); her office is in the Career Center (Room 125A).

Idaho SAT School Day is mid-April every year and takes place at MHS during the school day.
  • The SAT is an optional exam.
  • Moscow School District requires a college entrance exam for graduation and the SAT satisfies this requirement.
  • Junior students will take the exam which is paid for by the State of Idaho.
  • Students should be seated and ready to begin at 8:10 a.m. 
  • Snacks will be provided; students may bring their own snacks as well.
  • The standard SAT exam will conclude at approximately 11 a.m.
  • Students with accommodations may take longer and Mrs. Bafus will contact those students directly.
  • Room locations will be announced.

SAT Registration:  MHS will take care of your registration.  Students do not need to do anything to register.
 

Cost:  Paid for by the State of Idaho

PARENT NOTIFICATION LETTER from College Board

College admissions:  Idaho public colleges and universities are not requiring a college entrance exam for admission.  However, policies are in flux and students should check with schools they are applying to for the latest admission requirements.  A college entrance exam may be required for scholarship and/or financial aid awards.

National test dates:  College Board provides testing at test centers throughout the U.S.  These are in addition to the Idaho SAT School Day where the exam is held at MHS.  Students can utilize the national test dates but will be responsible for the cost of the exam.  Fee waivers are available for the national test dates; see your school counselor for more information. Link to College Board for the most up-to-date test schedule and registration deadlines for national test dates.
 
What if I have already taken a college entrance exam?  If you have already taken a college entrance exam such as the ACT please let the test coordinator know.

MHS test prep:  Math and English teachers offer test preparation sessions every spring.  Students will be informed of the schedule once published and it will be in the daily bulletin as well.  Some of the sessions include SAT Overview, Reading, Heart of Algebra, Passport to Advanced Math, Strategies & practice for Everyone, Writing & Language, Problem-solving & Data Analysis.  

The information below is the same as the PSAT:

Test length:  The SAT is 3 hours and the PSAT is 2 hours 45 minutes.  These times do not include breaks or administration time for instructions.  

Do I need to study?  You can.  Usually, studying for a test increases your chances of getting a better score.  Khan Academy has detailed SAT information, practice, and diagnostic tools that can help you focus your studying on your areas of need.  If you decide to study, set up a realistic schedule, and take a break the night before the test (Khan Academy). 

Supplies to bring:  Students should bring a College Board-acceptable calculator.  You can bring a backup calculator and batteries as well.  With that said, all questions can be answered without a calculator.  Also, bring a water bottle and your own snack if you want.  Grab-n-go snacks will be available.

Prohibited devices:  Phones will need to be turned off and left in backpacks which cannot be accessed until the exam is over.  Students may wear a regular type watch with NO alarm.  Smartwatches of any kind are prohibited. 

Guessing:  There is no penalty for guessing or blank responses.  This is known as "rights-only scoring".

Student guide:  Reading the student guide will help you understand how each category of the test is presented and will tell you what to expect.  The sections of the test are evidence-based reading and writing, writing and language, and math.  

Bluebook App:  The P/SAT is taken with the College Board's Bluebook App.  Students can test with a school-issued Chromebook or their personal computer (personal Chromebooks will not work).  School-issued Chromebooks have Bluebook preinstalled.  If a student chooses to use their personal computer they will need to download the Bluebook app ahead of time.  https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/students/download-bluebook

Khan Academy.com:  Khan Academy is the official practice provider and has online resources to study for the P/SAT. They have practice tests, diagnostics, and instruction. Khan will use your PSAT scores and run your diagnostics report so you can work on the areas you need the most.  Khan Academy is available using the Bluebook app with a student's College Board login or test ticket provided by the test coordinator.  Students can also go directly to their website at https://www.khanacademy.org/digital-sat