Blog 2 - The SAT Test
Green Room Futures Blog
Informational and inspirational for all U.S. college related topics!
“The SAT Test - Everything you need to know about them”
BLOG POST 2
Ayana Aoyagi
The SAT Test – Everything you need to know about them.
At Green Room Futures (GRF), we help Australian student-athletes navigate every stage of the U.S. college recruitment journey. This guide explains everything you need to know about the SAT Test, how it works, and whether you'll need to take it.
What is the SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardised test used by many colleges and universities in the United States as part of their admissions process. It is designed to measure the reading, writing, and mathematics skills that students typically develop throughout high school.
While not every university requires an SAT score, many institutions still use it to evaluate applicants for admission and, in some cases, academic scholarships. If you're hoping to earn a college scholarship as an international student-athlete, achieving a strong SAT score can strengthen your application.
Who Takes the SAT?
The SAT is most commonly taken by students in Year 11 or Year 12 students. We can help you determine whether the universities on your shortlist require the SAT or if they are test-optional.
What Does the SAT Test?
The SAT consists of two main sections:
Section 1 – Reading and Writing:
This section assesses your ability to:
Read and understand written passages.
Identify the main idea and supporting evidence.
Apply grammar and punctuation rules.
Improve sentence structure and writing clarity.
Understand vocabulary in context.
Section 2 – Mathematics
The Math section focuses on:
Algebra.
Problem-solving.
Data analysis.
Geometry.
Some advanced mathematics concepts.
SAT Format
The SAT is now completed digitally in most testing locations around Australia. Take approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes.
SAT Scoring
The SAT is scored out of 1600 points.
Reading and Writing: 200–800
Mathematics: 200–800
Calculator Policy
A calculator is permitted throughout the entire Mathematics section, and students also have access to a built-in calculator within the official testing application.
Why is the SAT Important?
Although a growing number of American universities have adopted test-optional admissions, many colleges still consider SAT scores when reviewing applications.
A competitive SAT score can:
Strengthen your university application.
Increase opportunities for academic scholarships.
Help demonstrate academic readiness.
Open doors to a wider range of U.S. colleges and universities.
For many Australian student-athletes pursuing the U.S. college pathway, the SAT can be an important part of building a competitive recruitment profile.
Example SAT Questions
Here are a few examples of the types of questions you may encounter:
Reading and Writing
Read a passage and identify its main idea.
Choose the best revision for a sentence to improve grammar or clarity.
Ex. Read the sentence below.
Although Mia had practiced for weeks, she was still nervous before the competition; ________, she performed exceptionally well.
Which choice completes the sentence most logically?
A. however
B. therefore
C. nevertheless
D. because
✅ Correct Answer: C. nevertheless
Mathematics
Solve an equation.
Ex. If 3x + 5 = 20, what is x?
Answer: x = 5
A GRF Success Story: Angus Murfett’s SAT Scholarship Journey
One of our student-athletes, Angus Murfett, used his SAT score to help secure an academic scholarship to a NCAA Division I university in Jacksonville, Florida for his freshman year.
As a rower, Angus knew that athletic scholarships can be limited, however after taking the SAT test and achieving a strong result, Angus built his academic profile, and was able to earn additional scholarship support alongside his rowing pathway.
Now entering his sophomore year, Angus continues to excel, holding both an academic scholarship and a rowing scholarship.
His journey is a great example of how combining academic achievement with athletic ability can maximise opportunities in the U.S. college pathway system.
How Green Room Futures Can Help!
Navigating the U.S. college recruitment process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing school, sport, and scholarship opportunities. At Green Room Futures (GRF), we help Australian student-athletes understand university entry requirements, identify colleges that suit their academic and athletic goals, prepare strong recruitment profiles, and maximise opportunities for college scholarships.
Whether the SAT is required for your dream school or you're targeting test-optional colleges, our team will guide you through every step of the process so you can make informed decisions and give yourself the best chance of success.
If you're ready to begin your U.S. college journey, contact Green Room Futures to learn how our experienced college recruitment company can help you turn your sporting and academic ambitions into opportunities.
Your college journey could become the foundation for lifelong success—and we're here to help you every step of the way.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE US COLLEGE SYSTEM CLICK HERE
