Hey fellow college dreamers, I've got a testing day question. Just how long does it take to complete the SAT exam? I'm talking from the time I sit down until the time I can finally pack up and go home. Thanks!
The College Board allocates 3 hours for the actual test, which is divided into two 32-minute modules for the Reading and Writing and two 35-minute modules for the Math. However, that isn't the whole story.
You also need to account for check-in time, breaks, and possible delays. Typically, you should arrive at the testing location at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the test for check-in procedures. You might need to wait a bit before actually starting the test.
For breaks, you'll have one short break after the first Math module and a longer break after the second Math module. These will normally add up to about 20 minutes, but could be a tad longer depending on the efficiency of your testing location.
After the test, it usually takes a few minutes to collect testing materials and dismiss students. So, although the test itself lasts for 134 minutes, the total time from arrival to departure is typically around 4.5 hours.
Keep in mind these timings can vary slightly depending on your testing center and specific circumstances on the day of your test. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.