The SAT is administered by the College Board, a non-profit organization that provides college readiness programs and services to more than seven million students. The test is comprised of two required sub-sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. There is an optional essay, which is scored separately from the overall scores. Some colleges require the essay, so make sure to confirm each college’s admission requirements.

Time: 3 hours, 3 hours 50 minutes with essay
Cost: $46, $60 with essay
Highest Possible Score: 1600

The SAT is scored out of 1600 points. To calculate the total score, the two sub-sections are scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points for the 1600 point total.
The 200-800 points called scaled scores, and are converted from the raw score, which is the number of questions answered correctly. Skipped or incorrect answers are not added or subtracted to the raw score. To go from raw to scaled score, the College Board applies an equating formula, adjusting the score based on the variations of tests from different days. Each test is equated differently, so it is difficult to apply a set formula to convert the scores. You can check out a sample conversion chart under resources.
Essays have a separate scoring system from 2 to 8, with 8 being the highest. Two separate readers score the essay on a scale of 1-4 on categories called Reading, Analysis, and Essay. Then, they are added together for a maximum of 8 total points. Viewing and sending scores can be done through the College Board website.

Many schools superscore the SAT. This means the colleges will view all SAT scores sent in and take the highest scores from each section, forming the highest-possible composite score. With a policy called Score Choice, you can choose which scores to send and not to send. However, you cannot choose which sections to send to schools. All sections of a test from a certain test day must be set in. Always make sure to research each college’s admission policy to see if they superscore or allow a Score Choice.

Visit the SAT home page to register for a test, look at sample questions, etc.
Khan Academy, which is an official partner to the College Board, provides free, personalized practice for the SAT
PrepScholar breaks down the differences between the SAT and ACT tests.
College Board offers a SAT workbook on Amazon for $20.