The average scores are around 1068 and a score above 1200 is considered as a good score. However, the college you apply to will determine what counts as a “good score”. To get into the top colleges, you need to score around 1500 or more.

Timing is an important factor when it comes to taking the SAT test. When you want to take the test should be based on the following considerations:

• College Application Deadlines
  Appear for your test well in advance to prevent any last minute misses. Generally, it is recommended that students apply 8-10 months in advance for a hassle free admission process.
• Scholarships
  Students who are seeking scholarships based on the SAT score should appear for the test well in advance as it takes a long time to process the scholarship and involves a lot of paperwork.
• Preparation Time
  Students who need more time to study should schedule their test based on the time needed to prepare. The test is expensive so it is advisable to take the exam with adequate preparation.

There is no minimum or maximum age specified for SAT. However, studies indicate that highest number of students who appear for this exam fall under the 17 -19 age group.

Again there are no specification about the same. You can take this exam as many times as you wish.

In most countries, the SAT is conducted at least four to six times in a year.

It depends on the specific college requirements.

No, though some students write both the tests and use the score on either test to apply to colleges.

TOEFL and IELTS both are English Language Proficiency tests. TOEFL is conducted by US based organization and IELTS is conducted by UK/AUS based organization. Previously US universities are use to accepts only TOEFL scores, but now-a-days even most of the US universities are also accepting IELTS scores.

Selection of colleges is the most important task of your admission process. There are various criteria that one has to factor into before short- listing universities (graduate programs). Some of them are listed below (though not necessarily in the order of importance):

• SAT/TOEFL Score
  You should check if the university/program of your interest has any specific SAT/TOEFL score as a pre-requisite for the application process. If yes, you should prepare well to achieve those scores.
  Also check whether the college requires SAT Subject Test scores.
• Academic scores, Achievements, Demonstrated Interest in the field of Study
  Your academic scores (percentage or Grade Point Average) and achievements and how they can improve your chances of getting admission into good universities are points you need to consider.
• Chances of getting financial aid – tuition waiver, scholarship, assistantship etc.
  Financial aid/Scholarships: Universities provide merit scholarships to deserving students. These scholarships are usually in the form of a certain percentage waiver from the tuition fee. Students should actively pursue such opportunities at the time of application itself.
• Placement record of the university/program
  You should actively go through the placement/employment report (if published) of the university apart from contacting the existing students and alumni of the specific program. These indicators will guide you better in making decisions.
• Budget (how much are you willing to spend) and Return on Investment
  One of the most important parameters in the selection of a university/program would be the return on investment. You need to consider how much money (in salary terms) you can expect to make post graduation and how much money will be spent in acquiring the degree. However, financing your education should not be based solely on the financial cost of the program
  Bank Loans: One positive factor is that these days, it is also relatively easy to get an education loan from banks at concessional rates of interest. A number of banks, both in the public and the private sector, are willing to provide these loans to those who have gained admission to good universities abroad. In most cases, loans from these banks cover the cost of tuition and may also cover some of the other costs such as insurance, living expenses etc.
• Geographical preference
  You might want to look into the climatic conditions of the location of the university if you are very particular about it. However, this should not influence your decision to choose a university as there are many good universities in all types of climatic regions, unless you have a medical condition that requires you to live in one particular type of climate.