Getting ready for college can feel overwhelming, and the standardized tests are a big part of that. You might be wondering how the SAT™ is graded. This article breaks down the scoring system in a way that’s easy to understand.
Your score report is a crucial piece of information that shows you how you did on the test, as well as informing your target colleges. Understanding how to read your score report will help you prepare for any retakes or send your scores confidently.
Your total score is a combination of your scores from the two main sections: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section and the Math section. This is one single number, ranging from 400 to 1600, with 1600 being the highest possible score.
Each section, EBRW and Math, is scored on a scale of 200-800. You’ll receive an individual score for each section, as well as the total. More information on the sections can be found at SAT Test Format: Sections & Timing.
In addition to section scores, you’ll see test scores for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. These range from 10-40 and can give you a more detailed breakdown of your performance.
The College Board also provides two cross-test scores: Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. These scores, ranging from 10-40, are based on questions throughout the exam that relate to these subject areas. They tell you how well you analyzed texts and solved problems in these fields.
Finally, you’ll find subscores for specific skills within each section. For example, in EBRW, you might see subscores for Command of Evidence and Words in Context. In Math, subscores might include Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math. These give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses within each section.
The exam’s scoring starts with a “raw score.” This is simply the number of questions you answered correctly. No points are deducted for wrong answers, so it’s always better to guess than to leave a question blank!
Your raw scores for each section are then converted to scaled scores (the 200-800 scores). This conversion process, called “equating,” ensures that a score on one version of the exam is equivalent to the same score on a different version. It accounts for slight variations in difficulty between different test administrations.
Understanding your score report is essential for making informed decisions about your college application process.
Score Choice, an option offered by the College Board, allows you to choose which scores to send to colleges. You might decide to only send your highest score, or you might send all scores if you think it will present a fuller picture of your academic development. Learn more about this process at SAT Score Sending: How to Send Scores to Colleges.
A “good” score depends entirely on your individual goals and the colleges you’re applying to. Research the average scores of admitted students at your target schools to get a sense of what you should aim for. Check out SAT & College Applications: How SAT™ Scores are Used for more information.
If you’re not happy with your initial score, don’t worry! You can always retake the exam. If you are planning on retaking the exam check out Retaking the SAT™: Should You Retake & How to Improve?. Use your score report to identify areas where you can improve and focus your study efforts accordingly. Taking a full-length practice exam can help you get used to the format and timing. Our “SAT™ with Panchi” app offers personalized practice and guidance. Find more information on practice exams at SAT™ Practice Tests: Take Full-Length Practice Exams.
The first step on your journey is to sign up for an exam. Get the details on how to register and important dates at SAT™ Registration: How to Register & Important Dates.
