The score range for the SAT is calculated on a scale of 400 to 1600. Your total SAT score range is the sum of the 2 sectional scores: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each of these two sections of the SAT is scored in the range of 200 to 800. Using the total score out of 1600, your SAT percentile can be calculated. Percentiles show how your score compares to those of the other candidates. A score in the 75th percentile, or around 1200, is considered competitive for many universities. Most universities are also becoming test-optional, so you need to check the SAT score range requirement for your university from their official website.
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Section-Wise SAT Score Range
The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, which is the sum of two subscores. There are 2 major sections in the SAT: Math and Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each of these sections has a score range of 200-800. The detailed SAT Score range for each section is given in the table below.
| SAT Section | Section Modules | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-based Reading and Writing | - | 200-800 |
| Reading | 10-40 | |
| Writing & Language | 10-40 | |
| Expression of Ideas | 1-15 | |
| Standard English Conventions | 1-15 | |
| Words in Context | 1-15 | |
| Command of Evidence | 1-15 | |
| Math | - | 200-800 |
| Algebra | 1-15 | |
| Problem Solving and Data Analysis | 1-15 | |
| Passport to Advanced Math | 1-15 |
SAT Sectional Score Range
The SAT score report includes various score types. The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600. It is the sum of the two Section Scores, as the name implies. The information regarding the score report is given below.
- The candidate's performance in the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing sections determines the sectional score, which ranges from 200 to 800 for each.
- Then comes the Subscores, which are multiple points, ranging from 10-40. They are for the Reading, Writing & Language, and Math Sections. Subscores are primarily used to provide insight into the student's performance.
- Finally, the student's percentile score reveals how well he or she performed on the SAT test in comparison to other test-takers.
Learn More About the SAT Sections
Understanding SAT Score Report
Like mentioned in the SAT score report, there are various sections under the overall score. The candidates must understand each part thoroughly to know how SAT scoring calculation works.
Here’s how the scores are distributed and calculated.
| Components | Description | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total SAT Score | The sum of the 2 sectional scores | 400-1600 |
| SAT Sectional Score Range | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math Sections | 200-800 |
| SAT Sectional Modules Score Range | Reading, Writing & Language, and Math sections | 10-40 |
SAT Percentiles
The SAT percentile compares your performance with those of the other candidates. For example, if your score is in the 75th percentile, this would mean that you have done better than 75% of the candidates. In simple words, it means your score is equal to or higher than those of 75% of the test-takers.
SAT Score Range v/s Percentile
The percentile is calculated with average SAT score range chart. The percentile is given with respect to your SAT score. The table below shows how the percentile is calculated.
| SAT Score Range | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 1600 | 99+ |
| 1550 | 99+ |
| 1510 | 99 |
| 1450 | 98 |
| 1400 | 95 |
| 1330 | 90 |
| 1230 | 80 |
| 1170 | 71 |
| 1110 | 61 |
| 1060 | 51 |
| 1000 | 40 |
| 950 | 31 |
| 890 | 21 |
| 810 | 11 |
| 750 | 5 |
| 680 | 1 |
| 630 | 1- |
| 400 | 1- |
How to Check SAT Scores?
You will be able to access your SAT score report on your College Board profile. The following instructions can be followed on how to check your SAT scores.
- Visit the College Board official website
- Sign in with your user ID and password
- Click “My Organiser”. It will redirect you to the SAT scores page
- Click “Access My Scores” and enter your username and password
- Go to “My Test Scores”
You will then be able to view your SAT score on the screen. Candidates with the assistance of Score Choice can send their SAT score reports to the chosen universities.
Note: You can only send up to 4 test reports for free. Sending more than 4 will require you to pay an amount of $15 (₹1,326) per report. For more details, check SAT Fees 2025.
How to Get SAT Scores?
You can send your SAT scores to universities once you have finished the exam. You can choose which universities you want to send your scores to at the time of SAT registration or after the exam. Most universities prefer to receive the score reports directly from the College Board instead of copies or labels on documents.
When to expect SAT Results and Scores?
Your SAT scores are released in 2-4 weeks. The College Board will start the process of sending SAT score reports to the universities if the candidate has chosen any college during registration.
Other Ways to Get SAT Scores
Candidates can easily log into their College Board profile and access their score report. For those students who do not have easy access to the Internet, there are other options for obtaining their SAT scores. Physical score reports will be delivered to candidates who register by mail and do not have active College Board online accounts. Candidates can also get their scores by phone, and this process incurs an additional fee of $15 (₹1,326) per call.
For more details on the methods of registration, check SAT Registration
SAT Score Sending
You can send at most 4 SAT score reports to universities of your choice for free, and these must be sent within 9 days after the test. If this condition is exhausted, you will have to pay $15 (₹1,326) for every report you want to send.
What is a Good SAT Score?
The average SAT score can be considered as 1000+. Any SAT score over 1200 is regarded as a good score. The highest SAT score is 1600. Candidates should be familiar with the SAT score range and percentiles since they will receive scaled scores. Many universities require good SAT scores. Most top universities abroad, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, require a 1480+ SAT score for admission.
Read More
Good SAT ScoreSAT Score Range for Top Colleges
The SAT score requirements differ with each university. For example, Cornell University SAT range, Brown University SAT range, Princeton SAT score range, and Columbia University SAT score range are all different from each other. All the mentioned universities have a specific range, but all of them require a result of at least 1200, which is considered a good SAT score.
The table below shows the required SAT score for top universities.
| University | Average SAT Required Score |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 1520 |
| Stanford University | 1505 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1535 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 1415 |
| The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 1455 |
| Yale University | 1515 |
| Columbia University | 1505 |
| Princeton University | 1505 |
| New York University (NYU) | 1510 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 1500 |
| University of Chicago | 1470 |
| Cornell University | 1480 |
| Duke University | 1510 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 1505 |
| University of Southern California | 1440 |
| Northwestern University | 1495 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 1460 |
| University of Michigan | 1435 |
| Brown University | 1485 |
| Boston University | 1420 |
Candidates need to understand how SAT scoring system works. The candidates will have a higher probability of enrolling themselves in top universities with the higher scores they get. Many universities around the world require a certain result range for the candidates to be eligible for the admission. For checking the SAT results, the students can use the official website of the College Board which conducts SAT examinations.
FAQs
Ques: What is the SAT score range?
Ans: SAT score range is 400-1600 for the total score and 200-800 for each of the two sections: Reading and Writing and Math.
Ques: What are the minimum and maximum SAT scores?
Ans: The minimum possible score for each section and the total score is 400. The maximum possible score is 1600 for the total score and 800 for each section.
Ques: What is the average SAT score?
Ans: The average SAT score is 1200. It's important to remember that averages can change slightly from year to year.
Ques: How is the SAT scored?
Ans: Your total score is the sum of your scores in the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Each section score is based on the number of correct answers you get.
Ques: What is a good SAT score?
Ans: Generally, a score at or above the 75th percentile, around 1200 is considered a good SAT score for many colleges.
Ques: What percentile is considered a good SAT score?
Ans: Percentiles show how your score compares to other test-takers. A score in the 75th percentile or higher is generally considered good.
Ques: Can I get into a good college with a low SAT score?
Ans: Some colleges are becoming test-optional, a low SAT score may limit your options at selective colleges. It's important to consider your entire application, including your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters.
Ques: Are SAT scores the only factor colleges consider for admissions?
Ans: Most colleges consider a holistic application. Your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and other factors are also important for the admission process.
Ques: Do colleges consider both the SAT total score and individual section scores?**
Ans: Colleges consider both the total score and the individual section scores. This allows the colleges to assess your strengths and weaknesses in different subjects.
Ques: Can I improve my SAT score with retakes?
Ans: Yes, studying and retaking SAT can help you improve your score. However, the amount of improvement depends on your starting score, dedication to studying, and chosen study strategies.
Ques: How often can I take the SAT?
Ans: Students can take the SAT as many times as they want. However, most colleges only consider your highest SAT score when making admission decisions.
Ques: Do colleges superscore SAT scores?
Ans: Super scoring happens when colleges consider your highest score from each section across all your test attempts. This practice varies by college, so check their official website for specific information.
Ques: What is the difference between the SAT total score and the SAT section scores?
Ans: The total score is the sum of your scores in the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The section scores are your scores for each subject area, ranging from 200 to 800.
Ques: What is the SAT essay score range?
Ans: Two different people will read and score your essay. Each scorer awards 1–4 points for each dimension: reading, analysis, and writing. You'll receive three scores for the SAT Essay, one for each dimension ranging from 2 to 8 points.
Ques: Are SAT scores curved?
Ans: SAT scores are not curved, your score is based on the number of correct answers you get.
Ques: How do SAT scores compare to ACT scores?
Ans: Both SAT and ACT are college admissions tests, but they have slight differences in format and content. There is no direct conversion between the two scores.
Ques: Do I need to take the SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT?
Ans: Some colleges may recommend or require SAT Subject Tests in specific subjects to demonstrate your proficiency in those areas. Check the requirements for each college you're interested in.
Ques: Can I improve my SAT score through studying?
Ans: Effective studying can help you improve your score. The amount of improvement depends on various factors, including your starting score, dedication to studying, and chosen study strategies.
Ques: How long is the SAT score valid?
Ans: SAT scores are generally valid for up to five years after the test date. However, individual colleges may have their policies on score validity.
Ques: Do all colleges require the SAT?
Ans: Most of the colleges have now become test-optional or test-blind. Check with each college's admissions website for their specific requirements.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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