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Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jun 29, 2024
Highlights:
- SAT exam has 2 sections and each of the sections ranges on a scale of 200 to 800.
- At top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford Universities, SAT scores range on a scale of 1450 to 1520.
- Top scorers SAT score ranges on a scale of 1340 to 1600.
- Generally, a score at or above the 75th percentile, around 1200 is considered competitive for many colleges.
The score range for SAT is calculated on a scale of 400 to 1600. Your total SAT score range is the sum of the two section scores: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each of these two sections of SAT exam score ranges from 200 to 800. Using the total score out of 1600, the SAT percentile ranking can be calculated. Percentiles show how your score compares to other test-takers. Generally, a score above the 75th percentile, around 1200 is considered competitive for many colleges. Most of the colleges are now becoming test-optional or test-blind, check SAT range for colleges from their official website for their specific requirements.
| Table of Contents |
Section Wise SAT Score Range
The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600 which is the total of two subscores. There are two major sub-sections and they are the Math section and the combined Evidence Based Reading and Writing(EBRW) section respectively. In addition to that, there is an optional Essay score.
Cross test scores are also part of the SAT. The college must be aware of the unique skill sets of the candidates. The SAT offers subscores and cross-test scores that indicate knowledge of a particular subject. The Cross Test scores are used to analyze a candidate's performance on SAT science, social studies, and history questions, excluding the Essay.The highest SAT score in a particular subject is displayed. The detailed SAT Score range for section wise is given below. The SAT english score range can be calculated in the EBRW subscores.
The EBRW Subscores:
- Expression of ideas
- Standard English conventions
- Words in Context
- Command of Evidence
MATH Subscores:
- Heart of Algebra
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis
- Passport to Advanced Math
SAT Cross Test Scores:
- The analysis in History/ Social Studies
- Analysis in Science
| SAT Section | SAT Score Range |
|---|---|
| Sub Section Scores | |
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) | 200-800 |
| Reading | 10-40 |
| Writing and 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 |
| Heart of Algebra | 1-15 |
| Problem Solving and Data Analysis | 1-15 |
| Passport to Advanced Math | 1-15 |
| Cross-Test Scores | |
| Analysis in History/Social Studies | 10-40 |
| Analysis in Science | 10-40 |
| TOTAL (EBRW + Math) | 400-1600 |
| Essay (Scored across 3 areas) | |
| Reading | 2-8 |
| Analysis | 2-8 |
| Writing | 2-8 |
SAT Subscores
The SAT score report includes various score types. 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 Section and the Evidence-Based Reading & Writing Section determines the sectional score, which ranges from 200 to 800 each.
- Then comes the Subscores which are multiple points, ranging from 1 to 15. They are for the Reading, Writing Language, and Math Sections. Subscores are primarily used to provide insight on the student's performance.
- Then there is an essay score. This is implied when candidates took the SAT with the essay. They will see their essay-related reading, writing, and analysis scores displayed under the Essay Details tab. These scores range from 2 to 8 points.
- Finally, the student's percentile score reveals how well he or she performed on the SAT test in comparison to other test-takers.
(Important Note : Recent news have said that the SAT Essay have become optional )
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 a table is provided so that everyone can understand easily about this.
| Components | Description | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | The total of the two sub-section scores | 400–1600 |
| Section Scores | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math Sections | 200–800 |
| SAT Essay Scores | Analysis on essay reading and writing | 2–8 |
| Cross-Test | Analysis on text and problem solving skills | 10–40 |
| SAT Sub Scores | Reading and Writing Language, and Math sections | 1–1 |
SAT Subject Test Percentiles
The percentage of students who scored at or below a student's level is indicated by their percentile rank. If a student's score is in the 75th percentile for instance, then 75% of the comparison group had scores that were equal to or lower than that student's score. It is technically incorrect to compare the two different subject percentiles. This is because a different percentage of students take various subject exams under SAT subject tests. Candidates who wish to see their scores in SAT Subject Test with other candidates can check out SAT Subject Test Percentiles in the official website of College Board.
SAT Score Range v/s Percentile
The percentile is calculated with average SAT score range chart. The percentile will be given accordingly in respect with the scores secured by the candidates. 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?
Candidates will be able to access the SAT score report on their College Board profile. The following instructions can be followed by the applicants to check their SAT scores.
- Visiting the website of the College Board
- Signing in with their respective ID and password
- Clicking the option “My Organiser” that will take them to SAT scores
- Clicking the option “Access My Scores” and entering the username and password
- Going to “My Test Scores”
The candidates can look at their SAT scores on the screen after the given instructions have been completed. Candidates with the assistance of Score Choice can send their SAT ranges for top colleges.
How to get SAT and SAT Subject Test Scores?
Candidates can send their SAT exam results to the colleges once they have finished the exam. One of the most essential stages in the entire application process is this. The majority of colleges 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?
SAT score result will become available during a time period of two to four weeks after the test date. The College Board will start the process of sending SAT score reports to the colleges if the candidate had chosen any college during the registration time.
Other Ways to Get SAT Scores
Candidates can easily log into their online score report and take a print out to easily access their results. For those students who do not have easy access to the Internet, there are other options for obtaining their SAT score. One is that paper score reports will be delivered to candidates who register by mail and do not have active College Board online accounts. The other is that candidates can call in to get their results. The second process however will have an additional SAT fee.
SAT Score Sending
The candidate can use the four reports that they receive during registration to be sent to the colleges for no cost. Candidates can send the reports within nine days after the test, they will be charged after this time period. The applicants are sending their scores, but they are not aware of their actual scores, so there is a drawback. This implies that the candidates will not be able to send their best scores or even the score they 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 good scores. The highest SAT score of 1600 is the highest any individual can achieve. Candidates should be familiar with SAT range and percentiles since they will receive scaled scores. Many universities require good SAT scores. The Temple University SAT range, ASU SAT range, and Purdue University SAT range require good results. Also University of Rochester SAT range, Caltech SAT range and furthermore university ranges require great SAT results.
SAT Score Range for Top Colleges
The SAT score requirements differ with each institute. For example, Cornell university SAT range, Brown university sat range, Princeton sat score range, 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 above 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 or test-blind, 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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