Understanding the SAT grading chart or scale?

Hey guys, I took the SAT recently and I'm a bit confused about how the grading chart works. Can someone explain to me how the scores are calculated, the possible score ranges, and how the chart or scale works overall? Thanks in advance!

Hey there! No worries, the SAT grading can indeed be a bit confusing at first. I'll break it down for you.

The SAT is divided into two major sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points. The sum of these two section scores gives you your total SAT score, which ranges from 400 to 1600.

Now, let's talk about how these section scores are calculated. Each section consists of a certain number of questions, and you get one raw point for each correct answer. There is no penalty for wrong answers or skipped questions. Your raw points are converted to a scaled score using a process called equating. Equating ensures that any slight differences in test difficulty are accounted for, so a particular scaled score represents the same level of knowledge regardless of when you took the test.

Here's a simple step-by-step process to understand how your SAT scores are calculated:

1. Count the number of correct answers for each section (EBRW and Math) to determine your raw scores.

2. Use the equating process (a score conversion chart provided by the College Board) to convert your raw scores into scaled scores for each section.

3. Add your EBRW and Math scaled scores to get your total SAT score, which ranges from 400 to 1600.

I hope this clears up any confusion regarding the SAT grading chart or scale! Best of luck with your scores!