SAT Score Scaling: How does it work?

Hello everyone, I've been a little bit stressed about understanding the SAT scoring system. Can someone explain how the SAT score scaling works? Like, what's a good raw score or scaled score? I know there's a 1600 maximum, but how do they arrive at that number? Appreciate the help!

Hey there! No worries, I can help clarify the SAT scoring system for you.

First, let's talk about the structure of the SAT. It consists of two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and the two section scores are added together to get your overall SAT score, which ranges from 400 to 1600.

Now, let's break down the process of how raw scores are converted into scaled scores. Each section (EBRW and Math) has its own raw score, which is calculated based on the total number of questions you answered correctly. There's no penalty for incorrect answers, so it's always best to answer all questions.

Once your raw scores are calculated for both sections, they are converted into scaled scores using a process called "equating." Equating takes into account the slight differences in difficulty between different test forms. This way, a scaled score of, say, 700 on one test form represents the same level of achievement as a 700 on a test form that might be slightly easier or harder.

To carry out this conversion, the College Board utilizes a unique equating table for each test form. This table allows them to convert raw scores to scaled scores, ensuring that the scaled scores are consistent and comparable across different test dates.

What's considered a "good" SAT score depends on your goals and the colleges you're interested in. To give you an idea, the national average SAT score is around 1060. Typically, a score that is in the top 25% of applicants for your desired college is considered a strong score. For more competitive colleges, you might be aiming for a score closer to 1500 or above.

It's crucial to research the colleges you're interested in and check out their middle 50% SAT score ranges to understand what score you should aim for. Keep in mind that colleges also evaluate applicants holistically, so your SAT score is just one factor they consider alongside your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and other aspects of your application.

I hope this clears up any confusion around SAT scoring! Good luck with your test preparation and college applications!