Understanding SAT 8 Scoring

Hi all, I'm a bit confused about the SAT 8 scoring system. Can someone explain how the essay is scored by the two independent scorers and how the total score is determined?

Certainly! The SAT 8 refers to the Scoring System used for the essay part of the SAT before it was discontinued in 2021. Here's how the scoring system worked:

1. Two independent scorers evaluated your essay. Each scorer used a rubric to assess your essay in three areas: Reading, Analysis, and Writing.

2. Scoring range: Each of the three areas was scored on a scale of 1 to 4 by each scorer. A score of 1 represented inadequate skills, while a score of 4 indicated advanced skills in that area.

3. Combining scores: The scores given by the two scorers for each area were combined, resulting in a possible score range of 2 to 8 for Reading, 2 to 8 for Analysis, and 2 to 8 for Writing.

4. Total score: The scores for each of the three areas were then reported separately and not combined into a single score. For example, if one scorer gave you a 3/3/3, and the other gave you a 4/4/4, your final reported scores would be Reading: 7, Analysis: 7, and Writing: 7.

It's important to note that the essay scores were not factored into your total SAT score. Instead, the essay scores were reported separately on your score report.

Keep in mind that the essay section was discontinued in 2021, and is no longer a part of the SAT. The current SAT consists of only the Reading and Writing and Math sections, and is fully digital as of 2024.

I hope this information clears up your confusion - to summarize, there's no need to worry about the 8 scoring system on the SAT anymore, since it only applied to the essay, which no longer exists. But in case you were just generally curious, this is a general overview of how it worked!