Can anyone elaborate on how SAT scores are calculated?

Hey guys, I'm struggling to understand the scoring system of the SAT. How exactly are the scores calculated? Is there anything like negative marking? Do all questions carry equal weightage? Would appreciate if someone could clear this up, it's been gnawing at me lately. Thank you!

Sure, happy to help! The SAT scoring system can be a little bit complex, but once you understand the basics, it should become easier to handle.

Firstly, let's talk about the overall structure. The SAT is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW), and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, so when combined, the total possible SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600.

Each section's score is computed based on the number of questions you correctly answer, also known as your "raw score". The raw score is then converted into the scaled score (that 200-800 we talked about) using a process known as equating, which helps ensure scores are comparable across different test versions by accounting for slight variations in difficulty. You can learn more about equating on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-does-the-curve-work-for-the-sat/

One piece of good news is that there is no negative marking in the SAT, which means that there is no penalty for wrong answers. Therefore, it's always a good idea to make an educated guess if you're unsure, since you won't be penalized for incorrect responses.

All questions, regardless of their difficulty, are weighted the same. So, a simple question you answer correctly contributes to your score just as much as a difficult question you answer correctly.

Do use resources, like the Bluebook™ app to help familiarize yourself with the digital SAT format, and take full-length practice tests to understand the scoring system better. Understanding the scoring system can help you develop a smart test-taking strategy.

Good luck with your preparations!