Deciphering SAT scores: Any guidance?

Can someone in the know explain how to read SAT scores? It's a bit confusing with the sections, subscores, and all. Like, what's considered a good score, and how do I compare mine with the average or the top scorers?

Sure, I'd be happy to help clarify how to read and understand SAT scores.

The SAT, as of spring 2024, is divided into two main sections: Reading/Writing and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with 800 being the highest possible. What this means is that your total SAT score will range from 400 to 1600.

In addition to your individual section scores, you also receive sub-scores that measure specific skills. These are usually used for a more granular understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in different areas of the tested material.

Now comes to understanding what's a "good" score. This can vary greatly depending on the schools you're interested in. A score that's considered strong for one university might not be as competitive for another, particularly more selective schools. However, to get a rough estimate, the average SAT score for high school students tends to be around 1060 as per past trends.

For more selective colleges, a higher score is typically expected. Ivy League schools, for example, tend to have median SAT scores above 1480. However, remember that some colleges, due to the COVID-19 pandemic effects, have adopted test-optional admissions policies.

As for comparing your scores, we can't directly compare you to the “top scorers”. The College Board does not release the exact number or percentage of students that earned any particular score, but you can refer to the percentile rank reported with your score. This gives you a good idea of how you did compared to everyone else who took the test, as your percentile rank tells you the percentage of students who scored lower than you did.

In the end, it's worthwhile to aim for as high a score as possible, but also keep in mind balancing this with other elements like your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and your personal and school essays. Good luck with your college admissions journey!