Understanding SAT 'curves'

I've been hearing the term 'SAT curves' thrown around a lot while prepping for the SATs. I'm still a bit confused about this. What exactly does it mean? Can someone explain how these 'curves' influence my final score?

When people refer to 'curves' on the SAT, they're talking about how the raw score you receive—simply the number of questions you answered correctly—is converted into your final score. This is also often referred to as the 'equating process' by the College Board. This equating process isn't a curve in the traditional sense, but is a statistically-derived way for the College Board to maintain the consistency of scores across different test administrations.

Generally, you receive a raw score for each of the two sections on the SAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. Each correct answer in a section counts as one point toward your raw score in that section.

The equating process then adjusts the raw score to a scale score, which is the 200-800 point scale for each section. The scale score is designed to account for slight variations in difficulty between different test versions.

So, if a particular form of the SAT is slightly easier than average, the conversion from raw score to scale score (the 'curve' people talk about) might result in you needing more raw points to reach a certain score scale compared to a harder test. Conversely, if a test is deemed more difficult, few correct raw points might be needed to attain a particular scale score.

For example, if the Math test is particularly challenging, a raw score of 55 (out of 58) might get converted to a perfect 800 scale score. But if the Math test is comparatively easier, you might need a raw score of 57 to get the same 800.

Keep in mind that this process aims to create fairness so that your final score reflects the same level of ability, no matter when or which form of the test you take. It's also important to note that this scale score is what colleges will see and use for admissions decisions.

As a test-taker, your main goal should be to answer every question to the best of your ability, regardless of how the curve might look. Good luck with your SAT prep!