HOW IS THE SAT SCORED?
The SAT Score Range

The SAT score range, which has a history that might confuse you, has a revamped system that scores you out of 1600, compared with the earlier 2400 (till 2016). The key question for any student is what these numbers mean, and how they affect the admissions process.

The SAT is scored between 400 - 1600, meaning that students can score a maximum of 1600, and a minimum of 400. This is referred to as the composite score, which comprises two sections: Mathematics and Evidence Based Reading & Writing.

Let us take a look at the section-wise split and what these numbers mean:

• Mathematics
  The Math section is scored out between 200-800, in 10-point increments. 

• Evidence Based Reading & Writing
  This section can be a little tricky to understand. The score range is 10-40, with answers marked in 1-point increments. Using an Individualised Equating Process, these scores are then converted into the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score. The final scale is similar to the Mathematics section: 200-800.

SUBSCORES

The SAT also consists of subscores and cross test scores. Colleges want to know about your specific skill sets, and the SAT allows this via subscores and cross-test scores, which indicate specific strengths and advanced skills.  

EBRW SUBSCORES:

1. Expression of ideas

2. Standard English conventions

3. Words in Context

4. Command of Evidence

MATHEMATICS SUBSCORES

1. Heart of Algebra

2. Problem Solving and Data Analysis

3. Passport to Advanced Math

CROSS TEST SCORES

Cross Test scores are those that measure your performance in history/social studies and science questions on the SAT sections.

1. Analysis in History/ Social Studies

2. Analysis in Science

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SAT SCORE DISTRIBUTION

The median score of the SAT is 1000. Considering a bell curve, this represents the average scores of all the test takers of the SAT. 

This means that if you score around 1500, you are in the top 1% of the candidates who have taken the SAT. From the table, it is evident that if you are in the 50th percentile, you have scored approximately 1000 (1060- to be more precise).

SAT SCORE PERCENTILE

Source: The College Board

SAT SCORE RANGES FOR COLLEGES

SAT score ranges for colleges depend upon the intake-the students applying to the particular college. Each college has its own cut-off and the mean is generally determined by the number of students applying to the particular college. The mean score for each college is calculated as the Sum of Total scores/Total no. of applicants.

The percentiles are determined by the bell curve which will then be different for every college. The 10th percentile value will be different for every college. You can search the values of these percentiles (and therefore, ranges) on each university’s official website..

Students must try to place in the top 25% of test takers, which means that a percentile of 75 or higher is desirable. It is also important to remember that, in addition to the SAT, your overall profile is also a really important part of your application and the admission process.  

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