SAT Score Calculator

Historically, SAT stood for Scholastic Aptitude Test, then Scholastic Assessment Test. Now, SAT is simply its own brand name and does not stand for anything. The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It is developed and administered by the College Board and aims to measure a high school student's readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.

SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, combining scores from two sections: Reading and Writing (200-800) and Math (200-800).

• Highest Possible Score: The highest, or perfect, SAT score is 1600.
• Average SAT Score: The average SAT score typically hovers around 1030-1050. However, this can fluctuate slightly each year.
• What's a "Good" Score? This is subjective and depends heavily on the colleges you're applying to:
  • Above Average (1050-1190): This score is above the national average and can make you a competitive applicant for many state universities and less selective private colleges. An 1100 is slightly above average.
  • Good (1200-1340): Scores in this range are considered good and will make you competitive for a wider range of colleges, including more selective public and private institutions. A 1200 is a solid score. A 1300 is quite good.
  • Very Good (1350-1490): These scores are strong and make you a competitive applicant for highly selective colleges.
  • Excellent (1500-1600): Scores in this range are exceptional and are typical for students admitted to Ivy League and other top-tier universities.

The Digital SAT, which is the current format, has a total testing time of 2 hours and 14 minutes, not including breaks. It is divided into two sections, each with two adaptive modules:

• Reading and Writing Section:
  • Total time: 64 minutes
  • Module 1: 32 minutes, 27 questions
  • Module 2: 32 minutes, 27 questions
  • Total questions: 54
• Math Section:
  • Total time: 70 minutes
  • Module 1: 35 minutes, 22 questions
  • Module 2: 35 minutes, 22 questions
  • Total questions: 44

The Digital SAT assesses skills in two main areas:

1. Reading and Writing Section: This section features short reading passages (or passage pairs) followed by a single question. The passages cover literature, history/social studies, humanities, and science. Questions test skills in:
   • Information and Ideas: Comprehending, analyzing, and using information and ideas in texts.
   • Craft and Structure: Analyzing word choice, text structure, point of view, purpose, and arguments.
   • Expression of Ideas: Revising texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet rhetorical goals.
   • Standard English Conventions: Editing texts to conform to grammar, usage, and punctuation conventions.
2. Math Section: This section covers a range of math practices, with an emphasis on problem-solving, modeling, using tools strategically, and algebraic fluency. The content areas include:
   • Algebra: Linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations, and linear functions. (Approx. 35%)
   • Advanced Math: Equivalent expressions, nonlinear equations (quadratic, exponential), and nonlinear functions. (Approx. 35%)
   • Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: Ratios, proportions, percentages, working with data in tables and graphs, probability, and statistics. (Approx. 15%)
   • Geometry and Trigonometry: Area, volume, lines, angles, triangles, circles, and basic trigonometry. (Approx. 15%)
   A built-in graphing calculator (Desmos) is available for the entire Math section, and students can also bring their own approved calculator.

For the Digital SAT, scores are typically released much faster than the previous paper-and-pencil version. Most students will receive their scores online through their College Board account within a few days to a couple of weeks after their test date.

To check your scores:

1. Go to the official College Board website (studentscores.collegeboard.org).
2. Log in with your College Board account username and password (the same one you used to register for the test).
3. Your scores should be available on your dashboard if they have been released.

When to Take the SAT:

• Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year of high school.
• This timing allows you to receive scores before senior year, giving you an idea of where you stand and whether you want to retake the test.
• You can also take it in the summer before senior year or the fall of senior year. Taking it by the fall of senior year ensures scores are available for college application deadlines.

• There is no limit to how many times you can take the SAT.
• Many students take the SAT two or three times to try and achieve their best possible score.
• Colleges often "superscore" the SAT, meaning they take your highest section scores from different test dates to create a new, highest composite score. However, college policies vary, so it's good to check with the specific institutions you're applying to.

How to Register:

1. Go to the official College Board website: sat.collegeboard.org.
2. Create a College Board account if you don't already have one. If you do, log in.
3. Click on "Register for the SAT."
4. Follow the prompts to select your test date, test center (often your high school or a nearby one), and provide necessary personal information. You will also need to upload a photo for identification purposes.
5. Pay the registration fee.

• As of early 2024, the standard registration fee for the SAT in the United States is $60.
• There might be additional fees for late registration, changing your test date or center, or for sending additional score reports beyond the free ones.
• Fee Waivers: Eligible low-income students can receive SAT fee waivers, which cover the registration cost and provide other benefits like free score reports. Fee waivers are typically obtained through high school counselors.

You can send your SAT scores to colleges through your College Board account:

1. Log in to your College Board account at collegeboard.org.
2. Navigate to the "SAT" section and then to "My SAT" or "Send Scores."
3. During Registration or Up to 9 Days After Testing: When you register for the SAT (or up to nine days after you take the test), you can send four free score reports to colleges or scholarship programs. It's recommended to use these if you know which schools you're applying to.
4. After the Free Period: If you want to send scores after this nine-day window, or if you need to send more than four reports, there will be a fee per score report (typically around $14 per report, but check the College Board website for current fees).
5. Select Recipients: Search for the colleges or scholarship programs by name or code.
6. Choose Which Scores to Send: The College Board's default is to send all scores from all SAT test dates (Score Choice is available but may not be honored by all colleges, who may require all scores). Many colleges will "superscore," meaning they consider your highest section scores across all test dates.
7. Pay (if applicable) and Submit: Review your order and submit it. It usually takes a few days for colleges to receive electronic score reports.

Yes, you can take the SAT after high school. There are no age restrictions for taking the SAT. Adults may choose to take the SAT for various reasons, such as:

• Applying to college as a non-traditional student.
• Meeting requirements for certain jobs or programs.
• Personal enrichment or to re-evaluate academic skills.

The SAT and ACT are both standardized tests widely used for college admissions in the U.S., and most colleges accept scores from either test without preference. Here are some key differences:

• Structure and Content:
  • SAT (Digital): 2 sections: Reading and Writing (combined), and Math. It is section-adaptive.
  • ACT: 4 sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There's also an optional Writing (essay) section.
• Time per Question: The ACT generally gives less time per question compared to the SAT.
• Math Content:
  • SAT Math: Focuses heavily on algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, and data analysis, with some geometry and trigonometry. A calculator (Desmos built-in) is allowed on the entire math section.
  • ACT Math: Covers a broader range of math topics, including more geometry and trigonometry questions than the SAT. Calculators are allowed on the entire math section.
• Science Section: The ACT has a dedicated Science section that tests critical thinking and data interpretation skills based on scientific passages, charts, and graphs. The SAT incorporates science-related passages within its Reading and Writing section but doesn't have a standalone science reasoning section.
• Scoring:
  • SAT: Scored on a scale of 400-1600 (sum of two 200-800 section scores).
  • ACT: Scored on a scale of 1-36 (average of the four section scores, each also 1-36).
• Guessing Penalty: Neither test has a penalty for incorrect answers, so it's always best to guess if you're unsure.

Effective SAT preparation involves a combination of understanding the test format, learning the content, and practicing consistently. Here are some tips:

1. Understand the Test Format (Digital SAT): Familiarize yourself with the sections (Reading & Writing, Math), the types of questions in each, the adaptive nature of the modules, and the timing.
2. Take a Diagnostic Practice Test: Start with a full-length official practice test to get a baseline score and identify your strengths and weaknesses. The College Board offers free practice tests on their Bluebook™ testing app.
3. Use Official SAT Prep Resources:
   • Khan Academy: The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free, personalized SAT practice based on your diagnostic test results.
   • Official SAT Guide & Practice Tests: Use official materials as they most accurately reflect the actual test.
4. Focus on Weak Areas: Dedicate more study time to the concepts and question types you struggle with.
5. Master Core Concepts:
   • Reading & Writing: Improve reading comprehension, understanding of grammar rules, vocabulary in context, and rhetorical skills.
   • Math: Review algebra, advanced math topics, data analysis, and geometry/trigonometry. Practice problem-solving.
6. Practice Consistently: Regular practice is key. Set a study schedule and stick to it.
7. Simulate Test Conditions: When taking full-length practice tests, try to replicate actual testing conditions (timed sections, minimal distractions).
8. Learn Test-Taking Strategies: Understand strategies for pacing, process of elimination, and making educated guesses. For the Digital SAT, familiarize yourself with the built-in tools like the Desmos calculator, highlighter, and question flagging.
9. Review Mistakes: After each practice session or test, thoroughly review your incorrect answers. Understand why you got them wrong and how to approach similar questions correctly next time.

SAT Scores for Ivy League Schools: Ivy League institutions (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale) are among the most selective colleges in the world. While there's no absolute minimum SAT score that guarantees admission, successful applicants typically have exceptionally high scores.

• Generally, you'll want to aim for an SAT score of 1470 or higher, with most admitted students scoring in the 1500-1600 range.
• Competitive applicants often have scores in the 750-800 range for each section (Reading & Writing, and Math).

• For the classes entering in Fall 2025 and Fall 2026, Harvard University will require applicants to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). This marks a return to standardized testing requirements after a period of test-optional policies.
• While Harvard states they will review applications holistically, a very strong SAT/ACT score will be an important component for applicants. The median SAT score for admitted students at Harvard is typically in the 1500s.

The Digital SAT has several features and considerations distinct from the previous paper-and-pencil version:

• Adaptive Testing: The test is section-adaptive. Each section (Reading & Writing, Math) is divided into two modules. Your performance on the first module determines the difficulty level of the questions in the second module of that same section.
• Shorter Test: The Digital SAT is shorter, taking about 2 hours and 14 minutes, compared to over 3 hours for the paper test.
• Testing Device: Students take the Digital SAT on a laptop or tablet (their own, a school-managed device, or one borrowed from the College Board if requested in advance).
  • Mouse: If you are using a laptop, you are allowed to use an external mouse if you prefer it over the trackpad.
• Built-in Tools: The testing application (Bluebook™) has several helpful tools:
  • Graphing Calculator (Desmos): A Desmos graphing calculator is built into the testing platform and is available for every question on the Math section. Students can still bring an approved physical calculator if they prefer.
  • Timer: A timer is visible on screen, showing time remaining for the current module. It can be hidden if preferred.
  • Highlighter: You can highlight text in passages.
  • Annotation Tool: You can make notes on screen.
  • Mark for Review: You can flag questions you want to return to later within a module.
  • Option Eliminator: You can cross out answer choices you believe are incorrect.
• Faster Score Reporting: Scores are typically available in days, rather than weeks.
• One Question at a Time (Mostly): While you see passages and questions, the interface is designed for focused attention. Navigation within a module is easy.
• Reading Passages: Passages in the Reading and Writing section are much shorter, with only one question per passage (or passage pair).