How does SAT score scaling work?

Hey everyone, I'm a bit confused about how SAT score scaling works. Can someone explain the process of converting raw scores to scaled scores? Is there a specific formula or chart the College Board uses for this?

Hey there! SAT score scaling can be a little confusing at first, so I'm happy to help explain it. The SAT consists of two main sections: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math. Each section has a maximum score of 800, making the total possible score 1600.

The process of converting raw scores to scaled scores involves three main steps:

1. Raw Scores: Your raw score is calculated based on the number of questions you've answered correctly. There's no negative marking for incorrect answers, so it's to your benefit to answer all questions.

2. Section Scores: Your raw scores for individual sections (Reading and Writing, and Math) are then converted to section scores using a process called "equating." Equating takes into account the difficulty of each specific test and ensures that scores are fair and comparable across different test administrations. This process creates a consistent scale for each section.

3. Total Score: Finally, your section scores are combined to create your total score, which ranges from 400 to 1600.

The College Board doesn't provide a specific formula or chart to convert raw scores to scaled scores, as the conversion process varies by test date due to equating. However, after each test, the College Board releases a scoring table that shows the raw-to-scaled score conversion for that specific exam. This table can be found in official test materials, such as practice tests or the SAT Student Guide.

Keep in mind that scoring can change slightly from test to test, so don't rely too heavily on data from past exams to predict your own scaled score. Instead, focus on familiarizing yourself with the SAT format, practice with official test materials, and work to improve your skills in each section of the test. Good luck!