Hello everyone! I know the SAT has gone through some changes in recent years. My sibling took the old SAT, but I'll be taking the new version. Can anyone provide some information on how colleges compare the two versions, specifically in terms of scores? I'm trying to figure out how to set my target scores. Thanks in advance!
Hello! You're correct that the SAT has gone through a few changes over the years. The most significant change was the transition from the old 2400-point SAT (prior to 2016) to the current 1600-point SAT. But don't worry; colleges are well aware of these differences and will evaluate your scores accordingly.
When the SAT switched to the 1600-point scale, the concordance tables provided by the College Board allowed colleges to understand how the scores correspond between the two versions. However, since a few years have passed, colleges are now primarily focused on the current 1600-point scale. Your sibling's old SAT scores won't really be relevant for your college application process.
Instead, you should focus on the current SAT scoring system, which consists of two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the overall score will range between 400 and 1600.
To set your target scores, research the colleges you're interested in and look at their middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students. This will give you an idea of the scores you should aim for to be competitive at those schools. For example, if a college's middle 50% SAT range is 1350-1500, you'll want to aim for at least a 1350 to have a good chance of admission.
It's also important to remember that while standardized test scores have a role in college admissions, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation all contribute to showcasing your strengths as an applicant.
Good luck with your SAT preparation and college application process!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.