Hey guys, I'm trying to understand the SAT scoring system and what the highest possible score is. Can someone explain how it's scored and what the maximum score achievable is?
Sure, I can help explain the SAT scoring system! The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW), which includes Reading and Writing & Language content, and the Math section. Each section has a score range of 200 to 800 points, making the highest possible total score on the SAT 1600.
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score is a combination of scores from the Reading and Writing & Language portions. The Math section has two modules - both of which allow calculator use since the SAT went fully digital in spring 2024.
Your raw score for each section is calculated by the number of questions you answer correctly. There's no penalty for wrong answers, so it's always a good strategy to attempt every question. Afterward, your raw scores are converted into scaled scores using a process called equating, which accounts for differences in difficulty between test versions.
So, to summarize: the highest possible score on the SAT is 1600, with a maximum of 800 points achievable in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, and another 800 maximum points for the Math section.
To learn more about the SAT, and get some tips on how to maximize your score, I'd check out CollegeVine's series of free blog posts on the SAT and how to prepare for it: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/sat/. If you have additional questions or need further clarification, please let me know!
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