Deciphering SAT Scores

I just got my SAT scores and I'm kind of confused on how they're scored. Can someone explain it to me? Any help would be appreciated.

Sure, happy to help! With the new digital format of the SAT which started in 2024, the exam consists of two sections: Math, and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Here's a breakdown of how each section is scored:

1. Raw Score: For each section, you start with a raw score. This is simply the total number of questions you answered correctly in that section, with no penalty for incorrect answers. Let's take the Math section as an example. If you answered 38 out of 44 questions correctly, your raw score for the Math section would be 38.

2. Scaled Score: Your raw score is then turned into a scaled score using a process called equating. Equating is a statistical process that adjusts for slight differences in difficulty between different versions of the test. This is where the scores from 200-800 come from, for each section. So for instance, a raw score of 38 on the Math section might equate to a scaled score of 680.

3. Combined Score: Lastly, your scaled scores from Math and EBRW sections are added together to give you your total SAT score, out of a maximum of 1600.

I hope that clarifies things for you! Remember, achieving a particular SAT score alone isn't the ultimate goal, but improving upon your personal best. It's always important to understand that colleges look at more than just test scores when you're applying, so continue to work hard on all parts of your application.