Hey folks, got my SAT scores.. but I'm kind of lost. Does anyone know how to determine what these scores mean? Thanks in advance!
Sure, happy to help! SAT scores are calculated in two main parts: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and the Math score. Each section gives a score between 200 and 800, then they are combined for a total score out of 1600.
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score is a combination of your performance on the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test. The Math section score combines your performance on both math modules.
Each section's score has an average around 500, so if you score around this, you're performing about average compared to other test-takers. A total score of approximately 1000 is average. However, "good" scores can be subjective and depend on your personal goals and the schools you're aiming for.
Quantifying these scores further, one can look at percentiles. Your percentile rank represents the percentage of students who got a lower score than you. For instance, if you're in the 90th percentile, you did better than 90% of test takers.
Lastly, remember that while SAT scores are important, they aren't the only factor colleges consider. Extracurriculars, GPA, admissions essays, and letters of recommendation all play a critical role as well. Try not to stress too much and focus on the broader picture of your college application.
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