Hey, I'm taking the SAT in a few months. I checked out some practice tests but I'm still uncertain about how SAT scores work. Anyone can enlighten me on how it's calculated or what makes a 'good' score?
Hey! I'm glad you're reaching out to clarify some things about the SAT. It's exciting (and a bit nerve-racking) to get ready for this big test!
So, starting with the basics, the SAT consists of two primary sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The Reading and Writing portion is one scored section, and Math is the other. Each section's individual score range is 200-800. When these scores are combined, it gives you a total SAT score range of 400-1600.
A 'good' SAT score is pretty subjective though—it depends on your college goals. Each college uses a different scale to determine what they consider to be a good score. It's usually best to look at the average SAT scores of admitted students at your colleges of interest for a benchmark. For instance, for more selective schools like Harvard or Stanford, having a score in the 1500s range is more common among applicants.
Remember that the SAT is a critical part of your application, but it's not the whole enchilada. Your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, application essays, and letters of recommendation all play vital roles in the admissions process. But securing a solid score could definitely help your case!
Best of luck in your SAT preparation and remember to practice, practice, practice! It'll help take the edge off on test day. Let me know if you have any more questions!
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