Understanding SAT grading scale

Hi everyone, I'm scheduled to take the SAT in a few months but I'm unsure about how the grading system works. Can someone help demystify the conversion of raw scores to final scores for me?

Absolutely! The SAT grading scale is pretty straightforward.

Your raw score represents the number of questions you got correct on each section (Reading, Writing, and Math). Each question you answer correctly earns you one point. There's no deduction for wrong answers or for skipping questions, so it's always a good idea to answer every question if you can.

As of spring 2024, when the SAT went digital, the test consists of two 32-minute Reading and Writing modules and two 35-minute Math modules. The total number of questions is 98, with 54 for Reading and Writing and 44 for Math.

Now, these raw scores are not your final scores. The raw scores are converted into scaled scores using a process called equating. This process adjusts for slight differences in difficulty among different test versions. The scaled scores are what you see as your final score.

Math sections (two modules combined) will have a maximum scaled score of 800, and the Reading and Writing sections (two modules combined) will also have a maximum scaled score of 800. Therefore, the maximum possible SAT score you can get is 1600 (which is 800 for Math plus 800 for Reading and Writing).

It's also important to note that the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, doesn't release exact conversion tables for each administration of the SAT since the conversion can vary. Thus, we don't know the exact raw score you would need for a particular scaled score.

So, while you won't know exactly how many raw score points you need for a certain scaled score, you can typically assume that getting more questions correct will lead to a higher final score. Work on mastering the material, improving your speed, and limiting errors to give yourself the best chance at a high score!

Remember, though, that your SAT score is just one factor colleges look at when considering your application. Other factors, like your grade point average (GPA), the rigor of your course load, your extracurricular activities, and your essays, can also play crucial roles in the admissions process.