Hey folks, I'm a junior looking at colleges and I've seen a lot of stuff about SAT scores. I know that they matter for admissions, but what is the score actually out of? How is it broken down? I'd appreciate any help, thanks!
Hi there! Absolutely, the SAT is indeed a critical factor in the college admissions process for many schools and it's natural to want to understand it better.
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with 1600 being the highest possible score. This score is broken down into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each of these main sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and their combined total gives you the overall SAT score.
The EBRW section includes both the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test. The Reading Test consists of 52 questions based on reading passages, while the Writing and Language Test includes 44 questions based on written texts.
The Math section is divided into two modules, both of which you're allowed to use a calculator, as of 2024 when the SAT went digital.
Each question on the SAT is worth the same amount, meaning there's no penalty for guessing on the test. If you get a question wrong, this won't take away from your overall score, so it's advantageous to answer as many questions as possible, even if you're unsure of the answer.
Note that your SAT score is just one part of your application, and each college weighs it differently. Hope this offers some clarity!
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