SAT Score Meaning & What Is A Good Score in SAT Exam?

The SAT score comprises two sections, a Maths section and an Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section. A 1600-point scale is used to determine the scores and each section is evaluated on a scale of 800 to 200–points. Further, an optional essay is also provided whose scores are evaluated separately and does not contribute to the overall score of SAT. Wrong answers do not account for negative marking and the raw scores are the sum total of correct answers which is converted to scaled scores. 

This blog will detail how SAT scores are calculated and what can be considered a good score.

SAT Score Report

The table below breaks down the scoring report.

SAT Raw Score Chart 

The score chart for SAT helps an individual to understand the marking procedure of the SAT exam. The raw score corresponds to the number of questions answered correctly. The below table provides information on how raw points are divided into three sections. 

SAT Raw Score vs SAT Scaled Score

SAT raw score is a marking factor determining the number of correct answers an individual has given under each section. This marking scheme is relatively straightforward, which eases out the system of offering students with cumulative scores. These raw scores are multiplied by 10 to get the scaled score of each section.The scaled score however, is calculated after multiplying the raw score by 10. As each section ranges from 200 to 800 points, the SAT marks are distributed accordingly.

SAT Score Conversion Chart

The below table provides the conversion scaled rates of the Maths section after determining the raw scores.

The below conversion chart determines the raw and scaled score of reading, writing and language. Further, these two sectional scores are added together and then multiplied by 10 to obtain the scaled score of Evidence-based reading and writing.

Now, let us move forward to know more about SAT Scores.

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What is a Good Percentile SAT Score?

To determine a good SAT score compared with others, one must get the hang of the percentile given against the 1600 scale points. The mean and average SAT composite score hover around 1000 divided into two sections of 500 scale points each. In 2021 the average SAT score was 1051, with 523 as the average Math score and 528 as the average EBRW score. Furthermore, the percentile determines how one faired among other examination takers. The SAT percentiles are of two types, they are –

• Nationally Representative Sample Percentile –

This percentile compares an individual’s performance with students based in the US in a particular grade who don’t take the test.

• National SAT User Percentile –

This percentile compares an individual’s performance against the SAT takers for college admission after 11th and 12th grades. The SAT scores are distributed normally. The following chart shows the overall composite score and percentile against the same.

The table describes that an individual with a composite score of 900 determines that they have fared better than 26% of SAT takers. Further, as the composite score increases, the individual fares better in percentage among other SAT takers. Check out the below percentile chart for both Math and EBRW sections to get the hang of how one fares against other SAT takers in individual sections.

What is a Good SAT Score Individually?

Knowing how an individual fares against others is not enough, but one should also keep a check on their score goals. These goals can be set as per the requirements of their dream colleges or schools. To determine one’s target score, one can look at the 75th percentile level column and aim for the highest SAT score which will make them competitive for other schools if they miss out on their target by 10 to 50 points.

Here is a list of some good SAT scores of some popular US schools in 2022.

The above article will help you understand the SAT score so that an individual can fare better in this exam and get to study in a school they are interested in. Set your SAT score goals higher and get into the college of your dreams.