SAT Score Details

SAT score is one of the determining factors in getting admission for undergraduate course. The SAT score report comprises percentiles and range scores, both of which are critical for college admissions. The highest you can score on SAT is 2400 and the average SAT score is usually 1540 considering the number of students taking SAT each year. There is no clear definition for a perfect SAT score, as it depends on your preference of college.

To arrive at final SAT scores, the authorities use raw score as well as the scaled score. Raw score is calculated by subtracting points for wrong answers from the points you score for correct answers. Usually ¼ point is deducted for every wrong answer. This means that you will lose 1 point for 4 wrong answers. This applies to reasoning and subject test. However, there is one more rule in subject test for wrong answers. If the question has 5 answer choices then ¼ point is subtracted for every wrong answer or if the question has 4 answer choices then 1/3 point is subtracted for every wrong answer or question has 3 answer choices then ½ point is subtracted for every wrong answer. A statistical process called equating is used to convert the raw scores into scaled scores on a 200-800 scale. Equating ensures standardized scoring pattern among all students taking SAT at different administrations and editions. Next the writing section raw score is calculated to a scaled score on 20-80 scale. The essay section carries a score of 2-12. Two readers evaluate the essay and allot points on scale of 0-6, the points from both the evaluations are then combined to get a final score on 2-12 scale. If the essays are not readable or if left answered are given 0 score. The subject subscores are marked on 20-80 scale.

You will receive a score range in your SAT score report. It gives an estimate about your score variation if you take SAT more than once. Usually scores vary 30-40 points on either side of your actual capability. Apart from SAT score, colleges also consider high school reports and participation in extra curricular activities. You will need to concentrate on your overall capabilities to be able to secure admission in the best college or the one of your preference.