SAT Scoring

How is the SAT scored?

You'll earn a score on each of 3 sections: SAT Critical Reading, SAT Math, and SAT Writing  (the essay). Each is scored on a 200 to 800-point scale. The national average score per section is around 500.

What else do I need to know about SAT scoring?

Students in the Class of 2010 and younger may opt in to participate in the new score reporting policy, effective with the March 2009 SAT and the May 2009 SAT Subject Tests.  The new policy allows students to choose which scores to report, by test date. Click here for details.

What’s the catch?

No catch, but since many colleges will take the highest math, highest reading, and highest writing scores, it may remain in your best interests to release all of your test scores.

Can I cancel my scores?

Yes. If you finish the test and think you want to cancel your scores, you should ask the test supervisor for a "Request to Cancel Test Scores" form. You can submit the completed form immediately at the testing center, or you can think about it for a day or two before mailing it to ETS. However, ETS must receive your request form no later than the Wednesday after the test.

How important are SAT scores?

The weight placed on SAT scores varies from school to school. Colleges and universities also consider high school grade point average and academic transcript, letters of recommendation, interviews, and personal essays when deciding on admissions. In addition, virtually all U.S. colleges and universities will accept ACT scores in lieu of SAT scores. For more specific information about the weight of your scores, contact the admissions offices at the schools you apply to.

What About the PSAT?

Since the PSAT is very closely related to the SAT, the scoring is similiar.  Instead of a 200 to 800-point range for each section, they're each worth 20 to 80 points.  More about the PSAT.