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?
Starting in March of 2009, the College Board is unrolling a new score-reporting policy that will allow students to pick and choose the SAT test scores they want released. Score Choice™ will give students the option to choose their best SAT results to send to colleges. So those terrible scores never need see the light of day.
Score Choice Fast Facts:
- Score Choice is optional and free
- The new policy does not affect scores sent directly to students and their high schools; both will continue to receive all scores
- To take advantage of the new policy, students simply select the test scores they want released according to the date the test was taken; If students DO NOT choose Score Choice, all of their test results will be sent to the schools specified as recipients
- Once the program is launched, students can choose scores from earlier test dates, too
- Only scores from an entire SAT test (Critical Reading, Writing and Mathematics) will be sent; students may not choose individual sections from different test sittings for release.
- Students who choose to send all of their test scores can still do so at no charge
- Students can also choose to release specific, individual SAT Subject Tests, rather than all of their Subject Tests
Learn more about Score Choice at http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing.
What's the Catch?
As good as Score Choice sounds, there is one catch. Colleges can opt out of Score Choice and require applicants to report every SAT score – a few elite schools have already done so, while others say they’ve yet to decide. So be sure to check in with the schools to which you are applying.
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.