For securing admissions into undergraduate programs across the USA, taking the SAT exam is considered a necessity. Conducted by the College Board, SAT tests the high-school knowledge level of a candidate. The SAT syllabus comprises evidence-based writing and reading, and math with mostly multiple-choice questions, along with an optional essay.
Also, check out: SAT Score Chart
SAT Total Score Performance
The following graph shows the performance of the 2020 and 2018 SAT test-takers according to the SAT total score.
From the above graph, it can be understood that there has not been a huge difference in the SAT score comparison between 2020 and 2018. While the highest SAT score range of 1400 - 1600 saw a similar percentage of 7, the highest percentage is noticed in the SAT score range of 1000 - 1190 which also falls under the SAT average score. Scoring high needs a systematic SAT preparation method.
Similarly, there have been low percentages in the SAT score range of 600 - 790 which is a relatively low score range.
SAT Total Score: Breakdown
The SAT exam is measured on an SAT total score of 400 – 1600, with 1600 being the highest possible score one can achieve. The average SAT score for the year 2019 was noticed to be 1059. SAT exam consists of sub-scores and cross-test scores which are additional measures to examine the proficiency level of the candidate.
| Sections | Score Types |
|---|---|
| SAT Total Score | 400 – 1600 |
| SAT Sectional Scores | 200 - 800 |
| SAT Test Scores | 10 - 40 |
| SAT Cross-Test Score | 10 - 40 |
| SAT Sub-scores | 1 - 15 |
- Sectional Scores: SAT sectional score comprises of evidence-based reading/writing/language and math;
- Cross-Test Scores: Comprises of analysis in history/social studies and science
- Sub-scores: Performance is measured based on:
- Control over the evidence;
- Usage of words in context;
- Interpretation of ideas;
- Standard English Rules;
- Detailed Algebra;
- Problem-solving and analysis of data;
- Path to Advanced Math
- Essay: The SAT essay is an optional section whose score is not computed with the SAT total score. A separate section is there on the report card showing the marks scored in the Essay. It is scored on the basis of Reading, Analysis, and Writing. An SAT score range of 2 - 8 is marked in each of the above-mentioned areas.
SAT Total Score Report
You can check a model of the Sample SAT Total Score Report below. The original SAT score report is similar to the one given below.
In the SAT Score Report, candidates will find the SAT percentile score which states the percentage of students the candidate scored higher than. For instance, if a candidate has scored the 70th percentile, then 70% of the comparison group has either scored the same or lower than that.
It has been categorized into:
- i) Nationally Representative Sample Percentile: The data is derived from the research study of students pursuing their 11 and 12 grades, regardless of whether they have taken the SAT;
- ii) SAT User Percentiles: The study is based on the scores of the last three graduating year’s who took the SAT.
Highest SAT Score
Securing scores on the higher end of the SAT score range is considered a high SAT score. There are a number of factors determining your SAT scores and to reach the highest SAT score, you need to be at the higher end of these scores.
If someone wants to hit a perfect score on the SAT, he/she is expected to possess the following skills:
- Get all the 58 questions correct in the SAT Mathematics section;
- In SAT Reading, he/she should attempt every question, missing one at the most (out of 52 Questions);
- Attempt all the questions (total of 40 questions) in the SAT writing section accurately.
However, to achieve the above is extremely difficult. According to research by the College Board, only 5% of the students are able to score more than 1400 in SAT, and only a fraction of percent are able to crack the top SAT Score.
FAQs
Ques. How many times can I take the SAT Exam?
Ans: You can take the SAT as many times as you want. However, it is conducted 5 times in a year in the months of March, May, August, October, December.
Ques. What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?
Ans: ACT is advantageous for students with a science background as it has a separate section on Science, which SAT does not have. In the ACT, candidates can use a calculator. In SAT, the use of a calculator is not permitted to most of the questions.
Ques. How can one send the SAT score to the Colleges?
Ans: Students can send their SAT scores to the colleges at two points.
- While registering for the test,
- After releasing of official scores
Up to 9 days of taking the test, there is no fee charged on sending the scores. But after that, a payment of $12 has to be made while sending the score.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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