NOTE: The College Board announced the development of the new Digital SAT in January 2022. International students are already taking the Digital SAT while U.S. students will begin taking the new test in Spring 2024. So, if you will graduate in 2025, you’ll take the new Digital SAT.
You took the SAT, and now the wait begins to receive your SAT scores. But once you get your scores back, what do they mean? We all know the importance of a high SAT score, but let’s fully understand how the scoring works to motivate you to prepare hard to increase your overall score.
How is the SAT scored?
The range for the total SAT score is 400-1600. Your SAT score combines two scores with ranges from 200-800: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Scores are calculated based only on your correct answers. Importantly, you aren’t penalized for incorrect answers, so guess rather than leave a question blank.
Subscores
Each of the sections (Reading, Writing and Language, and Math) all have multiple subscores to help you better understand your scores. Each of the subscores range from 1-15.
Reading subscores: Command of Evidence, Words in Context
Writing and Language subscores: Command of Evidence, Words in Context, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions
Math subscores: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math
Cross-Test Scores
The SAT also provides two cross-test scores: Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. These scores are calculated on questions across the sections in these subject areas and range from 10-40.
What is the average SAT score?
According to The College Board, the average SAT score in 2022 was 1050. While average scores can be a starting point to see how you compare, it’s typically better to compare your scores to the average scores at the schools you want to attend. Check your scores against the college minimums for attendance (usually a 20 at most public universities), and the scores that receive merit scholarships. After all, the goal is to attend college and graduate with minimal debt.
| Section | National Average Score (2021-22) |
| ERW | 529 |
| Math | 521 |
When will you get your SAT scores?
The College Board typically returns test scores for the SAT within 2-3 weeks of your test date.
What is the SAT score range?
SAT scores range from 400 to 1600. The SAT reported the percentage of students who scored in each score range in 2022. The highest percentage of students scored in the range of 800-990 and only 8% of the over two million students who took the test scored in the top range of 1400-1600.
Only a small percentage (less than six thousand) of students scored between 400-590.
How do you send scores to colleges?
You can send up to four score reports to colleges for free. Typically, you select schools to receive scores when you register for the test, but you can also add more up to nine days after the test date (before you receive your scores). You can send these additional score reports for $12 each.
SAT fee waivers allow you to send as many score reports as you wish—for free. If you think you may be eligible for a fee waiver, work with your school counselor to submit the request.
How do you increase your SAT score?
The right preparation and lots of practice are two ways you can work to increase your SAT score! Look for SAT prep with effective strategies and lots of practice! Not all test prep is created equal, so make sure you do your research, read reviews, and look past flashy guarantees.
OnToCollege SAT Prep is a fun, engaging video course that teaches you strategies for the test and also provides practice materials and detailed solution videos so you can constantly improve and learn from your mistakes!
And don’t forget to take the SAT multiple times—ideally twice your junior year and twice your senior year.
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Understanding more about your SAT scores can help show you how you might improve your score. With the right preparation and strategies, you can increase your score and graduate college with minimal debt!
Want to increase your SAT score? Take a look at our SAT prep courses or try the SAT free trial.
