How Is the SAT Scored?

When you take the SAT, you'll be given a total score between 600 and 2400, which is the sum of reading, math, and writing scores between 200 and 800. But where do those numbers come from?

You start with a raw score for each topic area: the number of questions you got right minus ¼ times the number you answered incorrectly. That number is then converted into a scaled score through a process called equating—the College Board is a bit cagey about how exactly this works, but it's based on years worth of data rather than how people do on a specific test date.

The average SAT score hovers around 1500 with some variation from year to year, but what counts as a good score for you will really depend on where you’re looking to apply. To get into a top-tier school you'll probably need a score above 2000, but for the local branch of the state university you might be just fine with a 1400.

Note that the redesigned SAT includes some big changes to the scoring: it's returning to original 400-1600 scale (you'll receive a Math score and a Reading/Writing score) and getting rid of the wrong answer penalty.