SAT Exam results

The SAT is scored from 400 to 1600 and consists of 2 main sections: Reading + Writing and Math, each scored from 200 to 800. 
 

With the new digital SAT, results are released much faster, within 13-14 days from the exam date. This means if you're not satisfied with your scores, you have the option to take another SAT exam in the following month or later, depending on your timeline for applying to universities abroad.
 

Once available, the College Board will send SAT score reports to the colleges you selected during registration.
 

The SAT score is valid for 5 years from the day of the declaration of your SAT Result.
 

Your percentile rank in the SAT exam scores shows the percentage of students whose SAT score is equal to or lower than yours. For example, if your SAT score is at the 80th percentile, it means 80% of the students who took the SAT exam scored within that range or below it.

SAT Results 2023

To check your SAT scores, follow these steps:

• Sign in to your account on the College Board website.
• Click on the online score report for your essay or multiple-choice scores.
• If you want to print your scores, click the "Details" button and then the "Download Report" button. This option is available on Desktop mode only.
• Alternatively, you can also receive your SAT scores by phone after they are declared on the respective results date. Keep in mind that there may be an additional fee for this feature.

Here’s what your result will look like:

Let’s discuss the SAT result in more detail:

Total Score
 

When you receive your SAT score report, the big black number at the top is your SAT Score, also known as your total score. It ranges from 400 to 1600. Your score percentile is next to your total score, telling you how you performed compared to other test-takers.
 

Below your score, you'll find your Score Range, which represents the possible range of scores you could get if you took the SAT multiple times on different days. 
 

Note: Some colleges may consider your score range when evaluating your application.

Section Scores
 

The next part of your score report shows your 2 section scores: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. These 2 section scores combined make up your total score.
 

Your section scores are shown on a line infographic, indicating where your score stands in relation to a benchmark that shows you are on track for college preparation. This infographic also displays your percentile for each section, indicating how many test-takers scored lower than you in those sections.

Test Scores
 

Your test scores consist of 3 sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. The score report provides benchmarks for college readiness, showing if you are on track, almost on track, or need improvement. It also tells you how many questions you answered correctly or incorrectly in each section.
 

Cross-test Scores
 

In addition to test scores, you'll see 2 cross-test scores: Analysis in Science and Analysis in History/Social Studies. 
 

These scores are named "cross-test" because the questions come from all three SAT tests.

Subscores
 

Furthermore, your score report includes 7 subscores. These subscores reflect how well you did on specific types of questions in the SAT:

• Command of Evidence
• Words in Context
• Expression of Ideas
• Standard English Conventions
• Heart of Algebra
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis
• Passport to Advanced Math
   

How is the SAT score calculated?

You know your SAT score is essential for college admissions and even scholarships, but how does your SAT score get calculated?
 

In this section, you'll explore how you can calculate your SAT score to get an accurate idea of how well you're doing on the exam.
 

How is the total score calculated?

Your SAT total score is between 400 and 1600, and it is the sum of two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. 
 

Each section score has a possible range of 200 to 800. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score combines the Reading and Writing, and Language Test scores, carrying equal weight in the section score. 
 

On the other hand, the Math section score is solely based on the Math Test.

How are the section scores calculated?

Section scores are determined by your raw score in each section, representing the number of questions you answered correctly. 
 

This raw score is then converted to a scaled score between 200 and 800. The conversion process considers variations in difficulty among different versions of the SAT and is accomplished through a method called equating. 
 

For instance, a raw score of 57 on some versions of the Math Test might earn you a scaled score of 800, while on other versions, you may need to answer all 58 questions correctly.

How are the test scores calculated?
 

Your test score will be a number between 10 and 40. Similar to section scores, the test score is calculated by converting the raw score to a scaled score between 10 and 40. 
 

The Reading and Writing, and Language test scores are multiplied by 10 and added together to calculate the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score. 
 

Similarly, the Math Test score is multiplied by 20 to get the Math section score.
 

How are the subscores calculated?
 

The SAT includes 7 subscores, each with a possible score ranging from 1 to 15. 
 

The number of questions contributing to each subscore varies; for example, there are 19 Heart of Algebra questions and 16 Passport to Advanced Math questions. 
 

The raw scores for each subscore are scaled to a number between 1 and 15 to ensure equivalence.
 

How are the cross-test scores calculated?
 

Cross-test scores are derived from questions spanning more than one of the 3 SAT sections. 

There are 2 cross-test scores: Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science.

Each cross-test score is based on 21 questions from the reading test, 6 from the writing and language test, and 8 from the math test, totalling 35 questions. 
 

The raw score from 1 to 35 for each cross-test is then converted to a scaled score between 10 and 40.

What is a good SAT Result?
 

While there's no standard for a "good" SAT score, a good SAT score is the one that helps you gain admission to the college you desire to attend. 
 

The average SAT score is 1050. Scoring above this average would be considered above average and generally acceptable for many colleges. If you manage to achieve a score of 1350, you will be in the top 10% of test takers, making your application competitive and increasing your chances of getting into more selective schools.
 

Here's a comparative table:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the total marks for SAT 2023?

A. The total mark for the SAT 2023 exam is 1600. The SAT is divided into two main sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points, and when combined, they give you a maximum total score of 1600.

Q. How many people get 1600 on SAT?

A. Achieving a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT is quite rare and highly impressive. On average, only around 300 test takers out of the millions who take the exam each year manage to attain this score. Scoring 1600 puts you in the 99th percentile, which means you have performed better than 99% of all other test takers. Having such a high score makes you eligible and highly competitive for admission at nearly every college.

Q. How many SAT attempts are allowed?

A. You have the flexibility to take the SAT as many times as you wish. However, the SAT is typically offered only seven times a year. Most students choose to take the exam twice, once at the end of their junior year and again at the beginning of their senior year. This approach allows them to use the scores for college applications during their senior year.

SAT Digital 2023

The College Board has made some improvements to the SAT test. It will still measure the same things and be scored on a 1600 scale. 
 

Here's important information you should note:
 

Computer Adaptive Format
 

• The digital SAT exam will be computer adaptive, customized to each student's performance.
• The difficulty of the second section will be based on how well you do in the first section.
• Harder questions in the second section will be worth more points, giving you more opportunities to earn higher scores.
   

Shorter Test Duration
 

• The new version of the SAT will take about two-ish hours, reducing testing fatigue and helping students stay focused.
• Less time will be spent on exam setup and preamble, as they will be streamlined in the digital format.
• The exam will have shorter reading passages and more direct questions, making it more efficient.
   

Expanded Calculator Use
 

• The "no calculator" portion of the test will be removed, allowing students to use a calculator throughout the exam.
• All students will have access to a built-in graphic calculator during the test.
• Students can also bring their calculators if they prefer.
   

Computer Availability

• Computers will be provided at the testing centres for students who don't have their own devices.
• Students can bring their laptops or tablets if they use their personal devices.
   

Here's a table showing the difference between the old SAT exam and the new SAT Digital Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is SAT exam going digital?

A: Yes, the SAT is transitioning to a digital format. You will now have the option to take the exam on a computer at the testing centre or bring your laptops from home, though some testing centres/schools may require students to use their provided computers.
 

Q: Are SAT and Digital SAT different?

A: The digital SAT differs from the traditional SAT in several ways. It has a different section breakdown, time given per question, and a more flexible administration. One of the most significant advantages of the digital SAT is the faster score reporting, with students receiving their scores in a matter of days instead of weeks.
 

Q: Is Digital SAT more difficult?

A: The difficulty level of the digital SAT is not intentionally designed to be harder or easier than the traditional pencil and paper exam. The content of the exam remains the same. However, the change to a digital format might present some challenges for certain test takers, such as getting accustomed to the interface or navigating through the questions. Overall, the content remains unchanged, and the difficulty level should be comparable to the traditional SAT.

Sending SAT Scores to Universities

You'll receive 4 free score reports to send SAT scores during registration. You can send these reports to colleges or scholarship programs of your choice without charge. 
 

You can do this up to 9 days after taking the test. However, after 9 days, you will be charged for sending additional score reports.
 

Sending the reports early allows you to send 4 for free, but there's a catch. You won't know your actual scores at that point, so you won't be able to choose which scores to send. 

If you're not sure about your scores, it's best to send them to colleges that want to see all of your SAT scores.
 

Once you receive your scores, you can send them to your preferred colleges anytime, but each report will cost $12. 
 

When your score is ready, you can send it to your chosen institutions following these steps:
 

• Log in to your College Board profile and go to the "Send SAT Scores" page. 
• Select one or more colleges to add to the score recipients list, then click Continue.
• Send all or a subset of your scores to each recipient.
• Examine your order, accept the terms and conditions and choose a payment method.

Note: If you took the SAT more than once, you could only send your best score. However, the college to which you are sending your scores may have a policy requiring them to see all your scores. 

What is Rush Reporting for SAT Scores?
 

If you want to send your SAT scores to colleges quickly, you can use Rush Reporting. After the scores are released, this process sends your score report to colleges within 2-4 business days (excluding holidays and weekends). 
 

To use this service, you'll need to pay an additional fee of $31.
 

It's important to note that Rush Reporting is only available for scores that have already been released. Before using this option, check with your colleges to see if they accept Rush Reporting and if they have a specific application processing schedule. Not all colleges accept Rush Reporting, so verifying with your college before using this service is essential.
 

What is SAT Superscore?
 

SAT Superscore is a method used by colleges to evaluate a candidate's performance. Instead of considering the scores from a single test date, colleges focus on the candidate's highest section scores across all the SAT exams they have taken. 
 

This means colleges will take the highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score and the highest Mathematics score of the candidate and combine them to get the overall score.

What is SAT Archived Score Reporting?
 

When SAT scores have not been accessed for more than a year, they are archived. If you want to report these archived scores to colleges or universities, you'll need to retrieve them. This can be done by phone or mail. 
 

However, there is a fee of $31 for retrieving old SAT scores, and in addition to that, you'll need to pay the standard fee of $12 for each order of an additional score report along with the Archived fee. So, the total cost amounts to $43 per old SAT score report.
 

How to cancel your SAT scores?
 

If you think you didn't perform well on the SAT, you can cancel your scores, but you should do it promptly. 
 

You must cancel by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the Thursday (9:00 am, Friday) following your test date. For students with disabilities who test during the school day, the deadline is extended until Monday, one week after the published test date.

Once you submit a request to cancel your scores, they cannot be reinstated or reported to you or any institution. You can cancel your score either at the test centre or after you leave the test centre.

Cancel your score at the test centre

After your test, ask your coordinator for an SAT Request to Cancel Test Scores form. Complete and sign the form and return it to the test coordinator before leaving the centre.
 

Cancel your score after you leave the test centre

You can complete the SAT Request to Cancel Test Scores form or write your request. You will have to provide the following information: Test Date, Test Centre Number, Name, Address, Gender, Birth Date, and Registration Number.
 

You must send your signed cancellation form with the subject "Attention: SAT Score Cancellation."
 

Fax it to 610-290-8978 or send the courier to SAT Score Cancellation, 1425 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ 08618 (for U.S. or international students)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a good SAT score for Harvard?

A: Harvard University typically admits students with SAT scores ranging from 1480 to 1580, and the average score of admitted students is around 1530. Although submitting SAT scores is optional, it is recommended that students aim for a score of at least 1530 to enhance their competitiveness in the admissions process at Harvard University.
 

Q: How many universities can you send SAT scores to?

A: During SAT registration, students can send their scores to four colleges or universities without paying an additional fee. This fee is already included in the SAT registration cost. However, if you choose to send your scores for free, you won't have the option to select specific scores if you have taken the SAT multiple times.
 

Q: Is 1500 enough for Stanford?

A: Stanford University's 50th percentile (mean) SAT score is 1510, and the 25th percentile score is 1460. A score of 1500 falls within the average range of admitted Stanford applicants. Having this score will be beneficial for your application and will not put you at a disadvantage.