How is the SAT scored?

    Each SAT section is scored on a 200–800 scale. Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted into a scaled score via equating, and the two section scores add to your 1600 total.

    From raw to scaled

    Your raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly. That raw number gets converted to a scaled section score from 200 to 800 using a conversion table specific to your test form.

    Adaptive scoring

    Because the Digital SAT is section-adaptive, the Module 2 you reach determines your ceiling. Students who reach the hard Module 2 can access the full 800; students who stay in the easier Module 2 have a lower ceiling.

    What this means for your prep

    Do not leave this answer as background knowledge. Connect it to a practice decision: what to drill, when to test, how to pace a module, or how to interpret a score report.

    • If the answer is about timing or format, test it in a timed module.
    • If the answer is about scoring, run your current numbers through the score calculator.
    • If the answer is about tools or calculator policy, practice the relevant Math question type immediately.

    What to do with this score information

    1. Enter your latest section scores in the score calculator instead of estimating from memory.
    2. Compare the total score against the middle-50% range for colleges on your list.
    3. Choose the weaker section for the next drill block before taking another full module.

    Common mistakes

    • Treating percentile as an admissions guarantee.
    • Ignoring section split when the total score looks acceptable.
    • Retesting without changing the miss pattern from the last practice test.

    Use this answer

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