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Your SAT Score

On the SAT you gain one point for each question answered correctly and lose ¼ point for each question answered incorrectly (with the exception of Grid-ins on the Math section, where you do not lose any points for an incorrect answer). You are not penalized for questions left unanswered.

Your totals for all nine scored sections are combined to produce three raw scores (one each for Critical Reading, Writing, and Math), which are then converted to three scaled scores ranging from 200-800 points. In addition to your raw and scaled scores for each section, your SAT score report will also contain additional information about your performance on the test and how you compare to other test takers.

Scores you will see on your SAT score report:

Raw Score and Scaled Score for the Critical Reading, Writing, and Math Sections

Raw Score and Scaled Score for the Critical Reading, Writing, and Math sections

Your raw score for each section is calculated by adding one point for every question you answered correctly and subtracting ¼ point for every question you answered incorrectly. Questions left blank do not affect your raw score (you essentially get zero points for unanswered questions). Your raw scores for the three Critical Reading, three Writing, and three Math sections that counted are added up to produce three final raw scores, one each for Critical Reading, Writing, and Math. The Experimental Section is not graded and has no effect on your final score.

These three raw scores are then converted into three scaled scores, which range from a minimum of 200 points to a maximum of 800 points, and are reported in 10 point increments (so possible scores include 520 or 700, for example, but not 524 or 705).
Score Range for Each Section

Score Range

According to the College Board, your scores are approximations rather than precise measures of skill. Therefore, your SAT score report will also note a score range around each scaled score that provides an estimate of how your scores might vary if you were tested many times. In most cases, your score would fall within a range of 30-40 points above or below what the College Board considers your "true ability."
Multiple Choice Writing and Essay Subscores

Writing and Essay Subscores

In addition to your raw scores for the Critical Reading and Math sections, your SAT score report will also indicate two subscores for the Writing section. You will receive a multiple-choice subscore ranging from 20-80 points, and an Essay subscore ranging from 2-12 points. If you fail to write an Essay, or if you write an Essay on a topic other than the one assigned, you will receive an Essay subscore of 0 points.
Information about Your Responses

Information about your responses

Your SAT score report will also contain detailed information indicating which questions you answered correctly, incorrectly, or left blank.
Estimated Percentile Rank for College-Bound Seniors

Estimated Percentile Rank for college-bound seniors

Your SAT score report will indicate a corresponding estimated percentile rank ranging from 1-99 for each section (Critical Reading, Writing, and Math) and question type. This number represents the estimated percentage of all college bound seniors who scored lower than you on that section or question type on that test. Your percentile ranks are important because college admissions officers can use them to get a quick idea of where you rank in the overall applicant pool.

What your SAT score means to colleges

Although many factors play a role in college admissions decisions (such as grade point average, the overall rigor of your high school program and academic courses, and extracurricular activities), there is no question that your SAT score is one of the most important. In fact, recent surveys of college admissions officers indicate that SAT scores are more important than ever to whether you get accepted or rejected to your college of choice. Particularly at the more competitive colleges and universities, your SAT score can "make or break" your application.

Are you ready for the SAT? You will be. Because all inlingua Test Preparation courses include extensive, realistic practice testing and one-on-one instruction with certified test experts who know exactly how to help you achieve your target score, success on the SAT is just a phone call away.