Your SAT score is crucial for various colleges and universities abroad to offer you an international platform for further studies. Read more about SAT score ranges.
A review
In the past few years, the idea of studying in reputed universities abroad is on the rise as it seems to ensure career opportunities for aspirants. Although some may consider this untenable, it is unlikely that the number of applicants will decrease as we move into the future.
It hardly matters which undergraduate course you choose; You must take the SAT, especially for any university in the US. Since clearing the SAT is the first step to start the course of action to get into the best universities, you need to know more about the SAT.
What is the SAT?
SAT, which stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, is the first step for students taking undergraduate courses abroad. The SAT was formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, and its purpose is to assess the student’s attendance for his or her verbal, written, and mathematical skills. Students appear for the SAT, especially for admission to US and Canadian universities.
The importance of SAT scores in admission varies from institute to institute. However, as with every test, the higher your SAT score, the more flexibility you have in college admissions.
To give you an idea of the range of possible SAT Composite scores, we’ve included the following condensed chart with percentages:
Comparison of SAT Composite Scores and Percentile Ranks
| SAT Composite Score | percentile |
| 1500-1600 | 98-99+% |
| 1400-1500 | 94-98% |
| 1300-1400 | 86-94% |
| 1200-1300 | 74-86% |
| 1100-1200 | 59-74% |
| 1000-1100 | 41-59% |
| 900-1000 | 25-41% |
| 800-900 | 11-25% |
| 700-800 | 3-11% |
| 650-700 | 1-3% |
| 600-650 or less | 1% or less |
SAT Scoring System
Each section is rated between 200 and 800 points. You have the option to complete the optional essay section of the exam. This part is evaluated independently. On the SAT, there is no penalty for selecting the wrong answer. Your raw score is based only on the number of questions you answered correctly.
Before you receive your score report, keep the following points in mind:
- Impossible to score 0.
- There are no negatives
- The new perfect score is 1600.
- There are only two sections required.
What is a good SAT score?
The score range for the SAT is 400-1600, and SAT scores for each of the two sections range from 200-800. Where one score section contains mathematics, and the other contains writing and reading scores known as evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW).
As with other tests, the higher your SAT score range, the better your chance among all candidates. But that doesn’t answer the obvious question of what is a good SAT score range. Or is there a cutoff that indicates a score as “good”?
To know the correct answer to this question, you need to find out how SAT scoring works. Your total SAT score of 1600 aligns with a percentile ranking. Your SAT percentile refers to a student’s score that is equal to or lower than your score. So, if you get a percentile score of 70, you scored better than 70 percent of all other applicants.
Talking about an average SAT score of 1060. The test is deliberately designed to ensure the average score floats around 1000. The average math score is 528, and the average EBRW score is 533.
An SAT score range assumes a normal distribution, meaning that student performance tends to float in the middle of the scoring scale. The median score is 1000, the lowest score is 400, and the highest score is 1600. Very few students are close to the minimum and maximum scores
What is a bad SAT score?
SAT scores correspond to a sliding scale of academic ability. Based on this, a “bad” SAT score is subjective. Schools in various states consider SAT college and career-readiness benchmarks to be a minimum score of 530 for the math section and 480 for the EBRW portion.
Colleges will reduce your chances of consideration if a score is recorded below this minimum benchmark. However, please note that the average SAT score for a math score of 528 is lower than the benchmark score of 530, which means that if your score is missing the benchmark, it does not mean that you cannot get into college.
However, you can re-appear for the SAT to demonstrate your academic merit. But the number of times you appear for the SAT has implications because colleges want to know how many times you appear for the SAT and also ask for some scores.
Consequently, it leaves a shaky impression of your academic prowess on the college authorities while considering your candidature. To avoid such an undesirable situation, you must prepare and perform well in every exam as your last chance.
What is an excellent SAT score?
There is no single score that can be viewed as an excellent SAT score. Although some consider a set of scores ideal, there is no set standard to follow. Logically speaking, when it comes to an SAT score, it’s essential to see how your score matches up with the range accepted by your target colleges. Yes, the highest possible SAT score is 1600, and you need to get an 800 on both the math and evidence-based reading and writing sections to make it.
The good news is that there are no minus signs for wrong answers on the SAT. So, we strongly recommend that you attempt each question of the SAT to the best of your knowledge. Answer even if you’re not sure or if it’s a fluke.
If you want the highest score, you need to make sure that you don’t miss a single question, both the maths and writing sections have 58 and 40 questions respectively. The reading section allows you to miss one out of 52 questions.
Please remember that your priority is to reach a score that gets you into your target college.
What SAT Score Should You Target?
There is no fixed score for you to aim for. However, it is always advisable to aim for a score that falls within the range readily accepted by the colleges you wish to apply to. Each college has a different range of SAT scores that they typically consider when selecting students. You can search for average SAT on Google by adding the name of the university.
The results will show you the middle 50% of accepted SAT scores for that particular college, which will be in the 25th-75th percentile. We strongly recommend that you aim for a score within this range if you intend to apply to that college However, if you fall in that range, it does not mean rejection but will reduce your chances of admission.
How to find your target college SAT score requirements?
You must be wondering what makes a good SAT score for you based on the schools you are applying to. Don’t worry; We’ve got you covered. Visit us for every college score you want to know College-Based SAT Requirements Category and find your desired college.
The next step is to note the scores; This will make your goal known. My recommendation is to write it down and stick it on your wall, which will remind you every time you look at the wall.
Conclusion
Your SAT score plays an important role in how your prospective college evaluates your candidacy. However, your selection is subject to SAT scores, considering a particular college. You must perform at your best and score within your potential college-accepted SAT score range. Also, treat each attempt as your last and answer each question to maximize your chances.
