SAT Section Scores

• Total score: 400–1600
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section: 200–800
• Math Section: 200–800
• SAT Essay: Three scores ranging from 2–8

Getting into University

If you’re wondering whether your score will help you get into your top-pick colleges, you can use BigFuture’s College Search to find out how their freshmen scored. But keep in mind that although SAT scores are important, colleges consider a lot of other factors when they make admission decisions.

Retaking the SAT Exam

As you learn more about scores, keep in mind that many students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year, and again in the fall of their senior year. Students usually do better the second time. Use your SAT scores to get free practice recommendations and a personalized study plan by talking to your academic counselor at Tutoring Club.

SAT Score Ranges

Tests can’t measure exactly what you know, and many factors can affect your score. After all, no two days are the same, and if you were to take the SAT three times in a week or once a week for a month, your scores would vary.

That’s why it’s helpful to think of each score as a range that extends from a few points below to a few points above the score earned. Score ranges show how much your score might change with repeated testing, assuming that your skill level remains the same.

Usually, section scores for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and for Math fall in a range of roughly 30 to 40 points above or below your true ability. Colleges know this, and they receive the score ranges along with your scores to consider that single snapshot in context.

Mean (Average) SAT Scores

Your score report will show you the mean, or average, scores earned by typical U.S. test takers per grade. Unless your score is much lower than average, you’re probably developing the kinds of reading, writing and language, and math skills you’ll need in college.

University and Career Readiness Benchmarks

The SAT College and Career Readiness Benchmarks reflect benchmark scores for both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math sections. Students whose scores meet each section’s benchmarks are considered college and career ready. In other words, if you score at or above the benchmark, you’re on track to be ready for college when you graduate high school.

You can also use the detailed feedback in your online score report or speak with your school counselor about your scores to see which skills need the most improvement. Keep in mind that these benchmarks are intended to help you better prepare for life after high school and shouldn’t keep you from pursuing college or enrolling in challenging courses.

Read more about our SAT Preparation program