How is the Digital SAT Scored?
You’ve learned about the new digital sat test format and its structure. Now, let’s get into one of the most important parts of the process: scoring. Understanding how your SAT Test Scores are calculated is key to setting realistic goals and tracking your progress.
The good news is that the overall scoring scale hasn’t changed. However, the way your score is determined on this new adaptive test is different. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from individual questions to your final 1600-point score.
The Big Picture: The 400 to 1600 Score Scale
First things first: the famous score range is still the same. Your total SAT score will be a number between 400 and 1600. This total score is the sum of your scores from the two main sections of the test.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Reading and Writing Section Score: 200–800 points
- Math Section Score: 200–800 points
Total SAT Score = (Reading and Writing Score) + (Math Score)
For example, if you score a 650 on Reading and Writing and a 680 on Math, your total SAT Test Score would be 1330.
How Adaptive Testing Affects Your Score
This is the most critical new element in SAT scoring. Because the digital sat test is adaptive, the difficulty of the questions you see in the second module of each section depends on your performance in the first module.
- Perform well on Module 1 → You get a harder Module 2.
- Struggle on Module 1 → You get an easier Module 2.
This matters because the questions in the harder second module are worth more. Acing the harder module gives you access to the highest score range (up to 800 per section). If you get the easier second module, your score for that section will be capped at a lower range.
Key takeaway: Your performance on the first module of each section is extremely important. It sets the stage for your maximum possible score on that section of the sat test.
From Correct Answers to a Scaled Score
You might be wondering, “How many questions do I need to get right to get a certain score?” It’s not that simple. The College Board uses a process called “equating.”
- Raw Score: This is the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing, so you should answer every single question.
- Scaled Score: Your raw score is converted into the familiar 200-800 scaled score for each section. This conversion process accounts for the difficulty of the specific set of questions you received.
Because every student gets a slightly different test due to the adaptive format, this scaling ensures that a 650 on one version of the test represents the same level of achievement as a 650 on another version, regardless of the exact questions asked.
Curious about what makes a ‘good’ score for your dream school? Check out our guide on What is a Good SAT Score?
What About Percentiles?
When you get your score report, you’ll see your scores and something called a percentile rank.
- A percentile rank shows how your score compares to other students who took the test.
- For example, if you are in the 75th percentile, it means you scored higher than 75% of other test-takers.
Percentiles are a great way to understand the context of your score and see where you stand in the larger pool of college applicants.
Putting It All Together: What You Need to Know
- Your goal is to get as many questions right as possible, especially in the first module of each section.
- Don’t leave any questions blank. There’s no penalty for wrong answers.
- Practice is key. The best way to get comfortable with the scoring system and the adaptive format is to take a high-quality digital sat practice test</>. This will help you understand how your performance on early questions impacts your final score.
Understanding the scoring process demystifies the sat test and empowers you to prepare more strategically. Focus on building your skills, and you’ll be well on your way to earning a score you can be proud of.
See how your skills translate to a real score. Take our free Digital SAT Practice Test and get your estimated score today!
