SAT Score Scale - Everything You Need to Know

A comprehensive guide to how the digital SAT score scale works, including adaptive testing and strategies to get a perfect score.

The Digital SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, but the exact details of how the score is calculated are kept secret by the College Board. This guide breaks down everything we know about how your answer choices are scored and scaled to your final score.

The Basics of SAT Scoring

The SAT is composed of two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.

The sections are scored separately, each on a scale of 200-800 points, and your final score is the average of the two sections.

The more questions you answer correctly, the higher your score will be, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should always guess and never leave questions blank.

The Hidden Scoring Algorithm

The College Board uses a sophisticated algorithm to convert raw performance into scaled scores. This algorithm:

• Is never made public and changes slightly for each test administration

• Takes into account multiple factors including question difficulty, whether you received the harder second module, and other elements beyond just correct/incorrect answers

Unlike the previous pen and paper SAT, the digital SAT's scoring is much more nuanced. Our analysis suggests that some questions carry more weight than others in determining your final score, though the exact details of this weighting system remain unknown.

Adaptive Testing and Scoring

One of the most important features of the digital SAT, and one of the most important factors in how it is scored, is adaptive testing. Here's how it works:

1. You complete Module 1 of each section (Math and Reading/Writing)

2. Based on your performance, you receive either an easier or harder Module 2

3. Your final score is determined by your performance across both modules, with the difficulty level of Module 2 playing a crucial role

To achieve a very high score (750-800) in either section, you must:

• Perform well enough on Module 1 to receive the more difficult Module 2

• Maintain strong performance on the more challenging questions in Module 2

Our research indicates that the threshold for receiving the harder Module 2 is somewhere around 570-600 points worth of performance on Module 1, though this can vary between test administrations.

For more on how the digital SAT's adaptive testing works, check out our guide to the digital SAT's adaptive testing.

Why Scores Vary Between Tests

The College Board adjusts its scoring scale for each test administration to account for:

• Variations in question difficulty between different test forms

• The overall performance of the testing population

• Statistical equating to ensure fairness across different test dates

This means that the same raw performance might result in slightly different scaled scores on different test dates. However, these variations are typically minor and are designed to maintain consistency in what scores represent across different administrations.

It's also worth noting that there are 2 questions per module that are experimental - these questions are not included in your final score. So it's possible that two students who both get 50/54 questions correct may receive very different scores depending on whether they incorrectly answered real or experimental questions.

Key Observations from Real Tests

Through our analysis of official Bluebook practice tests and feedback from thousands of students who have taken the digital SAT, we've made several important observations about scoring:

1. Question Weighting: Not all questions appear to be weighted equally in the scoring algorithm. Some questions, particularly those testing more complex concepts or requiring multiple steps, seem to have a greater impact on the final score.

2. Module 1 Impact: The digital format's adaptive nature means that early questions in Module 1 are critical since receiving the harder Module 2 is required to achieve scores near 800 in each section. Strong performance on Module 1 is essential to unlock the higher difficulty level needed for top scores.

3. Error Tolerance: The number of questions you can miss and still achieve a perfect 800 varies between sections and test administrations, but it's typically very low (0-2 questions) if you receive the harder Module 2.

Strategies for Score Maximization

Given what we know about the scoring system, here are key strategies to maximize your score:

1. Focus on Module 1 Accuracy: Since Module 1 performance determines Module 2 difficulty, aim for very high accuracy on the first module, even if it means working slightly slower.

2. Pace Yourself Strategically: Don't rush through questions just to finish - accuracy is more important than speed, especially in Module 1.

3. Strategic Use of Practice Materials: Start with an official practice test as a diagnostic, then use high-quality study resources like Khan Academy and Test Ninjas for focused practice, and save remaining official practice tests for the final phase of preparation to accurately gauge your progress.

4. Master Fundamentals: Given the unpredictable nature of question weighting, ensure you have a strong grasp of all content areas rather than focusing only on advanced topics.