Score Structure

The SAT Suite of Assessments provides rich information about student learning by reporting more scores than ever before. Each of the redesigned assessments reports a total score, section scores, test scores, cross-test scores, and subscores. The new scores are intended to give an enhanced profile of students’ skills and understandings. The SAT reports the SAT Essay scores separately.

Vertical Score Scale

The redesigned SAT Suite uses a common score scale, providing consistent feedback across assessments to help educators and students monitor growth across grades and to identify areas in need of improvement. This new level of feedback can help both students and educators engage in the best possible practice for future assessments: strong classroom work and instruction.

Middle schools and high schools can also use this information to evaluate their curriculum. Higher education institutions can use the new scores to get deep insight into student readiness.

Total Score and Section Scores

Each of the assessments in the SAT Suite reports a total score that is the sum of two section scores: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Scores for the SAT Essay are reported separately and are not part of a student’s total SAT score.

Ranges for Total Scores

• SAT: 400–1600

• PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10: 320–1520

• PSAT 8/9: 240–1440

Ranges for Section Scores (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math)

• SAT: 200–800

• PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10: 160–760

• PSAT 8/9: 120–720

Test Scores

Each assessment reports three test scores: the Reading Test score, the Writing and Language Test score, and the Math Test score.

Ranges for Test Scores (Reading, Writing and Language, Math)

• SAT: 10–40

• PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10: 8–38

• PSAT 8/9: 6–36

SAT Essay Scoring

Scores on the SAT Essay of the redesigned SAT are reported separately and are divided into three dimensions: Reading, Analysis, and Writing. Each dimension is scored on a 2–8 point scale.

Cross-Test Scores

Each of the assessments reports two cross-test scores: Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. These scores are based on questions in the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Tests that ask students to think analytically about texts and problems in these subject areas.

Ranges for Cross-Test Scores (Analysis in History/Social Studies, Analysis in Science)

• SAT: 10–40

• PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10: 8–38

• PSAT 8/9: 6–36

Subscores

The assessments report multiple subscores for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, all ranging from 1 to 15 points. Subscores provide more detail about student achievement.

The Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test each contribute questions to two subscores:

• Command of Evidence

• Words in Context

The Writing and Language Test also reports two additional subscores:

• Expression of Ideas

• Standard English Conventions

The Math Test reports three subscores:

• Heart of Algebra

• Problem Solving and Data Analysis

• Passport to Advanced Math (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10 only)