SAT Result and Score - How to Calculate & Send Scores to Colleges
Updated on Jul 18, 2021
Piyush Kohli
Study Abroad Expert
https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/sat/results-and-scores
Understanding SAT Scores might prove to be a tough task for candidates. The overall SAT test is scored on a scale of 400-1600, whereas in India, students are used to understanding scores in percentiles. That is why having a data table for interpreting SAT and Subject Test scores becomes necessary. We have given the table below explaining SAT Score and Percentile. Apart from this, in this article, we have also explained each and every aspect related to SAT Results and SAT Scores.
SAT Results 2021
Candidates who plan to appear for their SAT exam are required to keep the below dates in mind. Candidates are advised to complete their SAT Registration before the deadline to avoid any last-minute confusion. The expected SAT Score dates have also been published for the convenience of our readers.
2020-21 SAT Score Release Schedule
SAT Test Date | Online SAT Score Release Date | College Receiving score date |
|---|
March 13, 2021 | Multiple-choice scores release date: March 26, 2021 SAT Essay scores release date: March 29, 2021 | April 10, 2021 |
May 8, 2021 | Multiple-choice scores release date: May 21, 2021 SAT Essay scores release date: May 24, 2021 | June 5, 2021 |
June 5, 2021 | Multiple-choice scores release date: July 14, 2021 SAT Essay scores release date: July 14, 2021 | July 26, 2021 |
SAT Test Date and Results 2021
Test Date | SAT Result Date |
|---|
August 28, 2021 | September 20, 2021 |
October 2, 2021 | October 15, 2021 |
December 4, 2021 | December 17, 2021 |
SAT Score Report
SAT score reports consist of the following information
- The Total Score: As the title suggests, the Total Score is the sum of the two Section Scores and this score ranges from 400 to 1600.
- Sectional Score: The sectional score ranges from 200-800 and is based on the performance of the candidate on the Math Section and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing Sections.
- Subscore (marks scored in each type of question): Subscores are multiple points for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Sections, all ranging from 1 to 15. The main purpose of Sub scores is to provide additional insight into the students’ performance.
- Essay score (if applicable): Candidates who have undertaken the SAT with the essay will have the scores for Essay Reading (2-8 points), Essay Writing (2-8 points), and Essay Analysis (2-8 points) displayed under the Essay Details tab.
- Student’s percentile: The student’s percentile score tells you how well the student has performed his SAT exam as compared to other test-takers.
At a Glance – Components of an SAT Score Report and what they mean
Components | Description | Score Range |
|---|
Total Score | The aggregate of the two section scores | 400–1600 |
Section Scores | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math Sections | 200–800 |
Test Scores | Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Sections. | 10–40 |
SAT Essay Scores (optional) | Reading, Analysis, and Writing. | 2–8 |
Cross-Test | These scores show how well you use your skills to analyze texts and solve problems in these subject areas. | 10–40 |
Sub Scores | Reading and Writing and Language: Command of Evidence and Words in Context. Writing and Language: Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions. Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math. | 1–1 |
SAT Subject Test Percentiles
As the term suggests, SAT Subject Test Percentile ranks compare a student’s scores to other students who appeared for the same test. So for example, if a test takers SAT Math 2 Subject Test score is 500 and if the percentile rank for 500 is 50, then this basically means that the candidate has done better than 50 percent of the students who took the particular test, i.e. SAT Math 2 Subject Test.
Since a different percentage of students take the different subject exams under SAT Subject Tests, hence it would be technically incorrect to compare the SAT Subject Test Chemistry Percentile with SAT Subject Test Math 2 Percentile or vice versa. Candidates looking to see how they have fared in the SAT Subject Test with other candidates can check out SAT Subject Test Percentiles 2019 and for other past years on the official CollegeBoard website – the conducting body of the SAT exam.
SAT Score Range v/s Percentile
Here is a table to show students how the SAT Score percentile is calculated.
SAT Scaled Score Range (Out of 1600) | Percentile |
1600 | 99+ |
1550 | 99+ |
1510 | 99 |
1450 | 98 |
1400 | 95 |
1330 | 90 |
1230 | 80 |
1170 | 71 |
1110 | 61 |
1060 | 51 |
1000 | 40 |
950 | 31 |
890 | 21 |
810 | 11 |
750 | 5 |
680 | 1 |
630 | 1- |
400 | 1- |
How to check the SAT score?
Candidates can access the SAT score report on their College Board profile.
Steps to check SAT scores
- Step 1- Visit the College Board's site
- Step 2- Sign in using your ID and password
- Step 3- Click on My Organiser and go to SAT scores
- Step 4- Click on Access My Scores and enter your username and password
- Step 5- Go to My Test Scores
- Step 6- Your SAT scores will appear on the screen
Candidates can send their score reports to the colleges using Score Choice.
How to Get SAT and Subject Test Scores?
Once you are finished with the SAT exam, it is time to send exam scores to the colleges. This is one of the most crucial parts of the whole application process. Most colleges prefer to get the score reports directly from the College Board and not the copies of the report or score report labels on the transcripts.
When to expect SAT Test Result?
Your SAT score result will be available online around 2-4 weeks after your test date. Once the score result is available, the College Board begins sending SAT score reports to the colleges the candidate has selected, if any, at the time of registration.
Other Ways to Get Scores
Students who don’t have easy access to the Internet can check out alternative methods of receiving their SAT Score, these include
- Paper Score Reports: Candidates who register by mail and don't have active College Board online accounts will receive paper score reports.
- Scores by phone: Candidates can also receive their scores over the phone. However, they would be required to pay an extra fee for the same.
- Candidates can also access their scores by logging into their online score report and taking a print out of the same.
What is Score Choice?
With Score Choice, one gets the freedom to report the score he/she chooses to send to colleges. The candidate can choose the score report by test date or by individual test for SAT Subject Tests. However, before sending the scores always make sure to check with the college or the scholarship program where you are applying, as many colleges and scholarship programs require students to send all their scores. If the candidate doesn’t select Score Choice then College Board will send all the available scores of the candidate to the colleges which he/she has selected as score recipients.
How to send SAT Scores during Registration?
Applicants receive four free score reports while registering for the SAT exam. Applicants get the option of sending these reports to their choice of colleges or scholarship programs for free. Aspirants can send the scores up to nine days of taking the test. After nine days they will be charged for sending the score reports. With this, the aspirant can send four reports for free. However, there is a catch, the aspirants are sending the scores without knowing their actual scores. This means, the candidates won’t be able to choose the score they want to send or they won’t be able to send their best scores. In this case, it is advisable to send the score reports to the colleges that want to see all the SAT scores of the candidates.
Note: The SAT exam has undergone a big change in 2016. Changes include a new structure, new score, new sections, and a new approach to testing. Read all about the New SAT.
Cost of sending SAT Additional Score Report to Colleges
Once the candidates get their scores, anytime they can send the score reports to their preferred colleges. However, they have to pay $12 to send a score report to each university they select. In this case, it is always advisable to send your overall SAT score to the colleges that do not require SAT scores for all the exams you have taken. Also, send your best section scores to colleges that superscore the SAT.
Rush Reporting
Rush reporting is a process where the score report of the aspirant is sent to the colleges within two to four business days excluding holidays and weekends. However, this can only be availed for the scores which are already released. The aspirant needs to pay an additional score report fee of $31 to avail of this facility. Apart from this, additional score report fees can also be levied on rush reporting.
Always make sure to check with your colleges in which format they accept the report. Also, check their schedule for processing the application as they will only review your scores as per their schedule. Moreover, not all the colleges accept Rush Reporting, always make sure to check with your college before sending the score through Rush Reporting.
Fee Waivers and Extra Free Reports
For the economically weaker sections and low-income students, the College Board offers SAT fee waivers/scholarships. It allows a student to send his/her SAT score to the colleges of their choice for free of cost. However, the eligibility differs as per the latest changes. You can contact the representative of the College Board or read about the criteria on their website and apply accordingly.
Sending Old SAT Scores to Colleges
Sending score reports to colleges up to five years after giving the test needs to be retrieved from the archives. The candidates need to pay $31 if they want to send SAT scores they have taken more than a year ago. Candidates also need to pay an additional score report fee every time they wish to send their old reports to the colleges. Further, the candidates cannot order old SAT scores online through the College Board, this can be done only through their customer support number or mail.
What is Superscore?
It is a process where colleges do not take into consideration the scores of one particular date rather they consider the candidate’s highest section scores across all the SAT exams which the candidate has appeared for. It means colleges consider the highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score and highest Mathematics score of the candidate and combine them to get the overall score.
What is Archived Score Reporting?
If someone has not appeared for the SAT for more than a year then those scores get archived. If someone wants to report the archived scores to the colleges or universities then they need to retrieve the scores. They can be ordered by phone or mail. Candidates need to pay a $31 fee for retrieving the old scores, also the standard fee for additional score reports i.e. $12 needs to be paid for each order along with the Archived fee. So, the total amount comes out to be $43 per old score report.
Understanding SAT Test Scores
The SAT score range is between 400 and 1600 for your total score and 200-800 for each of your two subscores. One sub score is for combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and the other one is for Math. The additional sub-scores are reported for the essay which is optional ranging from 2- 8 points and for Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics on a 10-40 scale.
Verifying Your Scores
SAT Score verification is nothing but a revaluation of your test scores, to check that you have received scores in all sections and nothing has been skipped. So, if you feel that the SAT score that you received is different than what you expected, you may have missed or made a mistake in marking your answers. Another reason for different SAT scores than expected can be that your Essay is illegible or blank when one views it online. Under SAT score verification you have three options:
- Multiple-choice hand score verification
- Essay score verification
- Or both, Multiple-choice and Essay score
How to Cancel SAT Scores?
For any reason, you need to cancel your SAT Score, here are two methods through which one can cancel their SAT scores:
- At the test center: If you are unsure about how the test went, or if you feel like you have skipped a number of questions, you can cancel your test right then and there. Right at that moment, at the test center, you can ask the supervisor for a ‘Request to Cancel Test Scores’ form. Fill in all details along with your signature. Submit the form to the supervisor. Make sure you submit this before leaving the test center.
- At home: If your poor performance hits you after you leave the test center, you can cancel your test at home as well. However, there is a time limit to it. You need to submit your cancellation request by writing to College Board as quickly as you can because the deadline for receiving such requests will be 11:59 PM (IST) on a Wednesday after the test date. You need to download ‘Request to Cancel Test Scores’ online from the College Board website, fill in your details, sign it, and fax it or speed-post/courier it overnight.
When do SAT Scores Come Out? Full Schedule
2021 SAT Score Release Schedule
Test Date | SAT Result Date |
|---|
August 28, 2021 | September 20, 2021 |
October 2, 2021 | October 15, 2021 |
December 4, 2021 | December 17, 2021 |
Cut-off for SAT
The SAT is considered one of the most important aspects of the college application process. Students who wish to pursue their higher studies in the USA must be familiar with this standardized test. It is conducted to secure admissions in various colleges offering degrees across the USA. These days’ policies are changing periodically, so, it is always advisable to check the testing requirements of the college you are applying to. The cut-offs for the top universities in the US and Canada range between 1400 and 1600.
What is considered a good SAT score?
An average SAT score is around 1000. Anything above 1200 is considered a good SAT score. The maximum anyone can score on the SAT is the perfect score of 1600. Since you receive scaled scores, you should have some understanding of SAT scaled scores and percentiles. For a detailed understanding of What a good SAT Score is: read this.
SAT Result and Score FAQs
Have more questions about SAT? Read SAT frequently asked questions and understand more about the SAT exam.
Q. Can I choose which scores to report or I need to report send all scores?
A. It depends on the college where you are sending scores. Every institution has its policy for accepting SAT scores. If they accept only the highest score then you need to send only the highest scores. If they want you to send all scores then you need to send all score reports.
Q. How to cancel SAT scores?
A. At the test center: After completing the test, take the cancel test scores form from the test coordinator fill it and sign it. Return the form to the test coordinator at the test center.
After leaving the test center: Your written and signed request must be submitted before 11:59 PM Thursday after the test date.
Candidates are not allowed to submit cancellation requests via phone or email as their signatures are required.
Q. How should I improve my SAT score?
A. Students preparing for the SAT usually are confused about how much preparation is required for SAT and when should they start with it. There are no straight answers as the process of preparation is different for every student. Work on your weak areas and do more practice tests.
Q. Does candidates lose marks for incorrect answers?
A. In SAT test-takers get points for every correct answer whereas there are no points taken for incorrect answers. So, you should attempt maximum questions in SAT.
Q. Does reading books help in preparing for SAT Reading section?
A. It is important to grow reading skills as it will help you in your studies ahead irrespective of the study area you choose. Reading should not feel like a task, it can be done as a fun activity. If you love to read novels, read them but you can also add more to it. Like if you love reading science fiction, then also try reading short stories or classic novels as it will widen your horizon. try things that challenge you and just don't restrict yourself to simple plain reads.
Q. What are the best books for SAT Math?
A. Some of the best books for SAT Math prep are:
- PWN The SAT: Math Guide, 4th Edition
- 800 Math Workbook New Edition by Dr. Jang's SAT
- Barron's SAT Math Workbook, 7th Edition
- 500 New SAT Math Problems by Dr. Steve Warner's
Q. What are the best books for SAT Reading and Writing?
A. best books for SAT Reading and Writing are:
- The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar by Erica L. Meltzer
- The Critical Reader: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading, 3rd Edition
- 2018 SAT Reading: World Literature Practice Book
Q. What to read to prepare for SAT reading?
A. Some of the suggested reading list
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Treasure Island by R.L. Stevenson
- The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
- The Awakening by Kate Chopin
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
Q. Which are the best SAT study guides?
A. Best SAT study guides 2021 are
- The Official SAT study guide
- Kaplan SAT Prep: 2 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online
- McGraw-Hill Education SAT
- Princeton review 500+ practice questions for the New SAT
- KALLIS' Redesigned SAT Pattern Strategy
- The Critical Reader (3rd edition)
Q. What kind of questions are there in the SAT Writing test?
A. The SAT Writing test consists of 44 multiple-choice questions. There are two main types of questions, questions that test the candidate's understanding of standard writing and questions related to the expression of an idea.
- Standard English convention (20 questions): word choice, phrase structure, mechanics, grammar, and punctuation
- Expression of ideas (20 questions): Adding important information, removing irrelevant information, organizing content
Q. Do SAT repeat questions?
A. Yes, they reuse few questions at times. Also, they keep the style and types of questions the same.
