Score Structure

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The SAT Suite of Assessments provides detailed information about student learning by reporting different types of scoring metrics. Each assessment reports a total score, section scores, test scores, cross-test scores, and subscores. These scores give an enhanced profile of students' skills and understandings. The SAT reports the SAT Essay scores separately.

Note: Following the June 2021 SAT administration, the optional SAT Essay and SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued; however, educators and students can still view scores from previous administrations. The SAT Essay will be available only in states where it's required as part of SAT School Day administrations.

When and Where to Get Scores

You can view scores for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 and find access codes for students who need them by signing into the K–12 score reporting portal. View the score release schedule to find out when student scores will be available.

Vertical Score Scale

The 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 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.

For illustrative purposes only, bar graphs in 3 different colors represent the three assessments and their proposed scoring ranges. Light blue: SAT, score range 200-800. Dark blue, PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT, score range 160-760. Gold: PSAT 8/9, score range 120-720. A plotted line below the bars shows a potential overall score range from 120-800. Vertical markers at 3 score points illustrate grade-level benchmarks that will determine whether students are making on target progress toward the SAT benchmark.

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 aren’t 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 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:

  1. Expression of Ideas
  2. 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)

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