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There are 154 questions on the SAT, which includes 58 math, 52 reading, and 44 writing questions. Your raw score is calculated by how many of these questions you answer correctly – wrong answers are not deducted from your total score. Your raw score is then converted through an equating process to get to your final composite score. Equating ensures that no matter which version of the exam is taken, they are scored equally, taking into account any slight differences in difficulty. After conversion, you can earn a total SAT score of 400-1600 points, including section scores of 200 to 800 in math and ERW. The conversion formula changes from test to test in order to ensure the process is applied fairly.

Several factors determine the conversion formula, including the seven subcategories in the math and ERW categories that test for specific aptitudes. These subcategories include the following:

• Heart of Algebra
• Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
• Passport to Advanced Math
• Command of Evidence
• Words in Context
• Expression of Ideas
• Standard English Conventions

Finally, cross-test scores that evaluate your analysis in history/social studies and science are also factored in. Cross-test scores show how well you solve problems by applying reading, writing, language, and math skills to interpret texts across disciplines. For example, how well you comprehend a word problem in math by using your reading and language skills will determine if you can perform the calculations correctly.

In addition to your final composite score, you'll also receive an SAT percentile rank. A percentile rank indicates the percentage of students with scores equal to or lower than your score, who also took the SAT in the past three graduating classes. For example, if you score in the 85th percentile, 85% of the comparison group achieved the same score or lower than you – higher scores equal higher percentiles. This information is helpful when researching schools because schools will often show a preference for students who rank in a high percentile on their SATs.

No, SAT scores are not averaged. However, if you have taken the test more than once, you can submit your highest score or all your scores if your college uses the SAT superscore when evaluating your application. Most schools publish the average SAT scores of first-year students on their websites, so you'll know how high you'll need to score.

Some colleges consider an SAT superscore to be when a student has taken the SAT more than once. They use your best section-level score out of the tests you took, even if the tests were different. For example, if you took the SAT in the spring and then again in the fall, scoring 50 points higher in math but 20 points lower in ERW, they will consider your highest math score from the spring SAT and the highest ERW score from the fall SAT. Superscoring is essential for colleges to apply fairness and consistency to all applicants who take the SAT. It also encourages students to submit their test scores even if they didn't do as well the second time.

Average SAT scores vary by section, state, and school. For example, the ERW and math sections have slightly different average scores, and cumulative SAT scores are typically higher in some parts of the Midwest and lower in the Northeast and New England states. While a high SAT score may be typical of a first-year ivy league school student, a student enrolling in a public state school may be accepted with a lower score, or the school may waive the requirement altogether.

Average SAT Score in the U.S.

According to College Board, the .

Popular Schools

In addition to the Ivy League schools, several schools across the U.S. are popular with students who have set their SAT score bars relatively high. These schools generally look for scores in the 86th percentile or better.

Online Schools

Average SAT scores are typically not distinguishable from students enrolling in on-campus or online schools. However, you can look up some of the most popular online schools in our rankings to see if their websites list their average student SAT scores, if submission is required, or if they have an open admissions policy and are test-optional.

Details about the top five most popular online schools are listed below:

Tips for Determining Your SAT Goal Score

You can determine a score to aim for by considering the schools you'd like to apply to and the average scores of their incoming, first-year students. However, it's essential to remember that admissions boards also look at your extracurricular activities, grades, GPA, and application when considering you for enrollment. They look at the whole package you're offering. For instance, you may not be accepted into the school of your choice, even with an SAT score of 1400, if your GPA is only 2.0 and you weren't active in school or community activities.

Your SAT score can also help you compete for scholarships. Take a look at scholarships you may be interested in applying for to determine if they use SAT scores as part of their eligibility criteria. Schools may also automatically submit your name to consider for their private scholarships once they receive your SAT scores, so the higher you can score, the better your chances are of receiving financial aid that you won't have to repay.

How To Get Your Target SAT Score

There are steps you can take to get your target SAT score once you determine what your aiming for: