Students preparing for the SAT will come across terms like SAT raw scores and scaled scores. Knowing the difference between the SAT raw scores and the SAT scale scores will help you prepare effectively. In fact, you can create a targeted study plan to prepare better for the SAT. In this post, we will guide you on the difference between raw and scale scores and everything in between. Continue reading the following.
What Is an SAT Raw Score?
The raw score is the most straightforward part of SAT scoring. It’s simply the number of questions you answer correctly.
- The SAT has two main sections. Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW).
- Each section has a fixed number of questions.
- You earn one point for every correct answer.
- There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
“For example, if you answer 48 out of 58 Math questions correctly, your raw score for Math is 48.”
Does Every SAT Test Have the Same SAT Raw Scores?
Yes, but each section has a different number of questions.
- Math has 58 questions and the Raw score range is 0-58
- Reading has 52 questions and the raw score range is 0-52
- Writing and Language is 44 questions and the raw score range is 0-44
Your EBRW SAT raw score is the total of your Reading and Writing raw scores.
What Is SAT Scale Scores?
The SAT scale scores are your converted raw scores on the official SAT report by colleges. The score is converted into the SAT’s 1600-point scale.
- Math is scored on a 200-800 scale.
- EBRW is scored on a 200-800 scale (this includes both Reading and Writing).
- The total SAT score is the sum of these two section scores (400-1600 range).
Why Doesn’t the SAT Use Raw Scores Directly?
The SAT doesn’t use the raw score directly because it wants to maintain fairness. The test is different under each administration. Some versions might be harder than others. This is why the raw scores are converted using a process called equating to maintain fairness.
Example:
- A raw score of 50 in Math on one test might convert to 750.
- The same raw score of 50 on another test might convert to 740 if that test was easier.
SAT Raw Scores vs SAT Scale Scores
Here’s a table summarizing the differences between SAT Raw Scores and SAT Scale Scores based on the content of the blog post:
This table will help you to understand the difference between SAT Raw Scores, SAT Scale Scores, and their working. Next time when you check the digital SAT scoring chart, you will have an idea of how your score will be calculated.
How Raw Scores Convert to Scale Scores
Step 1: Convert Raw Scores to Section Scores
A raw-to-scale conversion table is provided for every SAT section by the College Board.
Here’s an example of how raw scores convert to scale scores for Math:
What Affects Raw-to-Scale Conversion?
The raw score-to-scale conversion can be affected by the following aspects.
1. Test Difficulty (Equating Process)
The College Board uses equating to adjust scores for test difficulty. This prevents students who took a harder test from being at a disadvantage.
- If a test is harder, raw scores might convert to slightly higher scale scores.
- If a test is easier, raw scores might convert to slightly lower scale scores.
2. Section-Specific Adjustments
Different sections have different score conversions. Math might require more correct answers to reach a higher score than Reading.
3. Small Score Differences Can Matter
A difference of just one raw score point can sometimes lead to a 10-20 point change in your scale score, especially at higher score ranges.
How to Use The Score Conversion for SAT Prep
Understanding raw and scale scores can help you set realistic study goals. Such as:
1. Identify Your Target Score
If your target is 1400 for SAT you will need:
- Math: 45+ correct answers
- Reading + Writing: 85+ correct answers
When you know this, you can focus on how many questions you need to get right rather than obsessing over perfection.
2. Prioritize High-Impact Questions
Not all questions are equal. There isn’t any standard performance score for the SAT. This means your performance doesn’t depend on how others do.
- Focus on the easier and medium-difficulty questions first.
- If you struggle with time, don’t get stuck on the hardest problems.
3. Guess Strategically
It doesn’t hurt to guess if you’re uncertain since wrong answers don’t hurt your raw score. The chances of getting it right are 25% with a random guess.
4. Understand Score Plateaus
- If your raw score is below 40 in Math, focus on fundamentals.
- If you’re stuck between 650-700, minor improvements (1-2 more correct answers) can push you over 700.
Bottom Line
Knowing how your SAT score is calculated can help you create a strategic study plan. Instead of worrying about a single wrong answer, focus on your overall raw score goals.
If you’re looking for expert guidance, IVY Learning has helped students break down SAT scoring for years. Understanding how raw and scale scores work is a key step toward improving your SAT performance.
