UNDERSTANDING SCORES ON SAT

Understanding Scores on SAT

Since 2016, SAT has no wrong-answer penalty. This means that you should not leave any questions blank on the test. With the longer sections however, pacing and timing, which your tutor will help you master, are critical. There are many different kinds of scores you'll receive after taking the 2016 SAT. The most important scores for you are two in number - Composite Score and Essay Score. 

Composite Score

The main score called as the Composite Score is comprised of the sum of your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and Math score, each of which is in the range of 200 to 800 points. Each section score will range from 200-800 points, so the Composite Score will range from 400 to 1600 points. So, the Composite Score is on a 400 to 1600-point scale, which includes 800 possible points for Math and 800 possible points for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. 

Essay Scores

The 50-minute-long Essay Test will be optional and scored separately from the 1600-point Composite Score. You will be asked to analyze a source document and write an essay in which you explain how the author builds his or her argument. The Essay will be graded on your abilities to read, analyze, and write. Each of these components (Reading, Analysis, Writing) will be scored on a scale of 1 to 4 by two graders, which will result in three essay subscores ranging from 2 to 8 for each component.

Area Scores or Domain Scores

You will receive two Area Scores on the new SAT: an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and a Math score. Each score will range from 200 to 800 points. The Evidence-Based Reading and the Writing Area score is the sum of the Reading Test score and Writing and Language Test score.

Test Scores

The 2016 SAT will have Test Scores, each ranging from 10 to 40: A Reading Test score, a Writing and Language Test score, and a Math Test score.

Cross Test Scores 

The new SAT will also include two Cross-Test Scores: Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. These two scores, each on a scale of 10 to 40, will be based on specific questions across the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and SAT Math sections related to these fields.

Subscores

Each new SAT test will have its own set of Subscores. Each Subscore is scored on a scale of 1 to 15.

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test Subscores

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test will have a Command of Evidence subscore and a Relevant Words in Context subscore. The Writing and Language Test will have two additional subscores of Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions.

1. Command of Evidence subscore from the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test
2. Relevant Words in Context subscore from the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test
3. Expression of Ideas subscore from the Writing and Language Test
4. Standard English Conventions subscore from the Writing and Language Test

Math Test Subscores 

The 2016 SAT Math Test will have three subscores corresponding to the three major content areas on the revised exam: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math.

5. Heart of Algebra from the Math Test

6. Problem Solving and Data Analysis from the Math Test
7. Passport to Advanced Math from the Math Test 

GROUND RULES 

These are SAT rules you can use to your advantage. Knowing these rules will keep you from asking questions and wasting precious time and from committing minor errors that result in serious penalties.

• You CAN move around within a section. 
• You CAN browse through your section at the beginning to see what types of questions are coming up.
• You are NOT allowed to jump back and forth between sections. 
• You are NOT allowed to return to earlier sections to change answers. 
• You are NOT allowed to spend more than the allotted time on any section.