SAT Score Calculator: Predict Your SAT Score & College Admissions
Calculate your SAT score, predict college admissions chances, and improve your test strategy with our free SAT score calculator and practice tools.
SAT Score Calculator
Use our SAT score calculator to estimate your SAT score based on practice test results, predict college admissions chances, and identify areas for improvement.
College Admissions Outlook: With a score of 1200, you’re competitive for many state universities and some selective private colleges.
College Match Recommendations
Based on your estimated SAT score of 1200, here are colleges where you would be competitive:
Admissions Tip: Remember that SAT scores are just one part of your college application. Strong essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and GPA are also crucial factors in admissions decisions.
Your SAT Score History
Understanding SAT Scoring
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with 1600 being a perfect score. The test consists of two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math, each scored from 200-800.
Key Insight: The SAT uses a process called “equating” to ensure that scores are comparable across different test dates. This means a raw score (number of correct answers) might convert to different scaled scores on different tests.
Our SAT score calculator uses historical data and statistical models to predict your scaled score based on practice test performance. While not an exact prediction, it provides a reliable estimate to guide your preparation.
Why Calculate Your SAT Score?
Set realistic SAT score targets based on your target colleges and current performance level.
Monitor your improvement over time as you prepare for the actual SAT exam.
Identify colleges where you would be competitive based on your estimated SAT score.
Identify which sections need the most improvement to maximize your score gain.
SAT Scoring Breakdown
Based on performance on Reading Test and Writing and Language Test. Raw score is converted to scaled score through equating process.
Based on performance on Math Test (Calculator and No-Calculator sections). Raw score conversion varies by test difficulty.
Sum of your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and Math score. Most colleges consider the total score in admissions.
Many colleges “superscore” the SAT, taking your highest section scores across multiple test dates to create a new, higher total score.
How SAT Scoring Works
Understanding the SAT scoring system is crucial for effective test preparation. Here’s how your raw scores convert to scaled scores:
Step-by-Step Scoring Process
- Calculate Raw Scores: Count the number of correct answers in each section
- Apply Penalty for Wrong Answers: For the paper SAT, subtract ¼ point for each wrong answer (no penalty on Digital SAT)
- Convert to Scaled Scores: Use equating process to convert raw scores to scaled scores (200-800 per section)
- Calculate Total Score: Add the two section scores for your total SAT score (400-1600)
- Determine Percentile: Compare your score to national performance data
Digital SAT vs Paper SAT
- Adaptive testing – second module difficulty depends on first module performance
- No penalty for wrong answers
- Shorter test duration (2 hours 14 minutes)
- Score range still 400-1600
- Fixed form – all students take same questions
- ¼ point penalty for wrong answers
- Longer test duration (3 hours)
- Same 400-1600 score range
Test Strategy: For the Digital SAT, answer every question since there’s no penalty for wrong answers. For the paper SAT, only guess if you can eliminate at least one answer choice.
SAT Score Percentiles
| SAT Score | Percentile | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 1600 | 99+ | Perfect Score |
| 1400-1590 | 94-99 | Excellent |
| 1200-1390 | 74-93 | Good |
| 1000-1190 | 40-73 | Average |
| 800-990 | 10-39 | Below Average |
| 400-790 | 1-9 | Needs Improvement |
SAT Scores & College Admissions
Your SAT score is an important factor in college admissions, but it’s not the only one. Here’s how SAT scores factor into admissions decisions at different types of colleges:
SAT Scores by College Selectivity
| College Type | Typical SAT Range | Admissions Rate | SAT Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy League | 1460-1580 | 4-8% | Very High |
| Top Private Universities | 1350-1520 | 10-25% | High |
| Selective Public Universities | 1250-1450 | 25-50% | High |
| Mid-Range Public Universities | 1100-1300 | 50-75% | Moderate |
| Liberal Arts Colleges | 1200-1420 | 30-60% | Moderate-High |
| Community Colleges | Open Admission | 90-100% | Low |
Test-Optional Colleges
Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning SAT scores are not required for admission. However, strong SAT scores can still strengthen your application:
- Submitting Scores: Can strengthen application if scores are above college’s median
- Not Submitting: Focus shifts to GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations
- Merit Scholarships: Many scholarships still require SAT scores
- Course Placement: SAT scores may be used for course placement even at test-optional schools
Important: Even at test-optional colleges, submitting strong SAT scores can improve your chances of admission and increase scholarship opportunities. Research each college’s specific policy on their admissions website.
SAT Study Tips & Strategies
Improving your SAT score requires strategic preparation. Here are evidence-based methods to increase your score:
General Study Strategies
- Start Early: Begin studying 3-6 months before your test date
- Take Practice Tests: Complete full-length timed practice tests under realistic conditions
- Analyze Mistakes: Review every incorrect answer to understand why you got it wrong
- Focus on Weaknesses: Spend more time on sections where you have the most room for improvement
- Use Official Materials: College Board’s official SAT practice materials are most accurate
Section-Specific Strategies
- Read questions first, then passage
- Look for evidence in the text
- Practice with different passage types
- Manage time – about 13 minutes per passage
- Learn grammar rules systematically
- Focus on conciseness and clarity
- Understand question types
- Practice editing skills
- Memorize essential formulas
- Show your work for complex problems
- Check for careless errors
- Practice with and without calculator
- Get good sleep before test
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Arrive early to testing center
- Use breaks effectively
Score Improvement Timeline
| Study Time | Typical Score Increase | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month (20-30 hours) | 50-80 points | Test format, basic strategies |
| 2-3 months (50-80 hours) | 100-150 points | Content review, practice tests |
| 4-6 months (100+ hours) | 150-250+ points | Advanced strategies, weak areas |
Test Preparation Warning: Avoid cramming for the SAT. Consistent, spaced practice over several months is more effective than intensive last-minute studying. Consider professional tutoring if you’re struggling to improve on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Our calculator is based on historical SAT data and provides estimates accurate within ±30 points for most students. Actual scores may vary based on test difficulty, equating process, and individual performance on test day. Use it as a guide for practice test performance, not as a guarantee.
A “good” SAT score depends on your college goals:
Top 25% (Good): 1200+ (74th percentile)
Top 10% (Very Good): 1350+ (90th percentile)
Top 5% (Excellent): 1450+ (96th percentile)
Ivy League Competitive: 1500+ (98th percentile)
Check specific colleges’ middle 50% SAT ranges for more targeted goals.
Most students: Take the SAT 2-3 times
First attempt: Baseline score, get familiar with test
Second attempt: After 2-3 months of study, aim for improvement
Third attempt: If needed for specific score goal or superscoring
Beyond three: Diminishing returns, focus on other application components
SAT: More time per question, evidence-based reading, no science section, math makes up 50% of score
ACT: Faster pace, includes science section, more straightforward math questions
Conversion: Use concordance tables to compare scores. Many students do better on one test than the other. Consider taking practice tests for both to see which suits you better.
The SAT Essay is discontinued as of June 2021. The SAT no longer includes an optional essay section. Some states may still require writing for their state-administered SAT, but for national test dates, the essay is no longer available.
Explore Our Other Useful Tools
Check out our other free online tools and calculators for various needs:
These external tools are provided for your convenience and may have different terms of use.
Start Your SAT Preparation Journey
Use our SAT score calculator to set realistic goals, track your progress, and maximize your college admissions chances. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve, knowing your numbers is key to effective SAT preparation.