Average SAT Score

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 national average composite SAT score, as of 2021, is 1060 for those who didn't complete the essay section and 1088 for the 46% of test-takers who did. 

Average SAT Score by Section

The average SAT score for reading and writing, as of 2021, is 533, and the math score is 528. While some state-provided testing may still require the essay portion of the exam, most administrations have discontinued their use as of 2021. If essays are required, they are scored from two to eight each for reading, writing, and analysis which are added to the final cumulative test score.

Average SAT Score for Incoming First-Year Students

The average cumulative SAT score for high school graduates entering college who took the SAT in 2021 while still in school was 1060. The average score for ERW was 533, and it was 528 for math.

Average SAT Score Over The Past Five Years

In 2016, the College Board redesigned and reissued the SAT exam in an effort to make it more realistic and less stressful for students. Below were some of the key changes:

A good SAT score helps you get into the college of your choice, keeps you competitive, and helps you stand out from the other applicants. A good SAT score also meets the College Board's college and career readiness benchmarks, which are detailed below. 

These benchmark scores equal a minimum of 480 for ERW and 530 for math, and a minimum cumulative score of 1010. However, 1010 won't be enough to get into an Ivy League school or the other popular schools we've mentioned above, where you'll need a minimum score of approximately 1440 and 1350, respectively.

A cumulative score between 400 and 1000 may be considered less than ideal by some schools and may weaken your chances of acceptance. However, it's important to remember that you can retake the test, and many schools use your SAT superscore to make their final determination for enrollment.

While you should aim for the best score possible, or at least one that is above average, you should remain realistic. Don't reach for something you know you can't achieve. However, always target a score higher than the one you're aiming for – this usually means a score about 20 to 30 points higher than you think you'll need.

Colleges we've recognized above look for minimum scores of approximately 1200, with ivy league universities seeking scores of 1400 or higher. This will vary by school, so always check with your school when considering enrollment.