Is the new SAT Scores required for all students? In this article. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about the SAT’s New Format, SAT Scoring Scale, Average SAT Score Chart Percentile details, etc.
What the new SAT is all about?
Since it was first introduced in 1926, the SAT has changed format a few times. The SAT was redesigned in 2016. We encourage all students and families to learn more about the new SAT by utilizing the extensive resources on the College Board website.
Major changes in the new SAT
1) Test Structure and Testing Time
The new SAT is comprised of two sections, 154 total questions, and an optional essay:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- Math
- Essay (optional)
The previous test was comprised of three sections, 170 total questions, and a required essay:
- Critical Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Essay (required)
The New SAT Test is 3 hours plus an additional 50 minutes for the optional essay. The previous version, which included the mandatory essay, was 3 hours and 45 minutes long.
2) Scoring
The SAT will return to the original scoring scale of 1600, comprised of 800 for both the math and evidence-based reading and writing sections. But in old SAT exam was 2400 scale.
The essay is scored separately, and a student can achieve a perfect score of 1600 without taking the essay.
3) Guessing Penalty
The guessing penalty for incorrect answers has been eliminated (it means no negative marking for wrong guess). Previously, a student lost ¼ of a point for every incorrect answer.
So, now students can feel more comfortable to attempt to problem solve even the most challenging items without fear of being penalized for a wrong answer.
It is in a student’s best interest to guess on unanswered questions, even if it means filling in random answer choices.
4) Multiple-choice Options
The number of options on MCQs will decrease from 5 to 4. The chances of guessing correctly will increase and students won’t have to spend as much time reviewing the answer choices.
Please note that the mathematics section includes 13 student-produced response problems that are not impacted by this change.
5) Calculators
The use of calculators will be limited to certain math questions. Previously, students were able to use calculators on the entire math section.
How to read your SAT Score
As per new guidelines, SAT will be now scored out of 1600 with only 2 sections which include:
- Math
- Evidence-based Reading and Writing.
- Total Score – Sum of two section scores – between 400 and 1600.
- Section scores (2) – Evidence Based Reading and Writing, and Math – between 200 and 800.
- Test Scores (3) – Reading, Writing and Language, Math – between 10 and 40.
- SAT Essay Scores (3) – Reading, Analysis And Writing – between 2 and 8.
Note: In addition, Test takers have the option of taking an essay at the end of SAT. The optional essay requires students to produce a written analysis of the text provided. Test takers get 50 minutes to write the essay. The score ranges from 2-8 for each of the three dimensions of the essay. These essay results are reported separately.
New SAT Scores Release Dates 2019-2020
SAT Test Date | SAT Scores Release Date | SAT Essay Scores Release Date |
March 9, 2019 | March 22, 2019 | March 24, 2019 |
May 4, 2019 | May 17, 2019 | May 19, 2019 |
June 1, 2019 | July 10, 2019 | July 14, 2019 |
SAT Scores Release Dates 2017-2018
SAT Test Date | Scores Sent to Colleges | Scores Available to Students |
August 26, 2017 | September 14, 2017 | September 15, 2017 |
October 7, 2017 | October 19, 2017 | October 20, 2017 |
November 4, 2017 | November 16, 2017 | November 17, 2017 |
December 2, 2017 | December 14, 2017 | December 15, 2017 |
January 20, 2018 | February 14, 2018 | February 15, 2018 |
March 10, 2018 | March 22, 2018 | March 23, 2018 |
May 5, 2018 | May 17, 2018 | May 18, 2018 |
June 2, 2018 | July 10, 2018 | July 11, 2018 |
New SAT Scores Required For Top 25 Colleges
Name Of Colleges | New SAT Scores (25th – 75th Percentile) | Average SAT Scores |
California Institute of Technology | 1530-1600 | 1540 |
University of Chicago | 1500-1590 | 1520 |
Harvard University | 1470-1600 | 1510 |
Yale University | 1490-1600 | 1530 |
Washington University in St. Louis | 1460-1580 | 1510 |
Princeton University | 1470-1590 | 1510 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1480-1590 | 1510 |
Vanderbilt University | 1480-1590 | 1510 |
Columbia University | 1470-1590 | 1500 |
Stanford University | 1450-1590 | 1500 |
Northwestern University | 1450-1570 | 1500 |
Duke University | 1470-1590 | 1490 |
Dartmouth College | 1430-1580 | 1490 |
University of Pennsylvania | 1450-1570 | 1490 |
Rice University | 1450-1570 | 1490 |
Tufts University | 1440-1550 | 1480 |
Johns Hopkins University | 1450-1560 | 1480 |
Brown University | 1410-1570 | 1490 |
University of Notre Dame | 1440-1540 | 1490 |
Carnegie Mellon University | 1430-1560 | 1490 |
Northeastern University | 1400-1530 | 1470 |
Cornell University | 1390-1550 | 1460 |
Colorado School of Mines | 1390-1450 | 1410 |
Georgia Institute of Technology | 1380-1530 | 1450 |
Emory University | 1370-1510 | 1430 |
SAT Score Uses
There is not a single method to admissions and how SAT scores might be used in the process. The following list explains some of the ways SAT scores might be used at different colleges and universities in United Sates (U.S.). They are
- Use SAT scores to better understand other info in an applicant’s folder, such as grades & courses taken.
- Take in SAT scores as one element in an admissions index to determine basic qualifications
- Analysis SAT scores to identify students who might be in danger and who might benefit from special counsellors, developmental programs.
- Recruit students who have SAT scores similar to those of accepted or enrolled students at that organization.
For more details, visit the College Board website
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