Understanding SAT Scores

By: Elece Hollis

A SAT Test score is an important result for any college-bound high school student, but understanding SAT scores and how to best use the score is a confusing issue.

The Tests
Two million students take the SAT each year. It is a good way for colleges to decide if an applicant will have a good chance of success. The SAT is only one of the tests and factors that colleges use in the acceptance process.

The Score
The overall score is a total of the scores of three scores in three main categories-math, critical thinking and writing. Each is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. This means there is a possible score of 2400.

The test can be taken as many times as a student wants to take it. Some colleges only take the highest score while others average all the scores or at least up to the six most recent scores. Some schools look at the most recent score only.

If a student goes to take the test and signs the test without answering any of the questions it is considered that he has automatically requested cancellation. He gets a score of 200. Any score of 200 is not reported.

A good score on the SAT significantly increases the student's chances of being accepted at a college. 

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