Before you take the Scholastic Aptitude Test, you may want to know what constitutes a good SAT score. The SAT is one of two exams that can help you get into a good college. Though some students take the ACT, others take the SAT. Both are types of standardized exams that test your knowledge of specific things like math and reading comprehension. You should learn more about the exam as a whole before taking a look at what a good score is on that test.
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a type of standardized test that many students take before applying to colleges. When you register to take this exam, you can choose between having your score mailed directly to you or having your score sent to one or more colleges. You can also request that the testing board mail your score to those schools after you look at it. The exam features three different sections that cover math, reading and writing. The reading and writing sections are a combined section on the test. You can prep for the exam online, with practice tests available in test prep books and with classes specifically designed to prepare you for taking the exam.
Score Range
When you watch old television shows or films, you might hear characters talk about scoring a 1500 on the SAT and getting a perfect score. While that was a perfect score in the past, the testing board updated the exam in 2016. A perfect score on that test is now a 1600, but very few students actually get a perfect score. The lowest that you can possibly score on the SAT is 400. You get a small number of points for simply writing your name on the form and answering any of the questions, which means that it’s rare for a student to score only a 400.
Good Score
According to The Princeton Review, a good SAT score is a 1200, which is a combined total across all sections. It also claims that an average score is 541 on the math section and 543 on the reading and writing section for a combined total of 1083 and that the average student scores between 1090 and 1300 on the test. You should check with the college that you want to attend to see if it requires a minimum SAT score.
Importance of a Good Score
Though you may not think that your SAT score is that important, a good score can help you when it comes to applying to college. A higher score can compensate for any poor grades you had in the past or a lack of extracurricular activities on your record. That score can even cover the lack of AP or advanced classes that you took in high school. Many colleges offer scholarships for students who score highly on the test too. The schools base these scholarships on the merit that students demonstrate and can help you pay for your college education.
Before you begin applying to colleges, you need to take either the SAT or the ACT. Taking either standardized test can be an indicator of how well you would do in college. A good SAT score is a 1200, but you can score higher or lower on the exam and still get into a good school.
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