Most people overlook the actual scoring of the SAT.
To understand the scoring of the SAT, you need to understand the difference between raw and scaled scores:
Raw scores are the number of points you get for math, reading, or writing, after you tally 1 point for each correct answer and deduct 1/4 point for each incorrect answer. The total raw score is then converted to a 200-800 scale, using a curve based on all the scores for that particular test. This converted score is the scaled score.
For the Math section of the exam, the raw score ranges from 0-54 (that is, there are 54 questions on the math section of the test), which converts to the commonly known scores of 200-800 respectively. A math score ranking around the 50th percentile (500 scaled score) would require approximately 24 raw points.
For the Critical Reading section of the exam, the raw score ranges from 0-67 which also converts to a 200-800 scaled score. The 50th percentile score of 500 could be achieved by acquiring approximately 32 raw points.
For the Writing Skills section of the exam, the raw score for the multiple choice ranges from 0-49, which then has the essay score factored in, with a final result of a 200-800 scaled score. The 50th percentile score of 500 could be achieved by acquiring approximately 30 raw points and an essay score of 6.
More than half of the country usually scores somewhere between 1350 and 1650. Generally, less than 20% of scores are 1800 or above. What does that mean? It means that if you get an 1800 or better, you are in pretty rarefied company, and you are going to have a lot of options in your choice of potential colleges.
What should I take with me to the test? Which scores will colleges consider?