The Digital SATĀ® (DSATĀ®) is the new adaptive version of the SATĀ® that launched in Spring 2024. Instead of paper tests, students now take the exam on a computer, with questions adapting in difficulty based on performance in the first module. Scores still range from 400ā1600, but the digital format makes testing more efficient and personalized.
Each sectionāMath, and Reading & Writingāis scored from 200 to 800. Within each, your raw score is the number of correct answers. The digital test adapts: your performance in Module 1 affects the difficulty of Module 2. Raw scores from both modules are then converted into scaled scores, ensuring fairness across different test versions.
Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers. Scale scores are created when the College Board converts raw scores into the 200ā800 range for each section. The scaling accounts for the adaptive nature of the DSATĀ®, so your scaled score is comparable to other students even if you saw slightly different questions.
A āgoodā SATĀ® score depends on your college goals. For competitive schools like Harvard, youāll likely need 1500+, while many state schools accept scores around 1200. Nationally, the average SATĀ® score is usually between 1010ā1060, so anything above that is above average. Generally, a 1200 puts you in the top quartile, while a 1400+ places you in the 94th percentile or higher.
The national average SATĀ® score usually falls between 1010ā1060. Looking at percentiles, a 50th percentile score is about 1050, while a 75th percentile score is around 1200. That means most college-bound students aim for 1100ā1300, with top schools requiring significantly higher scores.
Scoring a 1400 is challengingāit places you in the top 6% of test takers. To earn a 1400, you typically need around 700 in each section. In practice, that means missing only 6ā8 questions per section on average. With focused prep and expert guidance, however, a 1400+ is achievable.
Yes, a 1200 is considered a solid SATĀ® score. It places you in the top quartile of test takers and is competitive for many universities. While it may not be strong enough for Ivy League admissions, itās above average nationally and makes you a competitive applicant at a wide range of schools.
The SATĀ® is not curved relative to other test takers. Instead, the College Board uses a process called āequatingā to ensure fairness. This means that a 600 score on one test date equals a 600 on another, even if the questions were slightly harder or easier. This process ensures consistency across test administrations.
Your superscore is the combination of your highest Math score and highest Reading & Writing score across multiple SATĀ® test dates. For example, if you scored 700 in Math on one test and 720 in Reading & Writing on another, your superscore would be 1420. Many colleges now consider superscores during admissions.
TutorLyft connects students with experienced SATĀ® tutors across Canada who specialize in both the Math and Reading & Writing sections. Personalized tutoring can help you identify weaknesses, practice under timed conditions, and boost your overall score. Use our score calculator to estimate your results, then work with a TutorLyft tutor to reach your goal score.