- Reading Test: 65 minutes
- Writing and Language Test: 35 minutes
- Math Section: 80 minutes, split into a calculator-allowed section and a no-calculator section
In short, the SAT measures your skills in reading, writing, and math through 154 multiple-choice questions. The highest possible score is 1600.
The reading section includes passages covering topics such as literature, historical documents, and social and natural sciences. The writing and language section tests your grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills. The math section includes questions on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, with one portion allowing the use of a calculator and another requiring you to work without one.
If you're concerned about the cost of the test, check to see if you qualify for a fee waiver, which can help alleviate the financial burden. Colleges typically list the average SAT scores of their incoming freshmen, giving you an idea of the scores you’ll need to be a competitive applicant for each of your top schools.
National Average SAT Scores
The College Board reported the following average SAT scores for students across the United States:
- Total Average Score: 1028
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) Average Score: 520
- Math Average Score: 508
These averages provide a benchmark for students to compare their performance. A total score of 1028 places a student around the middle of the score range, indicating typical performance relative to other test-takers.
State-by-State SAT Performance Insights
Understanding how SAT scores vary across different states can provide valuable context for students, educators, and policymakers.
Whether it's the highest and lowest state averages, participation rates, and notable variations between sections, analyzing state-level SAT data can shed light on academic preparedness and achievement gaps across the nation.
Highest SAT Scores
1. North Dakota: 1287
Insights: North Dakota boasts the highest average SAT score of 1287, but with only 1% of eligible students taking the exam. This high score likely reflects that only the most prepared and motivated students opted to take the SAT, while the majority may have taken the ACT or chosen not to participate in standardized testing.
2. Wisconsin: 1252
Insights: Wisconsin also shows a high average score of 1252, with a low participation rate of 2%. Similar to North Dakota, the low participation rate suggests that mainly high-performing students took the SAT.
Lowest SAT Scores
1. West Virginia: 923
Insights: West Virginia has the lowest average SAT score of 923, with a high participation rate of 90%. The broad participation likely includes a wide range of student abilities, which can lower the average score.
2. New Mexico: 901
Insights: New Mexico’s average SAT score of 901, coupled with a 94% participation rate, indicates that the test is widely taken across the state, including by students who might be less prepared.
States with High Participation Rates
1. District of Columbia: 100%
Total Score: 969
Insights: The District of Columbia has a 100% participation rate with an average score of 969. The compulsory nature of the SAT here means all students, regardless of their readiness, take the exam, which can lower the average score.
2. Indiana: 100%
Total Score: 971
Insights: Indiana also has a 100% participation rate with an average score of 971. Similar to the District of Columbia, the inclusion of all students in the testing pool can result in a lower average score.
States with Low Participation Rates
1. Mississippi: 1%
Total Score: 1226
Insights: Mississippi has one of the lowest participation rates at 1%, with an average score of 1226. This indicates that only a select group of high-performing students took the SAT, leading to a higher average score.
2. North Dakota: 1%
Total Score: 1287
Insights: As mentioned, North Dakota’s 1% participation rate with a score of 1287 shows that primarily the top students took the test, reflecting in the higher average score.
Most Variation Between the Two SAT Sections
1. West Virginia:
Insights: West Virginia has a notable discrepancy between EBRW and Math scores, with the Math score being 33 points lower than the EBRW score. This suggests a potential area for targeted academic improvement.
2. US Virgin Islands:
Insights: The US Virgin Islands also show significant variation, with students scoring 47 points higher in EBRW compared to Math. This larger gap can indicate a need for focused math instruction and support.
SAT Scoring System
Video: How is the SAT Scored?
The SAT is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, combining results from two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math. Here’s a breakdown of how the scoring works:
- Reading Section: This section tests comprehension and reasoning skills based on written passages. Scores range from 200 to 800.
- Writing and Language Section: This section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills. It is combined with the Reading section to form the ERW score, which ranges from 200 to 800.
- Math Section: This section includes questions on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, with scores ranging from 200 to 800.
- Total Score: The ERW and Math scores are combined to give a total score ranging from 400 to 1600.
SAT vs. ACT
The SAT is often mentioned alongside the ACT, another college entrance exam accepted by most U.S. colleges and universities. Here’s how the two compare, helping you decide which might be the better fit for you:
Exam Duration:
- SAT: 3 hours
- ACT: 2 hours 55 minutes (plus a 40-minute optional writing test)
Number of Exam Questions:
Exam Components:
- SAT: Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, Math Section
- ACT: Reading Test, English Test, Math Section, Science Test
Use of Calculator:
- SAT: Allowed for one of the two math sections
- ACT: Allowed for the math section
Scoring Scale:
Cost:
- SAT: $60
- ACT: $68 (no writing test), $93 (with writing test)
Both exams offer similar time constraints, costs, and allow the use of a calculator during the math sections. The ACT includes an optional writing test and a science section, which the SAT does not.
Some test-takers prefer the pacing of the SAT since it has fewer questions, allowing more time per question. The scoring scales also differ, with the SAT scoring from 400-1600 and the ACT from 1-36.
Choosing between the SAT and ACT often comes down to personal preference and strengths. Consider taking practice tests for both to see which one you feel more comfortable with.
How to Study for the SAT
Preparing for the SAT can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and resources, you can improve your scores and approach the test with confidence. Here are some effective self-study methods to get you started.
Self-Study Methods
Online Resources: Many students successfully prepare for the SAT using free online resources. There are many online resources that offer personalized practice based on your PSAT scores, as well as full-length practice tests and video tutorials.
Library Materials: Public libraries often have a wealth of SAT prep books available for checkout. These books typically include practice tests, detailed reviews of each section, and test-taking strategies.
Study Groups: Forming a study group with fellow test-takers can provide mutual support and motivation. Group members can share resources, quiz each other, and explain difficult concepts.
Free SAT Resources
College Board: The creators of the SAT provide a range of free SAT preparation materials, including practice tests and sample questions.
Professional Guidance
SAT Tutors: Hiring a tutor can provide personalized instruction tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Tutors can help you develop a study plan, teach test-taking strategies, and keep you accountable.
Test Prep Classes: Enrolling in an SAT prep class can offer structured learning with an experienced instructor. These classes often cover all sections of the SAT in detail, offer practice tests, and provide tips for managing test day stress.
SAT Preparation Tips
Video: How I Got A 1600 On The SAT Without Being A Genius
- Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the SAT, including the types of questions you’ll encounter and the timing of each section.
- Take Practice Tests: Regularly taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions can help you build endurance and improve your time management skills.
- Review Mistakes: Carefully review your answers to practice questions and tests. Understanding why you got a question wrong is crucial for improvement.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weakest subjects and allocate more study time to those areas. Use targeted practice to strengthen your skills.
- Develop a Study Schedule: Create a study plan that spreads out your preparation over several months. Consistent, focused study sessions are more effective than cramming.
- Use Quality Study Materials: Choose study guides and practice tests from reputable sources. Official SAT materials from the College Board are highly recommended.
- Learn Test-Taking Strategies: Develop strategies for answering multiple-choice questions, such as eliminating obviously incorrect answers and making educated guesses.
- Stay Healthy: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. Good physical health can significantly impact your mental performance.
- Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude can help reduce anxiety and improve your confidence on test day.
- Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers, tutors, or classmates for help with difficult concepts or questions.
Final Insights
Understanding average SAT scores by state can offer valuable insights into regional educational trends and help students gauge their performance relative to their peers. By examining the highest and lowest scores, participation rates, and variations between sections, we can see how different factors impact SAT results across the country.
Whether you're aiming for a competitive score to get into your dream school or looking to understand your state’s educational landscape, the insights provided here can help guide your preparation and decision-making process.
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Additional Resources
Need practical advice for navigating the college application process? check out our guide College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed
Struggling to come up with a compelling essay? Explore our list of Top 40 College Essay Ideas and Topics to find inspiration for your application.
Looking for expert guidance on your college journey? Read our 10 Tips for Finding an Independent College Counselor to ensure you get the best support.
