how to score sat essay

What Is the SAT Essay?

College Board

• February 28, 2024

The SAT Essay section is a lot like a typical writing assignment in which you’re asked to read and analyze a passage and then produce an essay in response to a single prompt about that passage. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your reading, analysis, and writing skills—which are critical to readiness for success in college and career—and the scores you’ll get back will give you insight into your strengths in these areas as well as indications of any areas that you may still need to work on.

The Essay section is only available in certain states where it’s required as part of SAT School Day administrations. If you’re going to be taking the SAT during school , ask your counselor if it will include the Essay section. If it’s included, the Essay section will come after the Reading and Writing and Math sections and will add an additional 50 minutes .

What You’ll Do

• Read a passage between 650 and 750 words in length.
• Explain how the author builds an argument to persuade an audience.
• Support your explanation with evidence from the passage.

You won’t be asked to agree or disagree with a position on a topic or to write about your personal experience.

The Essay section shows how well you understand the passage and are able to use it as the basis for a well-written, thought-out discussion. Your score will be based on three categories.

Reading: A successful essay shows that you understood the passage, including the interplay of central ideas and important details. It also shows an effective use of textual evidence.

Analysis: A successful essay shows your understanding of how the author builds an argument by:

• Examining the author’s use of evidence, reasoning, and other stylistic and persuasive techniques
• Supporting and developing claims with well-chosen evidence from the passage

Writing: A successful essay is focused, organized, and precise, with an appropriate style and tone that varies sentence structure and follows the conventions of standard written English.

Learn more about how the SAT Essay is scored.

Want to practice? Log in to the Bluebook™ testing application , go to the Practice and Prepare section, and choose full-length practice test . There are 3 practice Essay   tests. Once you submit your response, go to MyPractice.Collegeboard.org , where you’ll see your essay, a scoring guide and rubric so that you can score yourself, and student samples for various scores to compare your self-score with a student at the same level.

After the Test

You’ll get your Essay score the same way you’ll get your scores for the Reading and Writing and Math sections. If you choose to send your SAT scores to colleges, your Essay score will be reported along with your other section scores from that test day. Even though Score Choice™   allows you to choose which day’s scores you send to colleges, you can never send only some scores from a certain test day. For instance, you can’t choose to send Math scores but not SAT Essay scores.

Until 2021, the SAT Essay was also an optional section when taking the SAT on a weekend. That section was discontinued in 2021.

If you don’t have the opportunity to take the SAT Essay section as part of the SAT, don’t worry. There are other ways to show your writing skills as part of the work you’re already doing on your path to college. The SAT can help you stand out on college applications , as it continues to measure the writing and analytical skills that are essential to college and career readiness. And, if you want to demonstrate your writing skills even more, you can also consider taking an AP English course .

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SAT Essay Scores Explained

On january 19th, 2021, college board announced that they will no longer administer the sat subject tests in the u.s. and that the essay would be retired. read our blog post  to understand what this means in the near term and what the college board has in store for students down the road., our articles on subject tests and the sat essay will remain on our site for reference purposes as colleges and students transition to a revised testing landscape..

Why are there no percentiles for the essay on an SAT score report?

No percentiles or norms are provided in student reports. Even colleges do not receive any summary statistics. Given Compass’ concerns about the inaccuracy of essay scoring and the notable failures of the ACT on that front, the de-emphasis of norms would seem to be a good thing. The problem is that 10% of colleges are sticking with the SAT Essay as an admission requirement . While those colleges will not receive score distribution reports from the College Board, it is not difficult for them to construct their own statistics—officially or unofficially—based on thousands of applicants. Colleges can determine a “good score,” but students cannot. This asymmetry of information is harmful to students, as they are left to speculate how well they have performed and how their scores will be interpreted. Through our analysis, Compass hopes to provide students and parents more context for evaluating SAT Essay scores.

How has scoring changed? Is it still part of a student’s Total Score?

On the old SAT, the essay was a required component of the Writing section and made up approximately one-third of a student’s 200–800 score. The essay score itself was simply the sum (2–12) of two readers’ 1–6 scores. Readers were expected to grade holistically and not to focus on individual components of the writing. The SAT essay came under a great deal of criticism for being too loosely structured. Factual accuracy was not required; it was not that difficult to make pre-fabricated material fit the prompt; many colleges found the 2–12 essay scores of little use; and the conflation of the essay and “Writing” was, in some cases, blocking the use of the SAT Writing score—which included grammar and usage—entirely.

With the 2016 overhaul of the SAT came an attempt to make the essay more academically defensible while also making it optional (as the ACT essay had long been). The essay score is not a part of the 400–1600 score. Instead, a student opting to take the SAT Essay receives 2–8 scores in three dimensions: reading, analysis, and writing. No equating or fancy lookup table is involved. The scores are simply the sum of two readers’ 1–4 ratings in each dimension. There is no official totaling or averaging of scores, although colleges may choose to do so.

Readers avoid extremes

What is almost universally true about grading of standardized test essays is that readers gravitate to the middle of the scale. The default instinct is to nudge a score above or below a perceived cutoff or midpoint rather than to evenly distribute scores. When the only options are 1, 2, 3, or 4, the consequence is predictable—readers give out a lot of 2s and 3s and very few 1s and 4s. In fact, our analysis shows that 80% of all reader scores are 2s or 3s. This, in turn, means that most of the dimension scores (the sum of the two readers) range from 4 to 6. Analysis scores are outliers. A third of readers give essays a 1 in Analysis. Below is the distribution of reader scores across all dimensions.

What is a good SAT Essay score?

By combining multiple data sources—including extensive College Board scoring information—Compass has estimated the mean and mode (most common) essay scores for students at various score levels. We also found that the reading and writing dimensions were similar, while analysis scores lagged by a point across all sub-groups. These figures should not be viewed as cutoffs for “good” scores. The loose correlation of essay score to Total Score and the high standard deviation of essay scores means that students at all levels see wide variation of scores. The average essay-taking student scores a 1,080 on the SAT and receives just under a 5/4/5.

College Board recently released essay results for the class of 2017, so score distributions are now available. From these, percentiles can also be calculated. We provide these figures with mixed feelings. On the one hand, percentile scores on such an imperfect measure can be highly misleading. On the other hand, we feel that students should understand the full workings of essay scores.

The role of luck

What is frustrating to many students on the SAT and ACT is that they can score 98th percentile in most areas and then get a “middling” score on the essay. This result is actually quite predictable. Whereas math and verbal scores are the result of dozens of objective questions, the essay is a single question graded subjectively. To replace statistical concepts with a colloquial one—far more “luck” is involved than on the multiple-choice sections. What text is used in the essay stimulus? How well will the student respond to the style and subject matter? Which of the hundreds of readers were assigned to grade the student’s essay? What other essays has the reader recently scored?

Even good writers run into the unpredictability involved and the fact that essay readers give so few high scores. A 5 means that the Readers A and B gave the essay a 2 and a 3, respectively. Which reader was “right?” If the essay had encountered two readers like Reader A, it would have received a 4. If the essay had been given two readers like Reader B, it would have received a 6. That swing makes a large difference if we judge scores exclusively by percentiles, but essay scores are simply too blurry to make such cut-and-dry distinctions. More than 80% of students receive one of three scores—4, 5, or 6 on the reading and writing dimensions and 3, 4, or 5 on analysis.

What do colleges expect?

It’s unlikely that many colleges will release a breakdown of essay scores for admitted students—especially since so few are requiring it. What we know from experience with the ACT , though, is that even at the most competitive schools in the country, the 25th–75th percentile scores of admitted students were 8–10 on the ACT’s old 2–12 score range. We expect that things will play out similarly for the SAT and that most students admitted to highly selective colleges will have domain scores in the 5–7 range (possibly closer to 4–6 for analysis). It’s even less likely for students to average a high score across all three areas than it is to obtain a single high mark. We estimate that only a fraction of a percent of students will average an 8—for example [8/8/8, 7/8/8, 8/7/8, or 8,8,7].

Update as of October 2017. The University of California system has published the 25th–75th percentile ranges for enrolled students. It has chosen to work with total scores. The highest ranges—including those at UCLA and Berkeley—are 17–20. Those scores are inline with our estimates above.

How will colleges use the domain scores?

Colleges have been given no guidance by College Board on how to use essay scores for admission. Will they sum the scores? Will they average them? Will they value certain areas over others? Chances are that if you are worrying too much about those questions, then you are likely losing sight of the bigger picture. We know of no cases where admission committees will make formulaic use of essay scores. The scores are a very small, very error-prone part of a student’s testing portfolio.

How low is too low?

Are 3s and 4s, then, low enough that an otherwise high-scoring student should retest? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. In general, it is a mistake to retest solely to improve an essay score unless a student is confident that the SAT Total Score can be maintained or improved. A student with a 1340 PSAT and 1280 SAT may feel that it is worthwhile to bring up low essay scores because she has previously shown that she can do better on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math, as well. A student with a 1400 PSAT and 1540 SAT should think long and hard before committing to a retest. Admission results from the class of 2017 may give us some added insight into the use of SAT Essay scores.

Will colleges continue to require the SAT Essay?

For the class of 2017, Compass has prepared a list of the SAT Essay and ACT Writing policies for 360 of the top colleges . Several of the largest and most prestigious public university systems—California, Michigan, and Texas, for example, still require the essay, and a number of highly competitive private colleges do the same—for example, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.

The number of excellent colleges not requiring the SAT Essay, though, is long and getting longer. Compass expects even more colleges to drop the essay requirement for the classes of 2018 and 2019. Policies are typically finalized in late spring or during the summer.

Should I skip the essay entirely?

A common question regarding SAT scores is whether the whole mess can be avoided by skipping the essay. After all, if only about 10% of colleges are requiring the section, is it really that important? Despite serious misgivings about the test and the ways scores are interpreted, Compass still recommends that most students take the essay unless they are certain that they will not be applying to any of the colleges requiring or recommending it. Nationally, about 70% of students choose to take the essay on at least one SAT administration. When looking at higher scoring segments, that quickly rises to 85–90%. Almost all Compass students take the SAT Essay at least once to insure that they do not miss out on educational opportunities.

Should I prepare for the SAT Essay?

Most Compass students decide to do some preparation for the essay, because taking any part of a test “cold” can be an unpleasant experience, and students want to avoid feeling like a retake is necessary. In addition to practicing exercises and tests, most students can perform well enough on the SAT Essay after 1–2 hours of tutoring. Students taking a Compass practice SAT will also receive a scored essay. Students interested in essay writing tips for the SAT can refer to Compass blog posts on the difference between the ACT and SAT tasks  and the use of first person on the essays .

Will I be able to see my essay?

Yes. ACT makes it difficult to obtain a copy of your Writing essay, but College Board includes it as part of your online report.

Will colleges have access to my essay? Even if they don’t require it?

Yes, colleges are provided with student essays. We know of very few circumstances where SAT Essay reading is regularly conducted. Colleges that do not require the SAT Essay fall into the “consider” and “do not consider” camps. Schools do not always list this policy on their website or in their application materials, so it is hard to have a comprehensive list. We recommend contacting colleges for more information. In general, the essay will have little to no impact at colleges that do not require or recommend it.

Is the SAT Essay a reason to take the ACT instead?

Almost all colleges that require the SAT Essay require Writing for ACT-takers. The essays are very different on the two tests, but neither can be said to be universally “easier” or “harder.” Compass recommends that the primary sections of the tests determine your planning. Compass’ content experts have also written a piece on how to attack the ACT essay .

Key links in this post:

ACT and SAT essay requirements ACT Writing scores explained Comparing ACT and SAT essay tasks The use of first person in ACT and SAT essays Understanding the “audience and purpose” of the ACT essay Compass proctored practice testing for the ACT, SAT, and Subject Tests

About Art Sawyer

Art graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was the top-ranked liberal arts student in his class. Art pioneered the one-on-one approach to test prep in California in 1989 and co-founded Compass Education Group in 2004 in order to bring the best ideas and tutors into students' homes and computers. Although he has attained perfect scores on all flavors of the SAT and ACT, he is routinely beaten in backgammon.

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Hi! I’m a high school junior who took the October and November SATs. I got a 1500 on October and then retook it to get a 1590 in November. I’m very happy with my score, but my essays are troubling me. I got a 6-4-6 in October and thought I would improve in November, but I got a 6-3-6. I really cannot improve my actual SAT score, but I don’t understand the essay. I’ve always been a good writer and have consistently been praised for it in English class and outside of class. Is this essay score indicative of my writing skill? And will this essay hurt my chances at Ivy League and other top tier schools? None of the schools I plan on applying to require it, but, since I have to submit it, will it hurt my chances? Thank you so much.

Maya, The essay is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Honestly, a 6-4-6 is a fine score and will not hurt your chances for admission. It’s something of an odd writing task, so I wouldn’t worry that it doesn’t match your writing skills elsewhere.

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., 5 sat essay tips for a great score.

Thinking about tackling the SAT Essay? Here's what you need to know: you'll be asked to read a text (typically a speech or editorial of some sort) and discuss how the author effectively builds an argument. This might be a familiar task if you’ve done it in school, but if not, don’t worry. The format is straightforward, and with some practice, you can learn how to write a great SAT essay.

What is the SAT essay?

The SAT essay is optional and costs an additional fee of $17.00. Currently, only 25 colleges and universities require the SAT essay. You can find a searchable list of school requirements for the essay here . If there is any chance that you might apply to one of those schools, you should sign up for the essay. If you are not sure where you will apply, you should strongly consider signing up for the essay. Your essay score will appear on every score report you send to colleges, regardless of whether or not the school requires an essay. 

Here are 5 tips for writing a killer SAT essay, should you decide to add on that section:

1. Stay Objective

The thing to remember here is that ETS (the company that writes the test) is not asking you for your opinion on a topic or a text. So be sure to maintain formal style and an objective tone. Tip: Avoid “I” and “you.

2. Keep It Tidy

Handwriting is becoming a lost art. Unfortunately, this is one occasion where your skill with a pencil matters. Graders read tons of essays each day. If they cannot decipher your script, they will lower your score. Do yourself a favor and write legibly.

3. (Indented) Paragraphs Are Your Friend

Remember the basic essay structure you learned in school: introductory paragraph, body paragraphs and a conclusion? The SAT essay graders love it! Your introduction should describe the text and paraphrase the argument being made, as well as introduce the specific elements of the passage and argument that you will discuss in the essay. Your conclusion should restate the goal of the passage/argument and sum up the points you made.

Read More: SAT Tips and Strategies

4. For Example…

Use your body paragraphs to back up your thesis statement by citing specific examples. Use short, relevant quotes from the text to support your points.

5. Don't Worry About the Exact Terms for Things

Blanking on terminology? When describing how the author builds his or her argument, “appeal to the emotions” is fine instead of specifically referencing “pathos.” And “comparison of two things” can be used instead of referring to a metaphor. If you do know the official terms, though, feel free to use them!

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SAT Essay Scores: How To Get A Perfect Score

Many students ask me about SAT essay scores and request an example of an SAT essay with a perfect score.

I will share my response below and explain why this SAT essay example fulfills all the scoring requirements. There are four simple tips you can apply when completing the essay portion of the SAT that will allow you to replicate a perfect score on the SAT essay, which we will cover below!

How Are SAT Essays Scored?

According to the College Board , SAT essays are scored using a specific process. Additionally, the College Board states that every official scorer is trained to ensure all students are held to the same exacting standards listed below.

• Every essay will be read and scored by two different scorers.
• The scores for each dimension from both scorers are added together
• You will receive three separate scores—one for each of the dimensions listed above—that range from 2 to 8 points
• The SAT Essay score will not be a composite score in which all of the scores are added together, nor are there percentiles

What Is A Perfect SAT Essay Score

Based on the criteria from above, a perfect score on the SAT essay would be three scores of 8 .

In other words, you will need to score a 4 from each scorer in each dimension.

Here’s what a perfect score on the SAT essay will look like:

SAT Essay Example Assignment & Answer

Now that we know how SAT essays are scored, let’s take a look at the example I promised to share with you earlier. Then we’ll discuss how you can earn a perfect score on your SAT essay.

Example SAT Essay Assignment:

“Is it wise to be suspicious of the motives or honesty of other people, even those who appear to be trustworthy? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.”

Example of a Perfect Scoring SAT Essay Answer:

The quagmire of whether to trust categorically or to bring skepticism into all interactions is one that has plagued mankind since inception. From one perspective, to trust is to engage in humanity; however, from another angle, humans are a self-promoting species who will advance themselves while thwarting the less shrewd, if allowed. In the end, the answer is clear and evident: as proven through examples in history, literature, and current events, it is obvious that it is always better to enter interactions with a sense of cynicism toward all others.

Historically, Abraham Lincoln was an exemplar proving that it is always best to be skeptical of the motives of others. When he called upon the know how of General William Tecumseh Sherman, he was not without his doubts as to the motives of the once-radical general.

( Filler…………..Filler……………Filler……………Doesn’t matter what you write here because the introduction and the first two sentences the second paragraph were so strong……..Filler…………Filler……….Filler )*

Hence, Lincoln was a superlative leader not only because of his political acumen, but because of his persistent doubt of the morals and morays of other people.

Even in current times, the collapse of the housing market is a supreme example outlining the necessity of doubting the motives of others. Loan officers in the late ’90s encouraged homeowners to purchase with 100% loan-to-value ration, and because homeowners were not skeptical of this proposition, they found themselves upside down owing more than their house was worth

( ………..Filler……………………… )*

The literature of Dostoevsky confirms what history and current events have suggested: it is always better to be skeptical of others as demonstrated by the character  Ivan Fyodorovich in The Brothers  Karamazov. Vanka never lets down his guard in dealing with others, and resultantly is the only truly successful and fulfilled character in the novel

The debate of whether to trust everyone until he or she errs, or to be guarded against the motives of others is not lost in history, literature, or current events. Each tells us that it is far better and even necessary to doubt the motives of our cohort

(*Note: when you read “Filler…” in the SAT essay example, I just mean to write pretty much anything that is on topic—it doesn’t matter.)

And… done. ..

4 Things You Need To Do For A Perfect SAT Essay Score

Were you able to identify any of the four characteristics that make the example assignment answer earn a perfect SAT essay score?

They might be more obvious than you think!

What Earns A Perfect SAT Essay Score?

In a nutshell…

• A lot of writing
• Very high-level examples
• Clean, easy to follow logic

That’s all it takes.

That wasn’t so difficult, right?

SAT Essay Scoring FAQ

What is the most important thing to do when writing an ACT and SAT essay? Is it development, mechanics, originality or something else?

In this order:

• You have to write legibly. If they can’t read it, you’re going to do very poorly.
• You have to abide by the standard conventions of English. If you do not use complete sentences, if you avoid punctuation, or if you abuse capitalization or paragraph rules, you will do very poorly.
• You must address the question. Immaculate writing that is off-topic will receive a very low score.
• Clearly identify your points.
• Develop your points
• Use strong varied language
• Use unique arguments
• Be original

How Can I Cheat on the SAT?

I am assuming your intentions are to explore the question as an intellectual experiment, and not to actually cheat on the SAT . With that in mind, the way most people are able to cheat on the SAT is mostly through one of the following methods:

• identity fraud
• access to the material early (either by accident or intentionally)
• communication during the test

I suggest reading my article, How Can I Cheat on the SAT? , for more insight on this controversial topic.

When should my student take the SAT?

Unfortunately, there is no one single answer to this question. It depends on many factors including where your student is starting out from, which school they hope to get into, and how much prep time they will need. I wrote a comprehensive guide on when to take the SAT which includes many helpful and actionable tips to help you formulate the perfect plan for SAT test prep and when the best time for your student is to take the SAT. Read When To Take The SAT: Ideal Timeline .

Can you get a good score on the SAT if you’re taking it for the first time and studied for only a month?

That depends on what your starting score is and on what you consider “good.” There are too many factors to be able to answer this with any sense of certainty.

What I can tell you is how to make sure you have the highest likelihood of the largest improvement in the time you have. The tips and test prep techniques I outline in this article will show you how to do just that.

Does “Test Optional” mean optional for me?

We are all familiar with the difference between “optional” (it makes no difference whether you do or don’t) and “ optional ” (technically you can choose this, but you probably shouldn’t).

Just because a school touts a “testing optional” policy does not mean that they want all their applicants to forgo tests. However, the answer to this question depends on some specifics that will vary among students.

Read this article to help you understand what “testing optional” really means for students like you .

Everything You Need To Know About The SAT and ACT Tests:

Boost Your SAT Score 100 Points Or More

Remember, the SAT essay score is only one portion of the SAT test.

(Not to mention the SAT essay is technically optional .)

Many of the Ivy League schools don’t require the essay portion of the test , although I do recommend that students still complete the essay .

While the tips we’ve just covered will help you earn higher marks on the essay, it’s even more important to study and prep for the main sections of the SAT.

Here’s why:

Getting accepted to a top-tier college or university is more competitive than ever—and along with GPA and extracurricular activities, your child’s SAT score is one of the most important factors for gaining acceptance to the Ivy Leagues or other elite schools.

It’s also the only factor that can be substantially improved in a short period of time.

At Powerful Prep, we have a proven test prep method that does just that.

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If you’re like many high school students, the hardest part of the SAT isn’t the hours of prep work that you put into it. Yes, that’s definitely hard, but at least you have some control over it. There’s some reassurance in being able to direct your time towards productive and, hopefully, satisfying results. What’s harder for many students like you is the time between your test and your score release. There’s nothing you can do to speed the process, so waiting patiently (or impatiently) is your only option.

If you’re awaiting SAT scores, or perhaps you’ve just received them, you might be wondering how your test is scored, what the scores mean, or even what to do if you believe your SAT score is incorrect. Read on for CollegeVine’s answers to all your SAT score questions.

How is the SAT scored?

Most of your SAT answers were multiple-choice bubbles that you meticulously filled in with a #2 pencil. Even the grid-in math questions involved those tiny little bubbles. So it’s probably no surprise that those bubbles play an integral part in scoring your exam. With millions of students taking SAT or PSAT-related exams each year, the ability to score each exam quickly and efficiently is beyond important. After all, imagine how long the wait would be if each test had to be scored by hand.

What is a raw score?

Multiple-choice and grid-in answers are scored by a computer that scans your answer sheet. This computer produces your raw score, which, simply speaking, is the number of questions answered correctly. Beginning in spring 2016, there is no penalty on the SAT for incorrect or unanswered questions, so your raw score simply accounts for the number of questions that you answered correctly.

A separate raw score is produced for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section and for the Math section. Each of these scores is then converted to a scaled score of 200 to 800. This conversion accounts for slight differences in difficulty among different versions of the test, so your resulting score is consistent across test forms.

How is the SAT essay scored?

If you took the optional essay section of the SAT, you will remember that this portion of the test was the one that did not involve those little bubbled-in answers. Instead, you produced a written product, which obviously must be scored quite differently from a computer-scanned answer sheet.

Each essay written for the SAT is scored by two separate and independent readers. The readers evaluate essays on three dimensions. These dimensions include reading, analysis, and writing.

For the reading dimension, scorers assess your understanding of the passage, including central ideas and important details. For the analysis dimension, scorers evaluate your understanding of how the author builds an argument and how you support and develop your ideas with evidence from the text. Finally, for the writing dimension, essay readers score your ability to craft a focused, organized, and precise essay with appropriate style and tone.

Each essay reader will award between one and four points for each dimension. These scores are then added together to create a score ranging from two to eight for each dimension. If the scores awarded for any dimension differ by more than one point, a scoring director will score the essay. This automatic validation helps to ensure the universal accuracy of the essay scoring process. For more information about the SAT Essay scoring process, including a rubric of scoring guidelines for each dimension, review the College Board’s SAT Essay Scoring .

When will I receive my SAT score?

The release date for SAT scores varies depending on when you took the test. Tests administered in the fall are usually scored and released in about three to four weeks. Tests administered in the spring tend to take a little longer, probably due to the large volume of students taking them. These are scored and released in about five to six weeks. For an exact calendar of score release dates organized by test date, check out the College Board’s table of When to Expect Scores .

How will I receive my SAT score?

Sat scores online.

The easiest way to receive your SAT score is through the College Board website. If you registered for the test online, you have already created an online College Board account. Log in to your account on the score release day to view your results.

SAT Scores By Paper Score Report

If you do not have an online College Board account, or you registered through the mail and did not include your College Board account on your registration, you will receive a copy of your scores in the mail. This will be mailed around the same day that scores are released online.

SAT Scores By Phone

You may also receive your SAT scores by telephone beginning on the date of the score release, but there is a fee attached to this service and you will need to provide a credit card number when you call. To receive scores by phone use the following phone numbers:

Domestic: 866-756-7346

International: 212-713-7789

TTY: 888-857-2477 (U.S.), 609-882-4118 (international)

What do my SAT scores mean?

When you receive your scores, you’re probably expecting a number between 400 and 1600. You will get this, and a whole lot more, on your official SAT score report. So what do all these different numbers mean?

SAT Total Scores

This is the number you’re probably most familiar with when it comes to SAT scores. It is a single number between 400 and 1600 and represents your total score. This total score is calculated by adding your score from the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (200-800) with your total score from the Math section (200-800). You will also receive a percentile accompanying your total score. This number shows you how your score compares to the scores received by other students taking the SAT.

SAT Section Scores

These are the individual section scores between 200 and 800 for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section score is a combination of the Reading Test score and the Writing and Language Test score. The Math section score is a combination of the Math Test – Calculator score and the Math Test – No Calculator score.

SAT Essay Scores

The SAT Essay scores will include three scored dimensions. The dimensions scored are Reading, Analysis, and Writing. Each dimension is scored on a scale from two to eight points. The score report will show the prompt you responded to, your essay itself, and a link to the Essay Scoring Guide .

Other Score Components

Although the total scores, section scores, and essay scores are the most important numbers on your score report, they are not the only numbers.

You will also receive test scores ranging from 10-40 for the content in each of the tests: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.

You will see cross-test scores ranging from 10-40 as well. These scores show your performance across the three tests in the domains of Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science.

Finally, you’ll see subscores ranging from 1-15, which reflect your performance in the following skill areas:

• Command of Evidence
• Words in Context
• Expression of Ideas
• Standard English Conventions
• Heart of Algebra
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis
• Passport to Advanced Math

Although these scores aren’t necessarily important to colleges or universities, they can be used as feedback to guide your studying for any future SAT exams you might choose to take.

Discover how your SAT score affects your chances

As part of our free guidance platform, our Admissions Assessment tells you what schools you need to improve your SAT score for and by how much. Sign up to get started today.

Is my SAT score good enough for schools?

There is no standard SAT score required for college admissions. The exact range of SAT scores admitted to each college varies widely depending on how competitive the school’s admissions are and the various other factors considered on every application, such as grades and extracurricular activities. To get an idea of the SAT scores expected at the college or university of your choice, look them up online. A simple online search query with the college name and the term “average SAT score” should yield the results for which you’re looking.

Although there is no minimum SAT score required for general college admissions, the College Board does set benchmarks that assess your college readiness. These benchmarks are designed to:

• Identify students who are on track for success in college and career readiness.
• Identify students who may need extra support while there is still time for improvement.
• Find students who may be ready for more challenging course work.

The benchmarks are not intended to assign academic tracks, discourage students from pursuing college, or keep students from participating in challenging courses. Instead, these benchmarks are designed by the College Board to predict a 75% likelihood of achieving at least a C in a set of first-semester college courses.

The benchmarks are set separately for each section. The current Evidence-Based Reading and Writing benchmark score is 480. The current Math benchmark score is 530. Your score report will include your performance compared to the benchmark scores. This comparison is categorized by color with the following designations:

• Green: Your section score meets or exceeds the benchmark.
• Yellow: Your section score is within one year’s academic growth of the benchmark.
• Red: Your section score is below the benchmark by more than one year’s academic growth.

How do I send my SAT scores to schools?

Sending sat scores before test day.

Every time you register for the SAT, you can order four free score reports to colleges and scholarship programs at no cost to you. This is a good choice because it’s the only free option available, and many colleges will view your early submission as a demonstration of your interest.

Although some students might hesitate to send scores before you know them, if this is likely the last time that you’re taking the test or your test date falls close to the application deadline, you should definitely consider taking advantage of the free score reports. For more information about sending test scores before you’ve received them, read CollegeVine’s Should I Send My Test Scores To Colleges Before I Know Them?

Sending SAT Scores After Test Day

There are two scenarios for sending scores after test day. If you leave the test on cloud nine and you are certain that you aced it, you can still take advantage of the four free score reports up to nine days after the test. Simply log in to your College Board account online and send your scores.

If you wait longer, or would rather postpone sending any scores until you’ve seen them yourself, you’ll still be able to send scores easily through your online College Board account, but you’ll have to pay to do so. These score reports are $12 each ( fee waivers are available if needed). A rush report is an additional $31.

What should I do if I think my SAT was scored incorrectly?

There are a couple levels of review available if you think your SAT was scored incorrectly.

Student Answer Service (SAS)

First, if you just have an inkling that something is off but aren’t totally sure, you can request a Student Answer Verification. This service includes an overview of the difficulty of each question answered correctly, incorrectly, or omitted and of the type of test questions.

Essentially, the Student Answer Service is a more specific overview of your performance for you to look over. It is not reviewed by anyone else, but is provided for your own personal use to better understand what went wrong (or right!). If your SAS report reveals that you got every difficult question wrong, it’s likely that your exam was graded correctly, and you may not have realized how hard those questions actually were at the time of the exam.

This answer verification service is not designed to be used as a test prep or practice tool. You may request this service when you register for the test or up to five months after your test date. The fee for this service is $13.50. See the SAT Answer Verification Services Order Form for 2016-17 for more information.

Question and Answer Service (QAS)

You may also choose to receive a Question and Answer Verification Service on select exam administrations. This service is available for all May administrations of the test, and for other select administrations within Canada and the U.S. For a calendar of availability for this service, see the SAT Answer Verification Services Order Form for 2016-17 .

The Question and Answer Service includes a booklet copy of the test you took with a table of correct answers and scoring information. You will also receive a report that lists the type and level of difficulty of each question, along with what your answer was, and whether it was correct, incorrect, or omitted. Again, this service does not include a review by anyone else, but is provided for your own personal use to better understand where you failed to gain points. This service costs $18.00.

Score Verification

If you still don’t think your test was scored correctly, you may request a score verification. This is a good idea if your score is very different from what you expected and you believe you may have made an obvious mistake in marking your answers, or if your essay appears blank or completely illegible when you view it in your online score report. In this case, you may have written your essay in ink (which does not scan properly), and it would not have been assessed appropriately.

You may request a multiple-choice hand score verification and/or an essay score verification. Each service costs $55 (or $27.50 for fee-waiver users). Your score verification fee will be refunded if your score changes because of an irregularity in the College Board’s scanning and/or scoring processes. If your score does not change, if it changes due to an obvious error you made in marking your answer sheet, or if you wrote your essay in pen, or otherwise failed to follow directions for marking your answers and completing test information, your fee will not be refunded.

Keep in mind when requesting score verification that your new score will be final, regardless of whether it is higher or lower than your original score. Also, you should know that the verification of essay scores does not include rereading the essay or an appeal of the essay score. It simply reviews the essay visually to ensure that it was legible to the original readers who scored it.

For more about score verification services, check out the College Board’s Important Information for Using the SAT® Score Verification Service .

To learn more about the SAT, check out these CollegeVine posts:

• ACT vs SAT/SAT Subject Tests
• Are PSAT Scores Related to SAT Scores?
• What Should I Bring to My SAT?
• A Guide to the New SAT

Want to know how your SAT score impacts your chances of acceptance to your dream schools? Our free Chancing Engine will not only help you predict your odds, but also let you know how you stack up against other applicants, and which aspects of your profile to improve. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to gain access to our Chancing Engine and get a jumpstart on your college strategy!

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SAT Essay Scores: Score Calculation and SAT Essay Score Range

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Shubhankar Das

Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jun 29, 2024

Highlights:

• SAT essay score is measured by 3 sections: reading, analysis, and writing .
• Each section of SAT essay is calculated on a 2 to 8 level .
• From 2021, SAT essay was discontinued .
• Achieving 20 out of 24 SAT exam essay scores was accepted by most of the top universities. 

SAT essay score is measured on a scale of 2 to 8 for each section . Your SAT essay scores were measured on 3 dimensions: reading, analysis, and writing. Certain universities consider SAT exam essay scores vital for admission, despite it being optional. Until 2021, SAT essay score was also an optional section, but this year the essay section was discontinued. SAT essay score is not required anymore, but if you want to showcase your writing skills, you can consider taking an AP English course. Achieving 20 out of 24 SAT writing scores was accepted by most of the top universities . 

SAT Essay Score Range

The SAT Essay Score ranges from 2 to 8 according to their proficiency level. SAT Essay is evaluated on three criteria – Reading, Analysis, and Writing.

SAT Essay is scored by two different people in between 1 and 4. Their grades are then summed up to give you a three-part grade. The highest grade you can receive is 8 for three, and while the lowest possible score can be 2 for each of the three sections of the SAT Essay Paper.

SAT Essay Score Calculation

The SAT essay reading part of your grade assesses how well you read the essay that was provided. The SAT essay analysis part assesses how well you explained your point. The SAT essay writing part assesses how good your syntax and flow was.

The steps on how the SAT Essay is evaluated are given below:

• 2 distinct raters will examine your essay;
• 4 for Advanced level
• 3 for Proficient level
• 2 for Partial level
• 1 for Inadequate level
• After both of them completes the evaluation, the 2 scores for each of the dimensions are added.
• Candidates will receive 3 scores for the SAT Essay: One for each dimension which ranges from 2 to 8 points.

What is a Good SAT Essay Score?

For candidates wondering “What is a good essay score on SAT?”

Well, a good SAT Essay Score is scoring 19 out of 24. If a candidate manages to get above 22 out of 24, it is considered as an excellent SAT Score .

Average SAT Essay Score

There are different ways and parameters for calculating the average SAT Essay Scores. However, an average SAT Essay score is 14 out of a maximum of 24 points for all the three sections. Logically, Average SAT Score should be equal to 15 for all three sections. But apparently, it comes out to be 14. The Analysis dimension is the part of the SAT essay task that is most different from what students have had to do on other standardized test essays. The average SAT Essay score is 5 out of 8 for the Reading section, 3 out of 8 for the Analysis Section, and 5 out of 8 for Writing.

SAT Essay Score Percentile

The rough breakdown of the SAT essay score percentile based on the most recent College Board data is given in the table below:

In order to apply to the top foreign Universities of the English speaking nations, Candidates are required to obtain a decent SAT Essay Score. Universities like Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, Stanford University require a decent SAT Essay score of 5-6 out of 8 in Reading, at least 4 out of 8 in Analysis, and 5-6 out of 8 in Writing.

To attain a good SAT Essay score, students need to practice more and more with the reading part. Try to understand what the author is trying to say and then take time to analyze and organize your thoughts and finally present it in a better way. This is one of the quick and easy ways to boost your SAT Essay Score.

ACT Essay Vs SAT Essay

ACT Vs SAT score conversion helps to determine the better performance of the candidate in these exams.

SAT Essay Sample

Here are SAT example essays for you:

Each section of SAT essay ranges on a scale of 2 to 8, and achieving a score of 6 in every section is considered a good score. Your SAT essay score will be based on your reading, analysis, and writing levels. From 2021 SAT essay scores are not a part of the exam. 

Ques: What is a good essay score on the SAT?

Ans: Each section of SAT essay ranges on a scale of 2 to 8, and achieving a score of 6 in every section is considered a good score. A score of 20+ on SAT essay was acceptable for the top-ranked universities worldwide.

Ques: Is the SAT essay hard?

Ans: Candidates doing regular practice with SAT sample papers and with a good knowledge of English reading and writing can easily achieve a good score on SAT essays.

Ques: Is 14 a good SAT essay score?

Ans: Achieving a SAT essay score of 14 out of 24 is an average score. On average, achieving a score of 20+ is considered a good SAT essay score.

Ques: Is 20 a good SAT essay score?

Ans: Achieving a score of 20 on SAT was considered a good score and was accepted by most of the top universities. The total sum of the three-part SAT essay score was 24.

Ques: Does SAT essay score matter?

Ans: SAT essay score does not matter on your score report. SAT essay was discontinued in 2021. There are other ways to show your writing skills by taking another English essay exam.

Ques: Is a 90% on an essay good?

Ans: Achieving a 90% score on SAT essay was comparatively hard, and you need to write your essay with a perfect intro and conclusion for a higher score.

Ques: Who grades SAT essays?

Ans: SAT essay scores are graded on a scale of 2 to 8 for each section. Your SAT essay score will be based on your reading, analysis, and writing levels.

Ques: Can I send my SAT score without the essay?

Ans: From 2021 SAT essay scores are not a part of the exam. You can send your total SAT score to the universities by visiting the College Board’s official website.

Ques: Is it easy to get 40% on an essay?

Ans: Getting 40% on SAT is relatively easy. You need to write a perfect essay with a good introduction and conclusion to achieve a good score. 

Ques: How to start a SAT essay?

Ans: A perfect introduction to SAT essay describes and paraphrases the argument, and you need to introduce the specific passage and argument that you will discuss in the essay. One thing you need to remember is that your conclusion should sum up all the points you made.

* The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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How to Improve Your SAT Writing Score with Effective Revision

The SAT Writing and Language section can be challenging, but with the right strategies and effective revision, you can significantly improve your score. Whether you’re aiming for a perfect score or just looking to boost your current performance, understanding how to revise your work is key. This article will guide you through essential tips and techniques to enhance your SAT Writing score through effective revision.

Key Areas to Focus on During Revision in SAT Writing Section

When revising for the SAT Writing section, focus on the following key areas:

• Grammar and Usage: Ensure that you have a strong understanding of grammar rules. Common issues include subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, pronoun usage, and parallel structure. Revising these areas can help you avoid frequent errors.
• Sentence Structure: Pay attention to sentence structure and variety. Avoid run-on sentences and fragments. Ensure that your sentences are clear and logically organized. Revising for sentence structure can improve the flow and readability of your writing.
• Punctuation: Proper punctuation is essential for clarity. Review the rules for using commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes. Correct punctuation errors can enhance the precision of your writing.
• Word Choice: Choose words that convey your message clearly and accurately. Avoid using overly complex words that might confuse the reader. Revising for word choice can help you express your ideas more effectively.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure that your writing is clear and to the point. Avoid unnecessary words or overly complex sentences. Revising for clarity and conciseness can make your writing more impactful.

Effective Revision Techniques for the SAT Writing Section

Now that you know what to focus on, here are some effective revision techniques to improve your SAT Writing score:

Practice with Official SAT Questions

One of the best ways to revise is by practicing with official SAT Writing questions. The College Board provides sample questions and practice tests that closely mirror the actual exam. Practicing with these questions helps you familiarize yourself with the test format and identify areas where you need improvement.

Review Common SAT Writing Errors

Certain errors are commonly tested in the SAT Writing section. These include issues like misplaced modifiers, faulty parallelism, and incorrect verb forms. By reviewing these common errors, you can learn to spot them quickly and avoid making similar mistakes on test day.

Use the Process of Elimination

When revising your answers, use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices. Identify the incorrect answers first, which can help you focus on the correct option. This technique is particularly useful for questions where multiple answers seem plausible.

Time Yourself

Effective revision also involves practicing under timed conditions. The SAT Writing and Language section is time-limited, so it’s important to manage your time effectively. Practice completing questions within the allotted time to build your speed and accuracy.

Analyze Your Mistakes

After completing practice questions or tests, take the time to analyze your mistakes. Understand why you got a question wrong and how you can avoid similar errors in the future. This reflective practice can be one of the most powerful revision tools.

Seek Feedback

If possible, seek feedback on your writing from teachers, tutors, or peers. They can provide valuable insights into areas where you might need improvement. Constructive feedback can help you refine your revision strategy and focus on your weak points.

Use Revision Checklists

Create a revision checklist based on the common errors and areas you need to work on. As you revise, tick off each item on the list to ensure that you’ve covered all the important aspects of your writing. Checklists can help you stay organized and focused during revision.

Incorporate Reading into Your Revision

Reading high-quality writing, such as editorials, articles, and literature, can indirectly improve your SAT Writing score. Exposure to well-written material can help you develop a stronger sense of grammar, sentence structure, and style, which you can apply to your own writing.

Revise Regularly

Consistent revision is key to improvement. Set aside dedicated time each week to revise for the SAT Writing section. Regular practice will reinforce your learning and help you retain important concepts.

Additional Tips for Last-Minute Revision

If you’re close to your test date, here are some last-minute revision tips to help you maximize your score:

Focus on Your Weakest Areas

In the final days leading up to the exam, concentrate on revising your weakest areas. Whether it’s grammar rules or sentence structure, targeting these areas can help you make the most significant improvements in a short time.

Use Flashcards for Quick Revision

Create flashcards with key grammar rules, common errors, and tips for improving writing clarity. Review these flashcards in the days before your exam for a quick refresher.

Practice with Timed Tests

Take at least one full-length, timed practice test in the days before your exam. This will help you gauge your timing and identify any last-minute areas that need attention.

Stay Calm and Focused

Finally, it’s important to stay calm and focused during your revision. Stress can hinder your ability to retain information and perform well on the test. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to keep your mind clear and focused.

Also Read: Recent 100+ SAT Exam Math Questions 2024: Download Free Practice Test Top 10 SAT Tips to Help You Study and Ace the Exam in 2024 SAT Math Formulas You MUST Know Lowest SAT Score Accepted 2024 | Minimum SAT Score Requirements for Top Colleges

Improving your SAT Writing score is achievable with the right approach to revision. By focusing on key areas like grammar, sentence structure, and clarity, and by employing effective revision techniques, you can enhance your writing skills and perform better on test day. Remember that consistent practice and reflection on your mistakes are essential to your progress. With these strategies in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to boost your SAT Writing score and achieve your target.

How to Improve Your SAT Writing Score-FAQs

How can i improve my sat essay score.

1: State Your Thesis Clearly. 2: Don’t Forget to Include a Conclusion and an Introduction. 3: Make Sensible Word and Language Choices. 4: Utilize Only Details Found in the Passage. 5: Concentrate on Important Information in Your Essay. 6: Before reading the passage, read the prompt.

Is it possible to get 800 in SAT English?

Additionally, the separate Reading and Writing test scores are combined to create the single 800 Reading + Writing score on the SAT. Strictly speaking, the 800 Reading and Writing score requires a flawless 40/40 exam result, which is what I mean when I talk about a perfect Reading test score.

What is a good SAT writing score?

It’s safe to say that if you score a 3 or below, your essay score is definitely lower than average; if you score a 4-6, your score is pretty average; and if you score a 7 or above, your score is significantly higher than average because so many people score in the middle on the SAT Essay Reading and Writing exam.

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Colorado PSAT and SAT 2024 scores: How did your school or district perform?

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Sign up for Chalkbeat Colorado’s free daily newsletter to get the latest reporting from us, plus curated news from other Colorado outlets, delivered to your inbox.

Colorado released school- and district-level results Thursday from PSAT and SAT tests taken by ninth, 10th, and 11th grade students this past spring.

The new data provides a more granular view than the statewide test scores released last week .

Statewide, math results dropped on the ninth and 10th grade PSAT and the 11th grade SAT from last year to this year. For instance, the percentage of 9th graders at or above the state’s college readiness benchmark in math fell to 40% this past spring from 47% in 2023.

This year’s math performance remains far below pre-pandemic levels. State officials cautioned that some of the decrease might be attributed to a new testing format. The SAT was fully online for the first time this spring, and the makeup of the math questions also changed.

Statewide reading and writing results were more mixed, but generally moving in a positive direction. The percentage of 9th and 10th graders meeting the state benchmark rose about 1½ percentage points, while 11th grade results decreased by the same amount.

Tenth grade reading and writing results have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels: 66% of 10th graders met or exceeded the state’s college readiness benchmark this past spring, compared with 64.5% in 2023 and 64.9% in 2019, the last exam before COVID-19 shuttered school buildings.

However, big test score gaps remain between students based on race, family income, and other factors, such as whether students are learning English or have a disability.

Statewide, 11th graders who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, an indicator of low family income, earned an average combined score of 878 on the SAT, while students who do not qualify for subsidized meals earned an average score of 1041.

The highest combined score a student can earn on the SAT is 1600.

Among school districts with more than 1,000 students that serve a large proportion of students of color, the PSAT and SAT results in the Mapleton, Sheridan, Pueblo City 60, Weld Re-8, and Westminster districts remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Performance in the state’s largest district, Denver Public Schools, also remained below pre-pandemic levels. But unlike most districts in this category, Denver’s results were either flat or trending upwards from last year — with the exception of 9th grade math, which saw a drop.

In other large districts that serve many students of color, some PSAT and SAT results are now higher than they were before the pandemic. In Aurora Public Schools, for example, the reading and writing PSAT performance of both 9th and 10th graders surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

In Harrison School District 2 in Colorado Springs, 11th grade math results were higher this past spring than they were in 2019, as were ninth, 10th, and 11th grade reading and writing results.

Our searchable table below allows you to look up the PSAT and SAT performance for your school and district, and compare it to the statewide averages in both math and reading and writing. The table shows the percentage of tested students who met or exceeded the state’s college readiness benchmark in each subject.

Melanie Asmar is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Colorado. Contact Melanie at [email protected] .

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How to Read SAT Passages: 4 Easy Steps

SAT Writing , SAT Reading

The SAT Reading and Writing section presents you with a challenge. Now that the digital SAT has been rolled out , this section contains over 50 passages you'll need to read and answer questions on! The passages will come from a wide variety of sources and test you on everything from critical reading to grammar.

How can you attack these passages to get a high SAT Reading and Writing score? This guide will discuss the best strategies for reading the SAT passages for each question type you'll see.

What Do SAT Passages Look Like?

There are 55 passages in SAT Reading and Writing on the digital SAT, one passage per each of the 54 questions, plus one cross-text connections question that includes two passages you need to compare. 

That's a ton of passages to read through, especially since the Reading and Writing section is only 64 minutes (divided into two 32-minute modules, each with 27 questions).

Fortunately, passages on the digital SAT are much shorter than they were on older versions of the exam. Passages now range from 25-150 words. However, be aware that these shorter passages will be just as challenging, if not more so, than the older, longer passages in terms of the reading comprehension level required.

As with older versions of the SAT, the passages on the digital SAT cover a variety of sources from literature, history, social studies, the humanities, and science. However, there are now more questions that focus on the humanities, as well as a few poetry questions (often by authors from the early 1900s and before).

Reading and Writing questions on the digital SAT are organized into four main categories that test these skills:

• Information and Ideas (12–14 questions): Tests your ability to use details from brief texts, tables, and/or infographics to determine the main idea, choose the best evidence to support a claim, answer comprehension questions, or infer the most logical way to complete an excerpt.
• Craft and Structure (13–15 questions): Tests your ability to define words and phrases in passages, evaluate how passages are making arguments, or connect ideas presented in two excerpts.
• Expression of Ideas (8–12 questions): Tests your ability to select the transitional word or phrase that makes the author’s meaning clearer for readers, or use a short set of provided notes to decide which of the answers achieves a particular purpose (e.g., which answer represents a comparison, or which answer represents a contrast).
• Standard English Conventions (11–15 questions): Tests your ability to select answers that reflect your knowledge of conventional grammar and mechanics.

We dive into these question types further in the next section.

Types of Questions on SAT Reading and Writing

As mentioned above, there are four main skill areas tested in Reading and Writing, each with several question types, for 11 total types of questions. Each of these questions tests information in passages in a different way.

Below is a brief overview of each of the question types. To see official sample questions for each question type, and to also learn how many of each question type you can expect to see on the SAT, check out our article on the breakdown by percentage of every type of question on SAT Reading and Writing.

Information and Ideas Questions

• Command of Evidence (Textual): Introduce a claim and ask you to identify the piece of evidence from the passage that most strongly supports that claim.
• Command of Evidence (Quantitative): Contain a graph or table. They'll provide some context and ask you to complete a sentence by using the data from the graph/table.
• Central Ideas and Details: Ask you to identify the main idea of a passage or answer a specific question based on the passage.
• Inferences: Include an incomplete passage and ask you to select the answer choice that most logically completes the passage. 

Craft and Structure Questions

•  Words in Context: Ask for the most logical and precise word/phrase in a given context.
• Text Structure and Purpose: Ask you to identify the main purpose or overall structure of the passage.
• Cross-Text Connections: These questions will contain two passages! You'll be asked to compare the points of view of the authors of the two passages. 

Expression of Ideas Questions

•  Transitions: Ask you to select the most logical transition word or phrase to connect information and ideas within a passage.
• Rhetorical Synthesis: Include a series of bulleted notes and ask you to use relevant information from the notes to answer the question.

Standard English Conventions Questions

• Boundaries: Contain a passage with a blank and ask you to complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. They focus on how phrases, clauses, and sentences are linked together in written English.
• Form, Structure, and Sense: Contain a passage with a blank and ask you to complete the text in a way that conforms to the conventions of Standard English. They focus on the rules surrounding various parts of speech (nouns, verbs, etc.) and their usage.

How to Approach SAT Reading and Writing Passages

Now you know what the passages will be like and the types of questions you'll be asked, but what's the best way to tackle these SAT passages? Below are the four steps to follow every time on reading passages for SAT success. 

Step 1: Decide If You'll Read the Passage or Question First

First, you need to decide if you're going to read the passage first or the question. Some students like reading the passage all the way through then focusing on the question, others prefer to read the question first, then read the passage with the question in mind. Still others will skim the passage, looking for important information, read the question, then go back and read the passage more thoroughly. No method is inherently better than the other; it's all about choosing what works best for you.

Take this example of a rhetorical synthesis question:

Some students may prefer to read the bullet points of the passage first so they have a solid idea of what's being discussed before reading the four answer choices. Others may want to read the answer choices first so they know what to look for when they read the passage itself.

How can you decide which method is best for you? By answering a lot of practice questions! This is one of the many reasons we recommend practice SATs so strongly. There's no better way to learn which testing method you should use. You may even decide to use different methods for different questions, such as reading shorter passages before the questions but, if the passage is longer, reading the answer choices first.

Step 2: Get Clear on What the Question Is Asking

Whether you read the question before or after the passage, you'll want to make sure you understand exactly what you're being asked. The SAT is notorious for having tricky wording that can cause students to misread a question even when they think they've answered it perfectly. 

Read through each question carefully, and be especially on the lookout for words like "except," "not," and "only" that can trick you into choosing the wrong answer. Taking a moment to pause and ensure you fully understand each question can significantly raise your score on exam day.

Let's look at this cross-text connections question:

This is a classic SAT question where it's easy to get confused on what exactly is being asked for. To conquer SAT passages, you'll need to be able to break down each part of the question. Let's do it for this one. The question is asking:

• For the author of Text 2's opinion…
• On the perspective of bluegrass purists based on Text 1

That's two pieces of information you need to sort out before you can answer the question. What does Text 1 say about bluegrass purists? From looking at the first passage, Text 1 states that the purists believe bluegrass must adhere to folk music influences.

However, the author of Text 2 believes that bluegrass was created by combining  folk music with commercial genres of music. Because of those origins, there should be no restrictions on bluegrass musicians incorporating influences from other music genres into their work. 

To sum up, Text 1: purists think bluegrass can only have folk music influences. Text 2: bluegrass can be combined with other music genres because it always has been.  These are opposite perspectives, therefore, we'd expect the author of Text 2 to disagree with the bluegrass purists mentioned in Text 1. Answer Choice D correctly represents all that information, so it's the correct answer.

Step 3: Find the Key Information in the Passage

When you read the passage, you should read fairly quickly, even skimming for important features. Many passages begin with a brief introduction that explains who wrote the passage, when it was written, key characters, setting, etc. This often contains very useful information! If there's a chart/graph/etc in the passage, make sure to analyze that too for key information.

Also, look out for transitional words and phrases, like however, additionally, and despite , that might mark a shift in or continuation of ideas. This step is especially important for cross-text connections questions, where you'll see two passages and need to answer a question on both of them. The paired passages are always about the same topic. The most important thing to pay attention to when reading paired passages is the relationship between ideas about the topic. A great way to find the relationship between the passages is to ask yourself where they agree and where they disagree. Doing so will give you a good sense of what each passage is stating and key similarities and differences between them.

Let's look at this command of evidence (quantitative) question:

There's a lot of information to take in here. You'll need to understand what both the graph and passage are conveying. 

Let's start with the graph. Make sure to read the title and the axis labels. The graph shows the line count of six ancient epics. The line counts range from about 3,900 lines (The Epic of Gilgamesh) to about 24,000 lines (The Ramayana). 

Now the passage. It discusses the Ramayana and major similarities it has with other epics. All this information is important to correctly understand before attempting to answer the question. You'll need to be able to know how to read the graph to choose Answer Choice A as the correct answer.

Step 4: Always Backup Your Answer With Evidence

You've read the passage, you've read the question, and you have an answer choice you feel is correct. How strongly can you back that choice up? Don't just choose an answer that "feels" right—instead, make sure you can back up all your answers with direct evidence from the text.

None of the questions based on the passages require you to have any pre-existing knowledge of the topic. Instead, they're testing your reading comprehension. All your answers should be proven and supported by the passage. 

This is an important point to remember for SAT passages, which will use texts you may be familiar with or that are especially relevant to history or contemporary life. To answer questions correctly, it's crucial that you turn off your personal opinions and base your understanding completely on the text at hand. You want to be able to point to the part in the passage that supports your answer choice. In the examples above, we could point to parts in the passage that fully supported our answer choice (as well as parts in the passage that ruled out the other answer choices).

Let's look at this central ideas and details question:

If you read the answer choices first, all of them seem like they could be possible . That's the point; the SAT will almost never include answer choices that appear immediately wrong without reading the passage. But you need to be able to determine what's being discussed in the passage. 

Key points from this passage are: 

• Portrait miniatures lost popularity at the same time photography became more popular
• Photography's impact on portrait miniatures may be overstated
• Portraits were losing popularity before photography became popular

From the answer choices, only Answer Choice D is supported by the text. Portrait artists and the career choices they made aren't mentioned in the passage, so Answer Choice A is incorrect. Answer Choice B is directly contradicted by the passage which states portrait miniatures were losing popularity earlier than thought. Artistic merit is never mentioned in the passage, so Answer Choice C is also incorrect.

Tips and Strategies for SAT Reading and Writing Passages

Beyond practicing your reading efficiency, you can use other strategies as you answer the questions and prep for this section. Read on for a few more useful strategies that will help you do your best on SAT Reading passages.

#1: Look to Eliminate Wrong Answers

None of the answers will be glaringly wrong. In fact, they're worded in such a way that they'll often all seem plausible!

This means you'll have to play interception with your own brain. You may be easily distracted by answers that seem sort of right, but you have to halt your distracted thought process. If you find yourself overly rationalizing or justifying an answer, it's probably not the correct one.

There is only one 100% correct answer , and it won't cause you too much overthinking.

Generally, wrong answers are too specific, too broad, describe a relationship in reverse order, or just present a totally unrelated concept. This article goes into further detail about how to eliminate wrong answers in order to land on the one 100% correct one.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid extremes. Words like "never" or "always" are not usually present in the correct answer. But to follow our own advice, never say never!

#2: Practice Data Analysis with ACT Science Questions

Those who consider themselves English buffs may not love the addition of charts, tables, and graphs in their SAT Reading and Writing questions. What's this data doing in a reading comprehension section, anyway? According to the College Board, the inclusion of data analysis is part of its attempt to connect the SAT with what students are learning in the classroom and with real-world skills.

If you run out of command of evidence (quantitative) practice questions, you can sharpen your data interpretation skills by practicing with ACT Science questions . The ACT questions may call for more specialized scientific knowledge, but they still demand the same skills of interpretation as will the SAT Reading questions.

By referring to charts and graphs for your answer and looking for evidence in data, you'll be better prepared for the data and evidence-based Reading and Writing questions on the SAT.

#3: Know Your Literary Terms and Techniques

SAT Reading and Writing is primarily concerned with understanding function (of words, sentences, paragraphs) and argument. Therefore, most of your practice for this section should focus on deciphering the logic and structure of a piece.

However, it's still useful to review the most common literary terms , like theme, style, tone, foreshadowing, and imagery, as well as some of the most common words to describe them. In addition to reviewing definitions, you should learn how to apply and find them in something you read. It's one thing to know that a tone can be somber, hopeful, or suspicious; it's another to determine the tone of a given passage.

Test prep will help you get better and better at this, along with reading and analyzing as much as you can in and out of the classroom.

Conclusion: How to Approach SAT Reading Passages

When you take the SAT Reading and Writing section, you'll be faced with over 50 passages to read and analyze. There are eleven question types based on SAT Reading passages, and they'll test you on a variety of skills, so it's important to know how to tackle those SAT passages. For each question, follow these four steps for how to read SAT passages.

#1: Decide whether you'll read the passage or the question first #2: Get clear on what the question is asking #3: Find the key information in the passage #4: Always backup your answer with evidence

What's Next?

Want more information on the many passages you'll see on SAT Reading and Writing?  Our expert guide explains exactly how many passages you'll need to read and what topics they'll test you on.

Practice tests are one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT. Find all the best SAT Reading and Writing practice tests in one place here!

For more information about the college admissions process, check out our complete guide to applying to college .

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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