The New SAT VS. Old SAT Scoring Scale

In March of 2016, the SAT scoring scale is now scored on a 1600 point scale instead of the previous 2400 point scale. What does this mean for those who were scored on the 2400 scale and what are colleges looking for now? You can calculate your old SAT scores to what they are as the new SAT scores by utilizing Collegeboard’s conversion tool.

While we are not being informed on the exact reason why the numbers have changed on the score scale, here’s what we do know:

• The new SAT has higher scores than expected across the entire score range.
• One way to convert your SAT scores is to multiply your old SAT score by ?. Example: 1800 X ? = 1200. An 1800 compares to a 1280, a 1500 compares to an 1100. What this means is that for the same performance on your SATs, you can get a higher score on the new SAT point scale.
• Some students are worrying that because it may seem easier to score higher on the new SATs, that their chances of entering their college of choice will be harder. This simply is not true. As you can see from the conversion tool for old SAT scores vs. new SAT scores, everything is scaled as equally as possible.
• What really matters to colleges is a student’s score percentile.
• If SAT scores are rising, the expectations for higher scores will rise as well at colleges.
• The Math and Reading sections are scored between 200 and 800.
• The optional essay is evaluated separately.
• The -¼ point penalty for wrong answers has been discontinued.
• The essay portion of the exam is now 50 minutes long vs. 25 minutes long.
• All together, the SAT closely resembles the ACT exam.

Remember to always keep your mind fresh and relaxed when preparing for exams. Stress can cause you to forget things after all of the studying you’ve done. Socrato wishes you all great success on your new SAT exams and invite you to our future post that will shed some light on resources and tips on taking the new SAT.