Manhattan Review Blog

General Information

• The SAT provides five scores:–three multiple-choice section scores for Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing; an essay score; and a total score.
• Each multiple-choice section is on a 200-800 scale.
• The total score is the sum of the three multiple-choice section scores.
•  The range of total scores could be anywhere from 600-2400. It is valid for five years.

Sections

• Each section of the test differs slightly in its scoring method.
• Writing, the newest section on the SAT, is divided into a short essay and two multiple-choice sections.
•  The essay is given a score of 0 to 6, with 6 being the highest score, by two human graders.
• The two scores are added together to create the complete essay score.
•  The essay score will influence your overall writing score.
• Critical Reading and Mathematics consist of three multiple-choice sections.
•  In addition to multiple-choice questions, mathematics will include 10 student-produced response questions, for which no penalty is given for a wrong answer.

Scoring

• For each correct answer you give, you will be awarded one point.
• For each incorrect answer you give, one-quarter of a point will be deducted from your overall score.
• There is neither a penalty nor an award for any questions left blank.
• Your essay will be given a score anywhere between 2-12. You will be given a zero if your essay is in pen, illegible, or off topic.
• The end score report should be available online three weeks after the test, and by mail after approximately a month.
• It will provide not only your overall score, but also the scores you received on each section.

Administration

• The SAT is offered seven times a year.
• The most popular administration has traditionally been the May exam, but the SAT is also offered in June, October, November, December, January, and February/March.
• Registration is required approximately one month before the exam date.

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