Average SAT Score in 2024: Know About SAT Score Range

In 2024, understanding the average SAT score is vital for students aiming to boost their college admissions chances. Knowing how your scores compare to national averages and admission requirements will help you better prepare and set realistic goals for your target colleges.

Typically, a competitive SAT score ranges between 1050 and 1200, while top-tier universities often look for scores above 1400. By staying informed about SAT scoring trends and averages, you can better align your study efforts to achieve a standout score and increase your chances of admission to your preferred colleges.

SAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2024

The SAT Exam will now be conducted in a digital mode. This new exam pattern has increased time by 43% for every question but has reduced the cumulative time duration. The modified exam pattern is tabled below.

Hence,

Total Questions: 98
Total Exam Duration: 134 minutes
Score Range: 400 to 1600, with no penalty for incorrect answers

To understanding the scoring pattern and marking scheme, let us break down each module of a section.

What is the SAT Score Range?

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Here's a breakdown of percentile-based scores:

What is the Average SAT Score?

The SAT average score in 2023 was 1028, reflecting a notable decline from the test’s peak performance years. This average score, representing students graduating high school in 2023, indicates a downward trend since the SAT format adjustment in 2016. Historically, before the shift to the 1600-point scale in 2017, the SAT was scored on a 2400-point scale from 2006 to 2016, making comparisons across these eras challenging.

In 2018, the highest recent average SAT score was 1068, showing a gradual decrease since. Several factors contribute to this decline, including increased test-taker diversity, changes in college admissions policies, and shifting educational priorities that question the SAT's role in measuring college readiness.

Understanding the current SAT average score is vital for effective test preparation and improving your college admissions chances. Stay informed about SAT scoring trends to strategically plan your study efforts and enhance your performance.

National SAT Average Score

According to the College Board’s 2022 report, the average SAT scores for U.S. high school graduates are as follows:

• EBRW: 529
• Math: 521
• Total: 1050

If your score exceeds 1050, you are performing better than most test-takers. However, a score below 1050 indicates you are below the national average and may need to improve your preparation

SAT Average Scores by Gender

Additionally, the average SAT scores by gender have been determined by the College Board. Members of the class of 2022 who took the SAT are the basis for these averages.
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math comprise the two components of the SAT. The final score is derived from the sum of the 800 points assigned to each component.

As you can see, women perform 5 points better on EBRW than men do, and men do 18 points better in maths.

Academic scholars have looked into the gender differences in maths* test performance, which has generated debate. While there are other equity-related considerations to take into account when determining what constitutes an average SAT score, closing the achievement gap between genders ought to be a primary objective of the educational system.

SAT Average Score by Income and Fee Waiver Use

In the past, students from lower-income homes have historically performed worse on the SAT than students from higher-income households.The average SAT results broken down by family income and students who have and have not used a fee waiver to take the test are as follows:

As you can see, students whose families are in the top income quintile and who have never used a fee waiver tend to have higher average SAT scores, which is correlated with higher family income. This is not the first time that this tendency has been seen.

Richer households typically have higher SAT scores for a variety of reasons, including the fact that their children are probably going to better schools and have more resources available for study. This is a significant equality concern that educators must also address, and it is another thing to take into account when determining the average SAT score.

Which Colleges Accept Average SAT Scores?

Here is a list of colleges/universities and their corresponding average SAT scores:

How to Score Well in the SAT

To excel in the SAT, focus on:

• Effective Test Prep: Follow the latest SAT syllabus and practice consistently with the new digital format.
• College Selection: Choose colleges based on your aptitude and score requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Aim to score above the average SAT score accepted by your target colleges

Also Read: What is a Good SAT Score?

Additional SAT Score

This table is designed to be comprehensive and direct, suitable for students seeking quick and essential information about the SAT 2024-