TM Interpreting Your SAT Score Report
Students and families often have questions about the information provided in their SAT Score
Report. To help you better understand your scores, we’ve put together a helpful guide.
Remember, your Section scores and Total score are what matter. Subscores provide more
specific information for how you might focus your test preparation. Cross-Test Scores and
Subscores are typically not used in admissions decisions.
A The Total Score (400-1600) and
Section Scores (200-800) are
the most important scores when
applying to college. The Essay Scores
A are not factored into the Total or
Section scores.
B B Percentiles show your relative
standing among other students.
The “Nationally Representative”
percentile is based on data for all U.S.
students, including students who
did not take the SAT. The “SAT User”
percentile is based on actual scores
of students who took the SAT.
A C C The benchmark is a measure of your
college readiness. The benchmark for
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing is
480. The benchmark for Math is 530.
D Test Scores are used to calculate
Section Scores. Multiplying the sum
D of the Reading and the Writing &
Language Test Scores by 10 gives
the Evidence-Based Reading &
Writing Section Score. Multiplying
the Math Test Score by 20 gives the
Math Section Score.
E
EBRW Score: (22 + 27) × 10 = 490
Math Section Score: 26 × 20 = 520
E Cross-Test Scores are based
on history and science-related
questions spread throughout the
SAT. There is no dedicated history or
science section on the test. Cross-
Test Scores are used primarily as
assessment tools for schools.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Office of Admissions
205 Centennial Hall, 300 W. 12th Street 573-341-6731
Rolla, MO 65409 apply.mst.edu
