Receiving your SAT or ACT score reports can be exciting—but also a little confusing. Both tests provide detailed reports that break down your performance across sections, skills, and content areas. Understanding what each number and category means is key to planning your next steps, improving your scores, and making informed college application decisions.
This guide will help you make sense of your SAT and ACT score reports, so you can use your results strategically.
Want to know exactly where you stand before diving into test prep? Our diagnostic testing services give a personalized assessment of your strengths and areas to improve, helping you create a focused plan to boost your SAT or ACT scores.
How SAT and ACT Scores Are Calculated
SAT
The SAT is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, combining two main section scores:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): 200–800
- Math: 200–800
Each section also includes “subscores” (e.g., Command of Evidence, Words in Context, Heart of Algebra) to show your strengths and weaknesses in more specific areas. Percentile ranks indicate how your scores compare to other students nationwide.
ACT
The ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36 for each section:
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science
Your Composite Score is the average of these section scores. If you take both Math and Science, you receive a STEM score, and taking English, Reading, and Writing provides an ELA score. There is no penalty for guessing—points are only earned for correct answers. Percentiles and national ranks indicate your standing relative to other students.
Understanding Section Scores and Reporting Categories
SAT Score Reports
Your SAT score report provides:
- Total and Section Scores: Overall performance in Math and EBRW.
- Test Scores: Scores for Reading, Writing & Language, and Math sections on a 10–40 scale.
- Subscores: Specific skill areas like Command of Evidence or Problem Solving & Data Analysis.
- Cross-Test Scores: Skills applied to Science and History/Social Studies contexts.
These details help you identify areas to focus on for future practice or test prep.
ACT Score Reports
The ACT divides each section into reporting categories aligned with College and Career Readiness Standards. For example:
English (40 questions)
- Production of Writing
- Knowledge of Language
- Conventions of Standard English
Math (41 questions)
- Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Statistics & Probability
- Number & Quantity
- Integrating Essential Skills
Reading (27 questions)
- Key Ideas and Details
- Craft and Structure
- Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Science (34 questions)
- Interpretation of Data
- Scientific Investigation
- Evaluation of Models and Experimental Results
Your score report shows the number of questions answered correctly in each category, the total questions, and the percentage correct. This allows you to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses in very specific skills.
What Is a Good Score?
A “good” SAT or ACT score depends on your target schools and goals.
- SAT: Average score is around 1050–1100. Competitive schools may expect 1300–1500+.
- ACT: National average is about 19–20. Competitive schools may look for 27–32+, and top-tier universities often expect 30+.
Research the average admitted scores for the colleges you’re interested in to set a realistic goal for improvement.
National Ranks and Percentiles
Both SAT and ACT reports include percentile ranks or national ranks. These numbers show how your scores compare to other students nationwide. For instance, scoring in the 75th percentile means you performed better than 75% of test-takers. This information is useful for understanding your competitiveness and planning next steps.
Using Your Score Reports to Improve
Reading your score report is not just about knowing your number—it’s about strategic improvement.
- Identify Weak Areas: Look at section scores, subscores, and reporting categories to see where you lost the most points.
- Compare to Benchmarks: Check how your scores align with college readiness standards or target schools.
- Set Goals: Determine the score increases needed to be competitive at your colleges of choice.
- Create a Study Plan: Focus practice on the skills that need the most improvement.
- Track Progress: Use your score reports from multiple test attempts to measure growth over time.
ACT / SAT Concordance
If you’ve taken both tests, concordance tables can help you compare your scores. While scores aren’t exactly interchangeable, a conversion table shows approximate equivalents, helping you understand your performance across both platforms.
Understanding your SAT and ACT score reports gives you a roadmap for college readiness and strategic improvement. By examining section scores, reporting categories, and percentiles, you can make informed decisions about where to focus your preparation.
At Curvebreakers Test Prep, we help students interpret their score reports, set realistic goals, and build customized study plans to maximize results on the SAT or ACT.
Schedule a consultation today to start planning your path to higher scores and stronger college applications.