--- title: What's the Highest New SAT Score Possible? · PrepScholar description: Not sure what the highest score you can get on the SAT is? We explain what counts as perfect on the new scale and what the changes mean for you. image: https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/feature_student.jpg --- **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** CALL NOW: [+1 (866) 811-5546](tel:18668115546) [![Start Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-171805697634.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJluK2NyG3jpAJh%2F2lClc1fhnVHyMZoQonqRxtJngB8FMX6lc78F84JqOaVAL0d36TA5%2FYuH%2FLCJw8AG3ewREi%2F7a3XDouZgjxWfYCBUge6z76KnSykOxONl3avMK0gUjJGpJdyJE2BDTx8g3bsgHwMtx4Kr9Jfh6Jr7WA2XEIgtLw1OoVvAMo4Kw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=171805697634&portalId=360031) ## Choose Your Test SAT Prep ACT Prep [PrepScholar Advice Blog](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) ☰ - Search Blogs By Category - [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat) - [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act) - [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions) - [AP and IB Exams](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/advanced-placement-ap) - [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies) - [TOEFL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/toefl) - [GPA and Coursework](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/coursework-gpa) # [What's the Highest New SAT Score Possible?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/whats-the-highest-new-sat-score-possible) ![author image](http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_francesca.png) Posted by [Francesca Fulciniti](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/francesca-fulciniti) | Updated on August 8, 2024 [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat) , [New SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/new-sat)   ![feature_student.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/feature_student.jpg?width=276&name=feature_student.jpg) Understanding how the SAT scoring system works is an important part of preparing for the test. After all, how else are you supposed to measure your progress and set goals? The SAT underwent some [big format changes in 2016](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-guide-to-the-new-sat-in-2016), which means that **the scoring system most people were familiar with was radically overhauled.** Here, I’ll cover how the scoring system has changed on the SAT, how this has affected the highest possible SAT score, and what this means for test takers.   ## How Has the SAT Changed in Recent Years? Before 2005, the SAT had just two sections (Math and Critical Reading), and each was scored on a scale of 200-800, giving you **a maximum possible SAT score of 1600.** In 2005, the College Board instituted a newer version of the SAT with three sections; **this changed the maximum possible score to 2400.** The new version of the SAT also came with updates to test content and question types. **But in the beginning of 2016, the College Board updated the SAT a second time both in terms of its scoring system and content.** There are still three parts of the test but these are now scored as two sections: [Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/whats-actually-tested-on-sat-math-topics) and [Evidence-Based Reading and Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-evidence-based-reading-and-writing) (which is a combination of Reading and Writing). Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 200-800. In addition, there’s an [optional Essay section](https://blog.prepscholar.com/should-i-take-the-sat-essay) (whose score is separate from your overall SAT score). You might notice that **the structure of the current SAT is [fairly similar to that of the ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-new-sat-vs-the-act-a-full-breakdown).  ** Another important change is the **switch to rights-only scoring, which means that** **points are no longer deducted for wrong answers.** Simply put, there’s no guessing penalty on the SAT! Now, let's take a closer look at what these changes mean for the highest possible SAT score and the SAT Essay. ### The Highest Possible SAT Score As I mentioned, the current SAT is scored as two sections (Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, or EBRW). Each has a maximum of 800. **This means that the new highest possible SAT score is 1600.** Basically, the SAT shifted from a maximum score of 1600 (before 2005), to a maximum score of 2400 (2005-2015), to back down to a maximum of 1600 (2016-present). Note, though, that even though the SAT returned to the 1600 scale, **the current SAT format differs a lot from its very old (pre-2005) format.** You can learn more about [what counts as a good, bad, or average SAT score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score) by reading our guide.   ### The Highest Possible SAT Essay Score The essay used to be a mandatory part of the SAT Writing section. **Now, though, it's an optional separate section with [an independent scoring system](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-essay-score).** This means that your Essay score is *not* included in the total maximum SAT score of 1600. Two graders will read your SAT essay and score your work on three different dimensions: reading, analysis, and writing. **Each grader will give you between 1 and 4 points for each dimension.** In sum, each dimension is being scored out of 8 possible points. Three separate scores (out of 8 points each) means that **the highest possible SAT Essay score is 8|8|8, or 24 total points.**   ![body_studentwriting.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_studentwriting.jpg?width=430&name=body_studentwriting.jpg) *Because the essay is now scored on three separate dimensions, it may make it easier for you to hone in on (and improve) your writing weaknesses.* ## What These SAT Scoring Changes Mean for You These structural and scoring changes to the SAT might not sound like a huge deal, but they could change the way you approach the test. **Here are the major features of the new SAT to keep in mind as you prepare for the test:**   ### #1: There's a Greater Emphasis on Math On the old SAT, the Reading and Writing sections accounted for two-thirds of your total SAT score, whereas Math accounted for just one-third (remember that each of the three sections was scored on a separate scale of 200-800 points, adding up to a maximum of 2400 points). **Now, the Math section accounts for half your total SAT score.** If Math isn’t your strong subject, you'll need to dedicate more time to preparing for this section than you would have had to do had you taken the old version of the SAT. Since Math now counts for a far bigger fraction of your score, you don't want to do poorly on it! To get started on your SAT Math prep, check out [our ultimate guide to the SAT Math section](https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-math-prep-guide-strategies-tips-practice).   ### #2: Know the Expectations for the SAT Essay The current SAT Essay gives you three scores for three different dimensions, with each being out of 8 points. **Check out the** **[SAT Essay rubric](https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-essay-rubric-full-analysis-writing-strategies) to see *exactly* what graders are looking for from test takers.** I also recommendreading [our guide to getting a perfect 8 on each of the three SAT Essay dimensions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-essay-score).   ### #3: Don't Be Scared to Guess on Questions With the 2016 switch to rights-only scoring (meaning that there are no point deductions for wrong answers), **there’s no reason to leave any questions blank. **You have nothing to lose if you guess on a question that you’re otherwise unable to answer, so go ahead and put down an answer! Take a look at our article on [how and when to guess on SAT questions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/should-you-guess-on-the-sat-guessing-strategies) to learn more about how to increase your chances of getting a question right on test day.   *![body_guessing.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_guessing.jpg?width=286&name=body_guessing.jpg)* *Guessing obviously isn’t ideal, but these changes to the SAT mean you don’t have to stress about whether to guess if you’re super stuck on a question!* ## What’s Next? **[How many people actually score a 1600 on the SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/whats-the-highest-possible-sat-score)? **Read our expert guide to learn what the answer is! Knowing [how the SAT is scored](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-is-the-sat-scored-scoring-charts) can be useful—but **it’s even more helpful if you have a context for understanding these scores.** Start off by learning about [the SAT score range](https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-score-range). Afterward, read up on [what counts as good, bad, or excellent SAT score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score). **Intrigued by the idea of a perfect SAT score?** Check out our famous guide on [how to get a 1600](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer), written by an actual perfect scorer!   [![Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points?   We have the industry's leading SAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.   Along with more detailed lessons, you'll get thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next.   Check out our 5-day free trial today:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151896378542.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ1AMHoINXVLgQqeKHdyBXro89RvgmT5zQw%2BvlBVlYQ0Vj4vdOqYONx1vV04faHaogezpPuv99pnEIuWOWBG6BXIlxgeiFIW5v96j7jCvPI75hKVP3JebECUoQLrABlBqg5Vtg2cCjgsDfc4LlBOgXL%2FyWX3no5c5lpx3k1Ro3Tpd6Jz2UuiY0HmtA%3D&webInteractiveContentId=151896378542&portalId=360031)   ### Trending Now [How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-by-a-harvard-alum) [How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-4-0-gpa-and-get-better-grades-by-a-harvard-alum) [How to Write an Amazing College Essay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-a-college-essay) [Should You Take the SAT or ACT?](https://quiz.prepscholar.com/sat-vs-act) [What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for) [ACT vs. SAT: 10 Key Differences](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat) [Calculate Your College Chances](https://mycollegechances.prepscholar.com/) Get Your Free **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** eBook [5 Tips to Raise Your SAT Score 160+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/sat-5-tips-ebook/) [5 Tips to Raise Your ACT Score 4+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/act-5-tips-ebook/) ### SAT Prep [Find Your Target SAT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score) [Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links) ### **[How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer)** [Score 800 on SAT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer) [Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-and-writing) [Raise Your SAT Score by 160+ Points GUARANTEED. Start Your 5-Day Risk-Free Trial](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/?utm_source=databasepage&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_campaign=sat_guarantee) ### ACT Prep [Find Your Target ACT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-act-score-a-bad-act-score-an-excellent-act-score) [Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links) ### **[How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer)** [Get a 36 on ACT English](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-english-9-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer) [Get a 36 on ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-math-8-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer) [Get a 36 on ACT Reading](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-reading-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer) Stay Informed Get the latest articles and test prep tips! - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/facebook_logo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![Follow us on X (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/twitterx-50.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-sidebar.webp)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) Get Exclusive Tips for College Admissions Sign up to receive free guidance on everything from acing the SAT to writing a standout college admissions essay. × ## Thanks for Subscribing! ![Check icon](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2386656898.png/subscribe_check.png.png?width=175&name=subscribe_check.png) To receive immediate updates on all our helpful guides and strategies, **follow us** on social media: [![Facebook](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26de6c2beb2b71ee5b8d660200359259.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) [![X](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/f233666501ea25d3fcf3c390d2f08c7b.png)](https://x.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) [![LinkedIn](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) [![Instagram](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/download-1.png)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) **Have friends who also need help with test prep?** Share this article! [![Share on email](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhats-the-highest-new-sat-score-possible%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhats-the-highest-new-sat-score-possible%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [![Share on facebook](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhats-the-highest-new-sat-score-possible%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on twitter](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhats-the-highest-new-sat-score-possible%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhats-the-highest-new-sat-score-possible%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhats-the-highest-new-sat-score-possible%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) About the Author ![author image](http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_francesca.png) Francesca Fulciniti Francesca graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. She's worked with many students on SAT prep and college counseling, and loves helping students capitalize on their strengths. ## Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply! **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-White.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com)** - [WHO WE ARE](https://www.prepscholar.com/who-we-are/) - [SUCCESS STORIES](https://www.prepscholar.com/case-studies/) - [ADVICE BLOG](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) - [FOR SCHOOLS](https://www.prepscholar.com/for-schools/) - [SAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/) - [ACT](https://www.prepscholar.com/act-test-prep/) - [PSAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/psat-test-prep/) - [AP](https://www.prepscholar.com/ap-tutoring/) - [GRE](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre-test-prep/) - [GMAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/gmat-test-prep/) - [TOEFL](https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl-test-prep/) - [ADMISSIONS](https://www.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-consulting/) - [TERMS OF SERVICE](https://www.prepscholar.com/terms-of-service/) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.prepscholar.com/privacy-policy/) - [![follow us on X (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/twitter-64.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/facebook-64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-64.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) - [![follow us on TikTok (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/tiktok-50.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@prepscholarofficial) - [![Follow us on LinkedIn (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/linkedin50.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) © PrepScholar 2013-2025. All rights reserved SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this web site. ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT Education Corporation ("ACT"). ACT is not involved with or affiliated with PrepScholar Inc., nor does ACT endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by PrepScholar Inc. GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of the ETS®. The ETS® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this web site. GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council®. The Graduate Management Admissions Council® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this website. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Francesca Fulciniti", "url" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/francesca-fulciniti" }, "dateModified" : "2024-08-08T20:45:35+00:00", "datePublished" : "2018-04-01T20:00:00+00:00", "description" : "Not sure what the highest score you can get on the SAT is? We explain what counts as perfect on the new scale and what the changes mean for you.", "headline" : "What's the Highest New SAT Score Possible?", "image" : "http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/feature_student.jpg", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/whats-the-highest-new-sat-score-possible", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png" }, "name" : "PrepScholar" } } ```