The new SAT scores were released yesterday from the first iteration of the exam, given to students in March. Like the scores from the PSAT this year, many seemed strikingly high to our tutors. Accordingly, we were not surprised to find that the SAT has shifted the scoring scales. You can find the new conversion charts here if you need help making sense of new SAT scores as compared to old SAT scores or ACT scores. For example, a composite of 2100 (700 per section) on the old SAT would correlate to a 32 on the ACT, while a 1400 (700 per section) on the new SAT correlates to only a 30 on the ACT.
Many of you may be wondering why the SAT would choose to suddenly change their scoring scales. The only answer we have is that the SAT has consistently lost market share in recent years to the ACT, which has been historically viewed as an "easier" option than the SAT. This adjustment seems like a ploy to steal back market share and may send some racing to take the new SAT in order to capitalize on the inflated scales. However, it's important to understand that colleges will be sure to carefully examine the new scoring system in order to fairly evaluate all applicants, regardless of which test they have taken. As with all changes like these, there is no universal way colleges will be approaching the new SAT in reviewing admissions files.
We're here to help guide students' testing decisions and will certainly keep our families up to date on any new developments. If you have any questions, as always, please don't hesitate to reach out.