Stay Ahead of the Curve with a Formidable SAT Score

1400 on SAT puts you roughly in the top 5-7 %ile globally; however in the top 20 universities it pegs you in the top quartile. What’s your goal?

The Key to a 700+ Verbal Score in SAT

For a stellar score in SAT you need to read fast and process the information quickly to mark the right option, especially in the Verbal section. The passages are long, and conjunctive questions require more than just picking certain keywords or skimming through the content. The techniques of Eyeballing, skimming, and scanning serve their purpose only when you have a strong foundation. Build a solid base with our English Course, take our quiz for a reality check.

Scholastic Assessment Test (formerly Scholastic Aptitude Test) is an intense exam, considering the general age of the test takers. Until 2022, SAT used to be a paper-based test but in 2023 the testing authority—College Board—has transformed the test to the digital format. SAT is a standardized test the score of which is required for admission in various reputed universities in USA and Canada.

SAT has two categories: SAT 1 & SAT 2. SAT 1 tests a candidate’s ability in English, Math and Writing whereas SAT 2 is a subject specific test that evaluates the proficiency of the test taker in a specific domain. There are some key points about the Digital SAT.

1. Questions are less wordy in both Reading+Writing (RW) and Math Sections as compared to the earlier format.
2. Candidates are allowed the use of calculators throughout the exam.
3. They can also toggle between questions while attempting a section.
4. An on-screen clock is displayed.
5. Further, it is said that the test is unique for everyone.
6. The scoring matrix has not changed – 1600 aggregate with 800 for each of the two sections
7. The questions are still multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

A score of 1500 out of the maximum possible 1600 is considered excellent. Many good universities in the USA and Canada generally expect a score of at least 1400. However, the average score ranges between 1100-1200.

Like all other standardized exams, the Verbal section of SAT is Achillies heel. There are 27 questions each in Module 1 & Module 2 aggregating to 54 questions. The time allocated for each module is 32 aggregating to 64 minutes. Half of these questions are based on reading comprehension and remaining on the application of English grammar.

How to Prepare for SAT

To score well in the RW section of SAT, you need to have an immutable understanding of the mechanics of English grammar. In addition, you should be conversant with various types of RC questions. Most test takers simply read a passage and try to find the answer to a question in that passage without understanding what to look for and what not to. Likewise, in structure-based questions many students simply go by the ‘feel or sound’ of the options because they do not have a logical approach to solving the question. Due to lack of clarity, students fail to achieve their target score.

The ‘English Course for Competitive Exams’ by ExamYogi is designed to give you a solid foundation of English grammar and eventually make you proficient in all the areas tested in SAT. The pace of learning is in your hands. As you progress, you will experience a tremendous improvement in your understanding and performance. You will also find how all concepts are intertwined when you move ahead in the course. The only caveat is that you need to be consistent with your practice and you should revise all concepts as many times as you can so that you have everything imprinted in your reflexive memory.

You can buy our online video English Course here and start practicing right away. And if you find yourself more suited to taking personal classes, then fill out our form and we will get back to you ASAP.

Digital SAT Exam Pattern

Sections

Duration

Number of Questions/Tasks

Score Scale

Reading and Writing (RW section) – 2 Modules

32 + 32 =

64 min.

54 (50 operational + 4 unscored questions)

200-800 (in 10-point intervals)

Math  – 2 Modules

35 + 35 =

70 min.

44 (40 operational + 4 unscored questions)

200-800 (in 10-point intervals)

Total

134 minutes

98 (90 scored + 8 unscored questions)

400-1600

One Exam, Many Universities

MIT
Harvard<br />
Princeton
Yale
Stanford

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of Digital SAT?

SAT is a fully digital exam and it takes 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete. It has two main sections: 1) Reading and Writing: Two modules of 32 minutes each, and 2) Math: Two modules of 35 minutes each.

How many questions are on the Digital SAT exam?

SAT has a total of 98 questions: 54 in Reading and Writing, and 44 in Math.

How are SAT scores calculated and how long are they valid?

Scores in SAT range from 400 to 1600. Your score report shows a combined total plus individual sub-scores for the Reading/Writing and Math sections. SAT scores are officially valid for 5 years, and most students take the test during their senior year of high school i.e. grade 12 in India.

Is 1400 a good score on the SAT?

Yes, 1400 puts you in approximately 94th percentile worldwide. However, this is an average score for the top 20 universities or Ivy League colleges.

How much SAT score can guarantee my admission in top universities?

Higher is better but a score in the range of 1450-1500 puts you in a comfortable spot. In order to score 1450 or higher, you need to have a solid understanding of the mechanics of English, and you can easily master those from our comprehensive English course.

What was Elon Musk’s SAT score?

Reportedly, Elon Musk scored 1400 on SAT. As per his biography written by Walter Isaacson, Elon Musk achieved this score on his second attempt, when he got 730 in Math and 670 in English.

Can I get admission into Harvard with a 1400 SAT score?

Yes, it is extremely difficult but possible because Harvard considers a lot of other extra-curricular factors which can compensate for a low SAT score. A 1400 on SAT falls well below median SAT score at Harvard. At Harvard, admitted students typically have SAT scores in the range of 1500-1580.

What is the 1st Percentile in SAT?

The 1st percentile is not the top percentile but the lowest percentile. It is roughly 600.

How many attempts can I take on the SAT?

While there is no practical limit on the number of attempts, most experts believe that taking more than 3 attempts can lead to bad-signalling such as lack of preparation, non-seriousness or exam-anxiety. Besides, there are other financial considerations as well.

Is there any superscoring in SAT?

The College Board lets you take the SAT multiple times, but individual colleges and universities decide if they superscore your results. Superscoring is when a college/university calculates your total score by combining your highest Reading & Writing score with your highest Math score across all your test attempts. The College Board doesn’t do superscoring, it simply allows you to send multiple score reports to colleges/universities.

Are there any top schools that accept superscore?

Yes, many top universities such as Stanford, Yale, and MIT officially accept SAT superscores. They encourage you to send all your score reports. Whereas there are many universities that accept only one of your SAT scores; you can decide which score to send by Score Choice.

What is Score Choice?

The College Board, the testing body, officially allows you to choose your SAT score from any specific test date in case you have attempted the exam more than once. However, you must send the full score report from a chosen test date; you cannot mix and match individual sections (e.g., sending a Math score from one date and Reading from another)