Interpreting SAT, PSAT-related, and SAT Subject Test Scores
These resources provide important information about test characteristics, validity, reliability, norms, scaling, and growth across assessments.
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Percentage of Students with Junior-Year Score Gain or Loss (.pdf/ 562 KB) |
This table shows changes in scores between fall and spring of junior year. |
Percentage of Students with Senior Year Score Gain or Loss (.pdf/ 537 KB) |
This table shows changes in scores between spring of junior year and fall of senior year. |
Student-Level Growth Estimates for the SAT Suite of Assessments (.pdf/5.23 MB) |
This report describes the methodology used to estimate individual growth and to provide the results of the growth estimates for particular SAT Suite growth reporting groups. |
School-Level Growth Estimates for the SAT Suite of Assessments (.pdf/2.57 MB) |
This report describes the methodology used to estimate school-level growth and to provide the results of the growth estimates for particular SAT Suite growth reporting groups. |
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Description |
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SAT Understanding Scores (.pdf/791 KB) |
Includes percentiles, standard error of measurement (SEM), and scoring details. |
SAT Percentiles by Subgroup (.pdf/263 KB) |
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PSAT/NMSQT Understanding Scores (.pdf/1.28 MB) |
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PSAT 10 Understanding Scores (.pdf/666 KB) |
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PSAT 8/9 Understanding Scores (.pdf/646 KB) |
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Validity of the SAT for Predicting First-Year Grades and Retention to the Second Year (.pdf/2.58 MB) |
This study demonstrates the strong relationships between SAT scores and first-year college GPA and second-year retention. |
Using the SAT to Support Student Success on Campus (.pdf/324. KB) | This paper discusses the utility and value of SAT scores for informing important campus decisions about retention, degree completion, and students’ areas of academic weaknesses that need strengthening. |
Validity of SAT® Essay Scores for Predicting First-Year Grades (.pdf/2.2 MB) |
This study shares information on the utility and value of the SAT essay for use in college admission, placement, and advising. |
Differential Validity and Prediction of the SAT® (.pdf/2.7 MB) |
This study shares information on SAT score relationships with college performance by key student and institutional subgroups. |
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Test Specifications for the Redesigned SAT (.pdf/2.65 MB) |
Full specifications for the redesigned SAT. Includes evidentiary foundations for redesign, as well as sample questions. |
SAT Suite of Assessments Technical Manual (.pdf/2.21 MB) |
Document outlying the characteristics of the SAT. |
SAT Suite of Assessments Technical Manual – Appendix (Part 1) (.pdf/27.3 MB) |
First part of the appendix to accompany the Technical Manual that includes descriptions and references to fairness, test development, requirements, psychometrics, and validity. |
SAT Suite of Assessments Technical Manual – Appendix (Part 2) (.pdf/26.9 MB) |
Second part of the appendix to accompany the Technical Manual that includes descriptions and references to fairness, test development, requirements, psychometrics, and validity. |
Scaling for the SAT Suite of Assessments (.pdf/2.51 MB) |
An overview of scaling, scaling study design, new SAT scaling, characteristics of the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 vertical scalings, and subscore scaling. |
This report summarizes findings from three studies comparing paper and digital assessments. |
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Guide to the 2018 ACT/SAT Concordance (.pdf/294 KB) |
Concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores, along with supplemental information. |
2018 ACT-SAT Concordance Tables (.xlsx/40 KB) |
Concordance tables in spreadsheet format. |
Concordance Tables: New SAT Scores to Old SAT Scores (.xlsx/36 KB) |
Includes concordance instructions and concordance tables comparing new to old SAT scores. |
Concordance Tables: Old SAT Scores to New SAT Scores (.xlsx/40 KB) |
Includes concordance instructions and concordance tables comparing old to new SAT scores. |
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Description |
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Subject Test Percentile Ranks (.pdf/752 KB) |
Percentiles compare students who took the same Subject Test, and are used to find out how students performed on the test. |
Subject Test Subscore Percentile Ranks (.pdf/165 KB) |
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Subject Tests in Languages—Total Score and Subscore Percentile Ranks for Students Who Studied a Language in High School (.pdf/244 KB) |
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Subject Tests in Languages — Performance by Years of Study (.pdf/224 KB) |
Use this table to find out how scores change with varying levels of language instruction. |
SAT Subject Tests—Test Characteristics (.pdf/322 KB) |
This table shows that Subject Tests are reliable and appropriately difficult. |