Estimate your potential SAT score and see how it aligns with average scores for your target colleges.
Math
Reading & Writing
Balanced Practice
Your Predicted SAT Score Range:
—
Understanding SAT Score Prediction and College Matching
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized exam widely used for college admissions in the United States. While no calculator can predict your exact SAT score with 100% certainty, this tool aims to provide a reasonable estimate based on factors that research and admissions data suggest are correlated with SAT performance. It also helps you understand how your predicted score might align with the admissions profiles of various colleges.
How the Prediction Works (Simplified Logic)
This calculator uses a simplified model to estimate your potential SAT score. It considers several key indicators of academic preparedness:
High School GPA: A strong GPA generally indicates consistent academic performance and effort, which often translates to better standardized test scores.
Class Rank Percentile: Being in the top of your class suggests you perform well relative to your peers, a good indicator for competitive exams like the SAT.
Number of AP/IB Courses: Taking advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses demonstrates a willingness to tackle challenging material, often preparing students for the rigor of the SAT.
Hours Spent Studying: Dedicated study time is crucial for SAT success. The more focused effort you put in, the more likely you are to improve your score.
Preferred Section: Focusing practice on a particular section can significantly boost scores in that area.
The formula combines these inputs using weighted coefficients (which are approximations based on general trends) to generate a predicted score range. The weights are assigned to reflect the general importance of each factor. For instance, GPA and study hours might be given higher weights than the number of AP courses in this simplified model.
Interpreting Your Predicted Score
The result will provide a predicted range (e.g., 1350-1450). This acknowledges that your actual score can vary based on test-day conditions, specific question types, and your familiarity with the test format. A lower range suggests that while you have strong academic foundations, more targeted SAT preparation might be beneficial. A higher range indicates strong potential for a competitive SAT score.
College Matching Insights
Understanding your predicted SAT score is the first step. The next is to see how it aligns with the colleges you're interested in. Colleges typically publish the average SAT score ranges for their admitted students (often referred to as the middle 50% range). This calculator provides a starting point for that comparison:
Reach Schools: Colleges where your predicted score falls below the average range for admitted students. Admission is possible but less likely without exceptional other application components.
Target Schools: Colleges where your predicted score falls within the average range for admitted students. You have a good chance of admission.
Safety Schools: Colleges where your predicted score is significantly above the average range for admitted students. Admission is highly likely.
Disclaimer: This calculator is an estimation tool only. It does not guarantee admission to any college. College admissions are holistic and consider many factors beyond SAT scores, including essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and GPA. Always consult official college admissions data for the most accurate information.
Example Scenario
Let's say a student enters the following information:
High School GPA: 3.9
Class Rank Percentile: 95
Number of AP/IB Courses Taken: 6
Hours Spent Studying for SAT: 100
Preferred Section: Math
Based on these inputs, the calculator might predict a score range of 1480-1580, indicating strong potential for admission to highly selective universities. This student might then research the average SAT scores for their dream schools to see if this predicted range aligns with their target, reach, and safety school criteria.
function calculateSATScore() {
var gpa = parseFloat(document.getElementById("highSchoolGPA").value);
var rank = parseFloat(document.getElementById("classRankPercentile").value);
var apCourses = parseFloat(document.getElementById("AP_IBCourses").value);
var studyHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById("standardizedTestEffort").value);
var section = document.getElementById("preferredSection").value;
var predictedScoreElement = document.getElementById("predictedScore");
var explanationElement = document.getElementById("scoreExplanation");
// Basic validation
if (isNaN(gpa) || isNaN(rank) || isNaN(apCourses) || isNaN(studyHours) ||
gpa 4.0 || rank 100 || apCourses < 0 || studyHours < 0) {
predictedScoreElement.innerHTML = "Invalid Input";
explanationElement.innerHTML = "Please enter valid numbers for all fields.";
return;
}
// Simplified weighted calculation (approximations)
// These weights are illustrative and not based on a precise statistical model.
var gpaWeight = 150;
var rankWeight = 5;
var apWeight = 30;
var studyWeight = 5; // Points per 10 hours of study
var baseScore = 800; // Starting point for a score
// Adjust score based on factors
var scoreEstimate = baseScore +
(gpa * gpaWeight) +
(rank * rankWeight) +
(apCourses * apWeight) +
(studyHours * studyWeight);
// Adjust based on preferred section (boost for focused practice)
var sectionBoost = 0;
if (section === "math") {
sectionBoost = 50;
} else if (section === "reading_writing") {
sectionBoost = 40;
}
scoreEstimate += sectionBoost;
// Cap the score estimate to a reasonable upper bound (e.g., 1600 is max)
// Also, ensure a minimum reasonable score if inputs are low.
var minScore = 400;
var maxScore = 1600;
scoreEstimate = Math.max(minScore, Math.min(maxScore, scoreEstimate));
// Generate a range (e.g., +/- 50 points from the estimate)
var lowerBound = Math.max(minScore, scoreEstimate – 60);
var upperBound = Math.min(maxScore, scoreEstimate + 60);
predictedScoreElement.innerHTML = Math.round(lowerBound) + " – " + Math.round(upperBound);
var explanation = "This prediction is based on your input. Higher GPAs, class rank, advanced courses, and dedicated study hours generally correlate with higher SAT scores. ";
if (section === "math") {
explanation += "Focusing on Math likely contributed to the upper end of this range. ";
} else if (section === "reading_writing") {
explanation += "Focusing on Reading & Writing likely contributed to the upper end of this range. ";
} else {
explanation += "Balanced practice is key for overall improvement. ";
}
explanation += "Remember to compare this range with the average scores of colleges you're interested in.";
explanationElement.innerHTML = explanation;
}