Use this calculator to estimate the section scores you'll need to achieve your target SAT score and get a rough idea of the study hours required per week.
Understanding the SAT and Setting Goals
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It's designed to assess a high school student's readiness for college. The test is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, for a total composite score ranging from 400 to 1600.
Setting a target SAT score is a crucial first step in your preparation journey. A clear goal helps you focus your study efforts and track your progress. Your target score should be realistic, often based on the average scores of admitted students at your desired colleges.
How to Use the SAT Target Score & Study Planner
Current Math Score: Enter your most recent Math section score. This could be from a practice test, a PSAT, or a previous official SAT.
Current Reading & Writing Score: Enter your most recent Reading & Writing section score.
Target Total SAT Score: Input the overall SAT score you aim to achieve.
Weeks Until Test: Specify how many weeks you have until your official SAT test date.
Click "Calculate SAT Plan" to see your estimated required section scores, the total score improvement needed, and a projection of weekly study hours.
Interpreting Your Results
The calculator will provide:
Current Total SAT Score: Your combined score based on your current section scores.
Score Improvement Needed: The total points you need to gain to reach your target.
Recommended Target Math Score: The estimated Math score required to hit your overall target, assuming balanced improvement.
Estimated Total Study Hours Needed: A rough estimate of the total hours you might need to dedicate to studying to achieve your goal. This is based on a general guideline that significant score improvement requires dedicated effort.
Estimated Study Hours Per Week: This divides the total estimated hours by the number of weeks you have, giving you a weekly study target.
Important Considerations for SAT Preparation
Individual Learning Pace: The study hour estimates are general guidelines. Some students may need more or less time depending on their starting point, learning style, and dedication.
Quality Over Quantity: Focused, effective study sessions are more valuable than simply logging many hours. Use high-quality practice materials, review your mistakes, and understand the concepts.
Balanced Study: While the calculator suggests balanced improvement, you might choose to focus more on one section if you have a particular weakness or strength.
Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and identify areas for improvement.
Rest and Well-being: Don't neglect sleep, nutrition, and breaks. Burnout can hinder your progress.
Remember, this calculator is a planning tool. Your actual SAT score will depend on your consistent effort and effective study strategies.
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function calculateSATPlan() {
var currentMathScore = parseFloat(document.getElementById("currentMathScore").value);
var currentRWScore = parseFloat(document.getElementById("currentRWScore").value);
var targetTotalScore = parseFloat(document.getElementById("targetTotalScore").value);
var weeksUntilTest = parseFloat(document.getElementById("weeksUntilTest").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("satResult");
if (isNaN(currentMathScore) || currentMathScore 800) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid Current Math Score (200-800).";
return;
}
if (isNaN(currentRWScore) || currentRWScore 800) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid Current Reading & Writing Score (200-800).";
return;
}
if (isNaN(targetTotalScore) || targetTotalScore 1600) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid Target Total SAT Score (400-1600).";
return;
}
if (isNaN(weeksUntilTest) || weeksUntilTest <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid number of Weeks Until Test (must be greater than 0).";
return;
}
var currentTotalScore = currentMathScore + currentRWScore;
var scoreImprovementNeeded = targetTotalScore – currentTotalScore;
var outputHTML = "";
outputHTML += "Your Current Total SAT Score: " + currentTotalScore + "";
if (scoreImprovementNeeded <= 0) {
outputHTML += "Score Improvement Needed: 0 points. You've already met or exceeded your target!";
outputHTML += "Keep practicing to maintain your score or aim even higher!";
} else {
outputHTML += "Score Improvement Needed: " + scoreImprovementNeeded + " points";
var averageImprovementPerSectionNeeded = scoreImprovementNeeded / 2;
var recommendedTargetMathScore = currentMathScore + averageImprovementPerSectionNeeded;
var recommendedTargetRWScore = currentRWScore + averageImprovementPerSectionNeeded;
recommendedTargetMathScore = Math.min(800, recommendedTargetMathScore);
recommendedTargetRWScore = Math.min(800, recommendedTargetRWScore);
outputHTML += "Recommended Target Math Score: " + Math.round(recommendedTargetMathScore) + "";
outputHTML += "Recommended Target Reading & Writing Score: " + Math.round(recommendedTargetRWScore) + "";
var estimatedTotalStudyHours = scoreImprovementNeeded * 0.25;
var estimatedStudyHoursPerWeek = estimatedTotalStudyHours / weeksUntilTest;
outputHTML += "Estimated Total Study Hours Needed: " + estimatedTotalStudyHours.toFixed(1) + " hours";
outputHTML += "Estimated Study Hours Per Week: " + estimatedStudyHoursPerWeek.toFixed(1) + " hours";
outputHTML += "(This is an estimate. Individual results may vary based on learning style and study effectiveness.)";
}
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