Learning how to score higher on the SAT and ACT isn’t just about studying harder—it’s about studying smarter. And part of that is knowing how each test is scored. The way each test is structured means that strategy plays a big role in your final results, especially given the shift towards the digital SAT and the new changes to the ACT.
The ACT’s straightforward scoring rewards accuracy, while the SAT’s adaptive modules make things more complicated. When preparing for the ACT and SAT, understanding how each test works can help you maximize your score and avoid common pitfalls. Let’s break it down so you can approach test day with confidence.
How to Score Higher on the SAT and ACT?
Correctly answer more questions.
Done!
I know that you’re probably wondering where I got such great insight. I have talked to students, teachers, tutors, college admissions people, and unequivocally, I’ve been told the best way to get the highest score possible is to get the most answers correct.
If only it were that simple. There are features of each of the two tests that make the simple notion of “get more answers correct to get a higher score” an oversimplification. Let’s look at each test separately.
Scoring on the ACT
There are four types of scores on the ACT: Section Scores, Scale Scores, Total Scores, and Superscores. It’s important to know what each of the terms mean so as not to confuse them:
- Section Scores: The actual number of correct answers given in a section.
- Scale Scores: The score out of 36 a student receives based on their section score.
- Total Score: The average of the four scale scores on a test.
- Superscore: The best possible total score a student can create using their top performances for each section from all of the times they have taken the test.
For example:
Student Results for April 2023 ACT (section scores):
English: 67/75
Math: 41/60
Reading: 31/40
Science: 36/40
Student Results for April 2023 ACT (scale scores):
English: 31/36
Math: 26/36
Reading: 26/36
Science: 32/36
This student would have a total score of ((31+26+26+32)/4) = 28.75 = 29
If this was not the student’s first time taking the test, they could apply their previous results (30+28+31+26) to create a super score of ((31+28+31+32)/4) = 30.5 = 31. Even though each of the student’s individual test scores had a total of 28.75, their superscore would be 31. Not every school will accept a superscore, but many do. Check to see what the schools on your list will accept.
Does getting more correct answers automatically mean a higher score?
In the case of the ACT, it largely does. The more questions you get right, the higher your scale score will be on each section. There is, however, a bit of nuance to this.
On the English section of the above April 2023 test, there are 75 questions and a score of 74 or 75 would equate to a scale score of 36 and a 71, 72, or 73 would convert to a scale score of 35. Therefore, a student who got 71/75 could theoretically have gotten two additional questions correct and seen no movement in their scale score.
With 36 scaled points and 75 questions, it’s approximately one scaled score point for every two questions. This isn’t exactly true, and varies slightly with each version of the test, but it’s a good estimate.
Scoring on the SAT
The SAT, on the other hand, has its two disciplines—math and reading/writing—broken down into two testing modules. For each discipline, how you score on the first section determines which version of the second section you take. However, not all modules are created equally. For example:
Student A scores 11/22 on the first module and then 22/22 on the second module
Student B scores 22/22 on the first module and then 11/22 on the second module
Same score, right? No.
Since the second module a student receives is based on their performance on the first module, these two students would have received different versions of the second module.
Since Student B excelled on the first module, they would have received a much harder second module than Student A. Their score will be calculated accordingly, with Student A having a lower ceiling (somewhere around 1250*) compared to Student B (who would have gotten a 1600 with a perfect second module, and would still score somewhere in the neighborhood of 1400*). Therefore, even though both students answered 33/44 questions correctly, the elevated degree of difficulty of Student B’s test would result in a higher score.
*These numbers are estimates and meant to illustrate a point, rather than to be taken as wholly accurate.
Just like the ACT, some schools will take an SAT superscore from students who have taken the test multiple times. This means that students who have had the opportunity to take the test multiple times and done better on one section than the other can focus their efforts on the weaker section during future iterations of the test in an effort to raise their superscore.
ACT or SAT: Which Test Should I Take?
Your success on the test entirely depends on your strengths and testing style. As we discussed, the SAT uses an adaptive format, meaning students who perform well on the first module will have more opportunity to boost their scores. Taking a practice test for both can help determine which suits you best.
For a complete breakdown of each test and suggestions on which to pick, visit our blog post: Should I Take the SAT or ACT?
How Do I Increase My SAT/ACT Score?
The best way to raise your score is not test-dependent. The best way to raise your score is to practice. Students with more practice will arrive at test day with confidence, strategies, and an overall better feel for what to expect on the test they are about to take.
Both the SAT and the ACT test not only academics but also your ability to take these tests under their assigned conditions. Students who have had more opportunities to practice both the types of questions they will see and the type of conditions under which they will take the test (timed, scored) will be better prepared for the actual taking of the test and therefore be better able to exhibit their skills on test day.
With that in mind, take practice tests, review test prep books, and consider investing in a test prep tutor to maximize your score
For a comprehensive guide to preparing for both standardized tests prepared by a HelloCollege tutor, visit How to Study for the SAT and ACT?
Can tutoring improve SAT scores?
Yes. A big part of taking the SAT is learning the ins and outs of the test. Tutoring, especially one-on-one test prep tutoring, can improve your score through personalized instruction, test-taking strategies, and targeted practice to improve weak areas.
How many times can you take the SAT and ACT?
Both the SAT and the ACT have no limit on how many times you can take the test.
How many times should you take the SAT or ACT?
Most students take the SAT or ACT 2–3 times. The first time sets a baseline, the second allows for improvement, and a third (if needed) can fine-tune your performance and achieve your best score. Retaking either test too many times rarely leads to significant score increases, can be stressful, and comes with diminishing returns.
Conclusion
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
Being prepared to take the SAT or ACT is very important. Proper preparation for these tests involves identifying your strengths and your opportunities for growth, planning how to take the test, and developing a familiarity with the test that will help you to enter with confidence on test day.
All of these can be achieved and enhanced with the help of a HelloCollege test prep tutor. To learn more about our comprehensive SAT and ACT tutoring services, contact us to schedule a consultation.
