The exam-taker will receive a section score for each section of the SAT Reasoning Test, two subscores for the writing section of the SAT Reasoning Test, and a total combined score for the exam. The critical reading, mathematics, and writing sections of the SAT are each individually scored on a scale of 200 - 800.

The SAT scores for the critical reading and mathematics sections of the exam are each determined by adding one point to the total raw score for each correct answer, subtracting ¼ of a point for each incorrect multiple-choice answer, and then weighting that score based on the specific format of the test that the individual received.

The writing section of the exam, on the other hand, will receive two subscores that are then factored into the total scaled score. The essay portion of the writing section is scored on a scale of 1 - 6 by two separate readers. Each score is then combined to obtain a subscore for the essay portion on a scale of 2 - 12. The SAT scores for the multiple-choice portion of the writing section is determined by adding one point to the total raw score for each correct answer, subtracting ¼ of a point for each incorrect answer, and then weighting the score based on the specific form of the test to obtain a subscore on a scale of 20 - 80. The essay subscore is then weighted to account for 30% of the writing section's total score and the multiple-choice subscore is weighted to account for 70% of the writing section's total score.

The exam-taker will also receive a total combined score for the exam on a scale of 600 - 2400. This SAT score is determined by adding the scores for the critical reading, mathematics, and writing sections of the exam together. The combined score is the score that most undergraduate programs will focus on, but some programs will focus on the individual's section scores as well. The average combined score for the SAT is usually around 1510 - 1520, but most test scores range from 1200 - 1900.

The exam-taker will receive his or her SAT scores by mail, but he or she may choose to check his or her test scores online or by phone prior to receiving the report. Online and phone test scores are usually available within 20 days of the testing date and paper reports are usually mailed out within a month of the testing date.