Highest SAT Score

If you’ve decided to take the SAT, one of the first things you’ll probably want to know is what the highest SAT score is and how you can get it. This is especially critical now that the SAT has undergone a recent redesign, meaning a lot of changes have been made in terms of content and even the best score you can get.

What is the Highest SAT Score?

After the SAT was redesigned, the highest SAT score you can earn is a 1600. Now this can get tricky, because until very recently you could earn a 2400 and before that, the highest score was a 1600 as well. Make sure when you read up on the SAT to check the date of the material, this way you can ensure you're reading up-to-date information.

College admissions are getting more competitive every year, so having the highest SAT score you can possibly earn is pretty important. Sending a perfect score to the colleges you’re applying to will definitely get them to take you seriously. But what does it take to get a perfect 1600 on the SAT and do you have what it takes?

What Does It Take to Get Your Highest SAT Score?

The first thing you need to earn a high score on the SAT is the right mindset. I know that sounds a little weird, but you’ll need to work hard and aim for perfection when you’re practicing.

From a scoring standpoint, here’s what you need to know if you’re aiming for a high or perfect score on the SAT:

•    Reading: one or two questions are all you can afford to miss, but I still suggest you aim for earning a perfect score, one at most.
•    Math: you cannot miss any questions in this section; it is one of the most unforgiving sections on the SAT.
•    Writing: sometimes you can miss one question and still earn an 800 on this section, but I don’t recommend relying on this.

Practicing for perfection during your test prep is critical. So, if you’re missing more than one or two questions during your practice sessions then you need to buckle down with your tutor and practice tests until you perform consistently. Achieving the highest SAT score is possible, but it will require a lot of hard work.

So when you start out with preparing for the SAT, you need to find a tutor to work with. A lot of my students hear the word “tutor” and have some preconceived notions about what it means to need one. I have personally trained the tutors you’ll be working with; all of them have earned a perfect score or have a score in the 99th percentile. You’ll only be working with the best and those who have worked as hard as you are about to, so they’ve been where you are now. You can learn their tips and tricks and they will personalize your test prep to your needs.

How to Get Your Highest SAT Score Possible

Now let’s get into detail about concrete steps you can take to earn your highest SAT score possible and hopefully get you close to that perfect score mark.

Gather Your Test Prep Materials

One of the first things you need to do is learn as much information about the SAT test itself, the reading section, the math section, the writing and language section, essay portion, and how the test is scored as possible. Why all the prep reading for your prep work? Understanding the test you’re about to take will help you understand specific questions and content. Knowing as much as you can about a game before you start playing makes you a better player! Be sure to also gather test prep books, official practice tests, and your tutor. Because this version of the SAT is still new, this can be tricky so be thorough in your search.

Analyze Your Mistakes. And Analyze Them Again.

You will need to be really hard on yourself when you make mistakes on your practice tests. As great as it is to admit you messed up on a question, you need to pick apart your performance. Try keeping track of the questions you’re uncertain of by marking them as you’re taking the practice test. This way when you review, you will know for certain which questions are actually causing you trouble. Keep track of the ones you answer incorrectly in a separate notebook by writing out the question and why you got it wrong using the 5 Whys Technique to get to the root of why you answered this question incorrectly. I know this takes a ton of work, but putting in this effort to understand your mistakes will put you lightyears ahead of other students prepping for the SAT by only drilling questions.

Use Awesome Study Habits.

Look, I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the most important tests of your life so you need to go all out when you’re studying for it. Create a schedule and hold yourself accountable. Make sure it’s realistic. Don’t say you’re going to study for 40 hours a week, because you’re in school for at least 35. Be consistent and eliminate distractions by working in a quiet area without your phone, music, or friends. You won’t have any of these when you actually sit down for the SAT so practicing with them doesn’t make any sense.

Earning the highest SAT score is a lot of hard work, but if you’re dedicated and stick with it, you’ll have a score you can be proud of sending to your dream schools. By using the strategies above, you can earn an amazing score on the SAT and get yourself into an incredible college, even earn yourself some merit-based scholarships.

Do you have any tips to add? What score are you hoping to get on the SAT? Let us know in the comments section below!