Preparing to go to college can sometimes make one anxious. You may find yourself worrying about what kind of score you need to get before being admitted into college. At times you might also wonder what the lowest possible SAT score is.
According to the College Board, the lowest possible SAT score is 400, while the highest is 1600. This score is gotten from two sections, math and EBRW, which are scored on a scale of 200 – 800 each.
Getting the lowest SAT score which is 400, is actually almost impossible, except you deliberately answered all questions wrong. Naturally, even if you decide to answer C on all the questions, you’ll still score above the 400 mark.
That being said, if you find yourself on the lower end of the SAT score sheet and don’t know what to do next, then this article is for you. I will be highlighting some of the best options for you. So, let’s dive right into it.
Is it possible to get the lowest score on the SAT?
As mentioned earlier, the College Board stated that the lowest possible SAT score is 400. However, getting this score is kind of rare, except if the student submits the answer sheet blank or intentionally answered the wrong ones.
The SAT exam is designed in a way that even a struggling student can score at least higher than the lowest. This is because the scores are graded on a scale of 400, so that means even if you don’t answer, you still score 400.
Now, let’s look at a practical example. If a student were to guess all through the exam, there’s a high possibility such a student will score above 400.
To explain further, if you guess answers, chances are you get 25% of the answers right. This means that you will still score higher than the lowest.
So all being considered, it is technically impossible to score the lowest. Except you submit the answer sheet blank or deliberately neglect to select the correct answers.
Which states have the lowest SAT scores?
It is quite rare for students to score the lowest, even the state with the lowest SAT score average is still far off from the lowest. Below is a list of states with the lowest SAT scores and their average scores.
- Delaware – 984
- Idaho – 985
- District of Columbia – 987
- Florida – 993
- New Mexico – 996
- Texas – 1003
- West Virginia – 1007
- Illinois – 1008
- Rhode Island – 1011
- Michigan – 1031
What to do if you scored low on the SAT
Having a lower score doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the world, there are still a few options for you. Below are the best options for one with a low SAT score.
1. Apply for college or university
Surprisingly, there are many colleges or universities that accept low or no SAT scores. This is because these schools use a holistic method of admission. That means they consider other factors as well rather than just the SAT score.
Below is a list of colleges and universities that accept low or no SAT scores;
- Visible Music College (Memphis, TN)
- Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, OH)
- Thomas University (Thomasville, GA)
- Albany State University (Albany, GA)
- Kentucky Christian University (Grayson, KY)
- Livingstone College (Salisbury, NC)
- Virginia Union University (Richmond, VA)
- Chicago State University (Chicago, IL)
- Saint Augustine College (Raleigh, NC)
- Tougaloo College (Tougaloo, MS)
- Ottawa University, Ottawa (Ottawa, KS)
- Paine College (Augusta, GA)
- Alcorn State University (Alcorn State, MS)
- Johnson C Smith University (Charlotte, NC)
- Huston Tillotson University (Austin, TX).
2. Retake the SAT
If you do not fancy applying to colleges or universities with a low SAT score or have a dream university or college in mind, then you can retake the SAT. However, you must ensure that you prepare adequately, so you score higher.
Tips on retaking the SAT
Below are some tips to help you prepare for your next SAT.
1. Set a study schedule
It is mandatory that you study twice as hard as you did, perhaps even more. The best practice is to create a reading schedule for yourself and adhere to such a schedule.
You will need at least 2 hours of study daily and more hours during the weekend. That means you will have to cut back on some other activities for you to reach your target.
2. Identify your weakness
As you progress in your studies, do well to identify any topics you find challenging. Next, make adjustments to your schedule, allowing you more time to practice or revise these topics.
Revise them as much as you can to ensure you have a strong understanding of these topics. If you still find yourself struggling with these topics, you are free to seek assistance or guidance from your teacher or tutor.
3. Take the practice exam
Remember to take practice exams using high-quality practice material on a weekly basis. You can get some SAT practice materials from top sources like Khan Academy and Prep Scholar.
Ensure you also take note of questions you failed, revise such topics, and retake the test.
4. Join a SAT prep group
Another important step is to join an SAT prep group. These groups share the same goal as you and will help you. They even offer relevant study materials and a guided preparation experience.
Additionally, if you find yourself struggling with certain topics, you can actually ask the instructor for help. This in time, will help improve your weakness which will benefit your goal.
FAQs
Can you get a 0 on the SAT?
No, you can’t.
Getting a 0 on the SAT is actually impossible. The minimum SAT score a student can get is 400.
What is the average SAT score?
According to the College Board, the average SAT composite score is 1060.
What is the lowest SAT score for Harvard University?
The lowest possible score for admission into Harvard is said to be 1480.
What is the minimum SAT score for college?
Although there are a few that admit students with no SAT, the minimum SAT score for admission is usually between 750 – 900.
What is a good SAT score?
A good SAT score is one that falls above the 75th percentile, which is 1200.
Conclusion: Lowest SAT score
The lowest SAT score one can get is 400, however, it is almost impossible to get such a score. This score can only be gotten if a candidate deliberately submits his test unanswered or neglects to select the correct answers.
That being said, if you find yourself with a low SAT score or one that is lower than the average, there are a few options for you.
Firstly, you can apply for admission, there are many colleges or universities that accept low or no SAT scores. Some of these schools have been highlighted in this article.
Secondly, you can choose to retake the SAT again to boost your chances of getting accepted into top schools. However, you will need to ensure you prepare yourself adequately in order to get a higher score.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you did, you should also see if 1400 is a good SAT score and universities that accept this score.
Thanks for reading.
