Digital SAT Scoring - Why Practice Scores Can Be Misleading

If your student has taken digital SAT practice tests and found that the scores didn’t match their real SAT results, you are not alone. Scores from the Bluebook Digital SAT practice tests can be misleading, sometimes coming in noticeably higher or lower than a student’s actual test day score.

The Practice Tests Are Not All Fully Equated

The College Board uses a process called equating to determine how raw scores convert to scaled scores. Equating ensures that students receive roughly the same score regardless of which version of the test they take. 

Because these tests are not fully equated, practice scores may come in higher or lower than they should. For this reason, it’s best to think of practice test scores as estimated ranges rather than precise predictions.

Lack of Test-like Conditions

To get the most accurate results from a practice test, students need to take it under conditions that closely resemble the real exam. This means taking the test all in one sitting, in the morning, in a quiet environment, and following official timing. In reality, many students take practice tests in pieces, with long breaks in between sections, or while distracted. This often leads to scores that don’t reflect how a student will perform under real testing conditions.

The Bluebook Practice Tests Are Still Extremely Useful

Even though the scores themselves aren’t always reliable predictors, the Bluebook practice tests are still extremely valuable tools. Students can get a great deal out of these tests by looking at what types of questions they get wrong, at patterns of mistakes, and at any timing and pacing issues. When reviewed properly, practice tests provide essential information that guides effective preparation – even if the final score number isn’t perfectly accurate.