The SAT Essay: Some Stats

In 2011, the average essay score was a 7.3 with a standard deviation of 1.6 (1,647,123 test takers). In 2012, the average essay score was a 7.2  with a standard deviation of 1.6 (1,664,479 test takers). In 2013, the average essay score was a 7.1 with a standard deviation of 1.6 (1,660,047 test takers). Data was for high school graduates in the given year. Maybe there is more on the SAT Research Page, but I have not looked at it yet. So aim for an 8-10, and you are at the top of the curve.