The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, traditionally counts three scores: Reading, Writing, and Math. This approach is designed to provide a comprehensive view of a student's academic abilities across various subjects.

The reason the SAT only counts three scores lies in its focus on foundational skills. By evaluating Reading, Writing, and Math, the SAT aims to assess a student's ability to understand and analyze text, communicate effectively, and solve problems using mathematical reasoning. These three areas are considered foundational because they are essential for success in higher education and the workforce.

Data from the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, supports this approach. According to the College Board's 2020 SAT Score Report, the average Reading score was 528, the average Writing score was 523, and the average Math score was 530. This indicates that the three scores collectively provide a comprehensive view of a student's academic abilities.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that the SAT's three-score model is a reliable predictor of college success. The study, which involved over 10,000 students, concluded that the SAT's three scores were significantly correlated with college GPA and graduation rates. This suggests that the SAT's three-score model effectively captures a student's academic potential.

In conclusion, the SAT's focus on Reading, Writing, and Math is justified by the need to assess foundational skills crucial for academic success. The data from the College Board and the Journal of Educational Psychology further support the effectiveness of the three-score model in predicting college performance.