Average SAT score colleges want?

Hey everyone, just a bit confused here. I know SAT scores are important, but could anyone tell me what's generally a good enough SAT score that most colleges would be satisfied with? I really want my application to stand out.

The 'good enough' average SAT score can vary quite significantly depending on the specific colleges you're aiming for. For highly selective (ivy league and equivalent) schools, you'd want to aim for a score above 1450, with many accepted students scoring in the mid to high 1500s. However, if you're applying to less selective state and liberal arts colleges, a score around 1200 or even slightly below might be perfectly acceptable.

Remember that these are ballpark figures and that different colleges have different median SAT scores, so it would be beneficial for you to check the middle 50% SAT score range at each of your preferred colleges to understand the typical scores of admitted students.

Lastly, while SAT scores are one metric that colleges use to evaluate applicants, they're just one of many factors. Your grades, course rigor, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters also play significant roles in your college application. That being said, a strong SAT score can certainly help underscore your academic abilities.