What's the average SAT score for most colleges?

Hey guys, I'm trying to stress less about my SAT score, but it's tough, right? I know each college has different requirements, but I'm curious, what's the average SAT score at most colleges? Just seeking for a ballpark figure so I have an idea of where I should aim. Thanks for your help!

Generally, the average SAT score for college-bound seniors is around 1060. That said, what's considered a "good" score can vary quite a bit depending on the particular university you're looking at. For less selective colleges, a score above 1000 may be plenty. However, for more selective colleges, you'll likely be aiming much higher.

For example, the middle 50% SAT score at very selective colleges like Harvard or MIT often sits somewhere between 1480 and 1600. However, at a school like the University of Iowa, the middle 50% SAT score usually lies between 1130 and 1340.

Keep in mind that these scores are not set in stone. Many schools practice holistic admissions, which means they look at your application as a whole, not just your test scores. This includes your grades, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays. So, if your SAT score is a bit lower than the averages at the schools you're aiming for, it doesn't automatically put you out of contention.

It's also worth noting that many schools have moved towards test-optional policies in recent years, including some top-tier schools. That means you can choose whether or not to submit your SAT scores as part of your application.