What's considered a good SAT score overall?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior taking the SAT soon, and I'm wondering what would be considered a good SAT score, not just for top colleges but in general. What should I aim for to be competitive in my applications?

Hi there! A good SAT score is relative to the colleges you're interested in applying to, but we can look at some general guidelines. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with 800 points being the max for each of the two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. The average SAT score in recent years is around 1050-1060, so scoring above that would put you in a more competitive position than the majority of test-takers.

However, aiming for a higher score will ultimately be to your advantage when applying to colleges. To be more specific, a score of 1200 or higher is generally considered "good," as it places you around the 75th percentile, meaning you've scored higher than 75% of test-takers. A score of 1300 or higher is considered "very good," which puts you around the 90th percentile, and a score of 1400 or higher is viewed as "excellent," reaching the 95th percentile.

It's crucial to research the average SAT scores for your target schools to understand what scores they're looking for in applicants. Typically, more selective colleges have higher average SAT scores for admitted students. For example, if you're aiming for top colleges in the country, you should aim for a score of at least 1450-1550 to be competitive. You can usually find this information on college websites, or by accessing various online resources like CollegeVine.

Keep in mind that standardized test scores are just one component of the college admissions process. Your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and other factors also play a significant role in how colleges evaluate your application. Aiming for a high SAT score is definitely a good goal, but don't forget to work on other aspects of your application as well. Good luck preparing for the SAT!