What is average for SAT?

Hey guys, I was just wondering what the average SAT score is nowadays? How does this average affect decisions and what should we aim for to be considered competitive for most colleges?

Hello! The average SAT score nationwide is around 1020 to 1030, with an average score of 520 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and an average score of 508 in the Math section. However, it's important to note that the average SAT scores that colleges look for can vary widely depending on the type of institution and their selectivity.

For competitive colleges, you should aim for a higher SAT score depending on the specific colleges you're targeting. As a rough guide, for top 50 universities or liberal arts colleges, you generally want a score of 1450 or higher. For top 20 schools, getting into the 1500s will be more competitive. You can often find the middle 50% SAT range for admitted students on college websites or by searching "[college name] freshman profile" or "[college name] middle 50% SAT scores."

That being said, you should also consider the other aspects of your application when determining what scores are competitive. Strong SAT scores are only one part of the college admissions process, as colleges also consider factors like GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. Focusing on building a well-rounded profile in addition to getting a strong SAT score can improve your chances of being admitted to your top-choice colleges.

It's a good idea to research the specific colleges you're interested in and make a list of their middle 50% SAT scores to understand the competitiveness of your own score and set a target. Remember, these numbers are just guidelines, and your application will be evaluated holistically.