What's considered a passing SAT score?

Hello! I recently took my SAT, and I'm wondering what would be considered a passing score? I know colleges vary in what they accept, but is there a general score range that's considered decent?

Hello! While there isn't a strict "passing" score for the SAT, since it's not a pass/fail exam, you can think of a good score in terms of percentiles and how your score compares to the average. The exam has a total score range of 400 to 1600, with an average score around 1059 based on recent data. Anything above the average is generally considered decent.

However, it's essential to consider the schools you're interested in when evaluating your SAT score. Each college or university has its own range of accepted scores, and these can vary widely. To see if your score aligns with the schools you're targeting, look up the middle 50% (25th to 75th percentile) SAT scores of admitted students at these institutions. If your score falls within or above this range, you have a competitive edge in the admissions process. On the other hand, if your score is below the 25th percentile, it may be more challenging to gain admission based solely on your test score.

Remember, though, that most colleges use a holistic review process, which means they look at all aspects of your application rather than just your SAT scores. Besides, many colleges and universities have become test-optional or test-blind due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so your SAT score may be less important in some cases.

The best approach is to research the specific institutions you're interested in and aim for a score within their accepted range. However, always keep in mind that your SAT score is just one part of your application, and colleges will consider your whole profile—including GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation—when making admissions decisions.