Hey all! I got my SAT score back and it's a 1320. As a junior, I'm not sure if this is a strong score for college applications or not. Can you guys give me some input on whether my score is on the right track or if I need to retake the SAT? Thanks a lot!
Hey there! A 1320 SAT score is certainly a solid score, but it's essential to place it into context in relation to the schools you're interested in applying to and your overall application profile. Your SAT score is just one aspect of your college application, and colleges will also consider your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. That said, let's focus on your score in relation to the college admissions process.
A 1320 SAT score falls above the national average score of around 1060, but it might not be competitive for highly selective schools, where the average SAT scores are typically in the mid-1400s or above. For less selective schools, a 1320 may be considered quite competitive. To better evaluate your score, research the average SAT scores of admitted students at the schools you're targeting. This information can usually be found on the schools' websites under the admissions section or on other sites like CollegeBoard's BigFuture.
If your 1320 is below the average or 25th percentile for your target schools, it may be worth retaking the SAT, especially if you believe there's room for improvement. To make the most out of a retake, invest time in targeted test preparation, addressing your weak areas, and practicing with official SAT practice tests from CollegeBoard. Keep in mind that some schools are test-optional, meaning they won't require you to submit test scores.
Ultimately, it's important to focus on building a strong overall application to impress admissions officers, including focusing on your GPA, taking a rigorous course load, participating in extracurricular activities, and writing compelling essays. Your SAT score is just one piece of your application, and many schools take a holistic approach in evaluating applicants. So, while it's essential to consider your score in the context of the schools you're aiming for, it's not the only determining factor in the admissions process. Good luck!
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