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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
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| 800 verbal
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1260 on SAT—Good or Bad?

Hi everyone, I just got my SAT scores back and got a 1260. I wanted to know if this is a good or bad score, and how it might impact my college applications. Thanks for any advice!

7 months ago

Hi there! A 1260 on the SAT is a solid score, but whether it's considered "good" or "bad" depends on the colleges you're aiming for and the context of your overall application. To give you a better idea, here's a brief explanation of your score range:

A 1260 places you in approximately the 87th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 87% of all test-takers. This score may be competitive for some colleges, but less so for others, particularly highly selective institutions.

For example, if you're targeting state universities and colleges with higher acceptance rates, a 1260 would be considered a good score and could potentially strengthen your application. However, at highly selective schools, the average admitted students' scores are generally between the high 1400s to 1500s. In this case, the 1260 may be considered below their average, and thus less competitive.

It's crucial to remember that most colleges evaluate your application holistically. While your SAT score is an important component, your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statement also play a significant role in the admissions process.

I recommend researching the middle 50% SAT score ranges for the schools you're interested in, as this will give you an idea of where your 1260 places you for those institutions. If you find that your score is on the lower end for your target schools, you may consider retaking the SAT. Alternatively, focus on strengthening other areas of your application to make yourself stand out in other ways.

Lastly, keep in mind that many schools are now test-optional, which means you can apply without submitting your SAT score. If your score isn't reflective of your academic abilities, you may want to consider applying to test-optional schools.

Good luck with your college applications!

7 months ago

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