SAT and ACT scores for colleges: What's considered competitive?

Hey everyone! I've been researching various colleges and their SAT/ACT score ranges, but I'm struggling to figure out what's considered a good or competitive score for admissions. Could someone please provide some insights or advice?

Sure, I'd be happy to help! First, it's essential to understand that a "competitive" score will widely vary depending on the college you're applying to. Every college has a different range of scores that they find competitive or acceptable for their admissions.

Here's a general overview of score ranges for various types of institutions:

1. Highly selective colleges (Ivy League schools, Stanford, MIT, etc.): For these top-tier schools, you'll typically need an SAT score of 1450 or higher, or an ACT score of 33 or higher, to be considered competitive. Remember, though, that SAT and ACT scores are just one part of the application, and these schools have holistic admissions processes.

2. Selective colleges (top 40-50 national universities or liberal arts colleges): For these schools, competitive SAT scores generally range from 1350 to 1450, and ACT scores range from 29 to 33. Again, these are just the general score ranges, and you'll need to look at the specific averages or percentiles for each institution.

3. Mid-tier colleges (ranked around 50-100 nationally): At these schools, competitive SAT scores usually fall between 1200 and 1350, while ACT scores sit between 25 and 29.

4. Less selective colleges or regional universities: These institutions typically have more modest requirements for competitive scores. You might find SAT scores ranging from 1000 to 1200 and ACT scores from 20 to 25 to be competitive here.

Keep in mind these are rough estimates, and it's important to research the specific colleges you're considering for their score ranges. Ideally, you want your SAT or ACT score to be within the 50th percentile or higher for the college you're targeting. Most college websites list their middle 50% score ranges for admitted students, which can provide a clear idea of what they consider competitive.

However, don't forget that many colleges have holistic admissions processes and also take into account your transcript, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. Just because your scores are competitive doesn't guarantee admission, and similarly, students with scores below the competitive range can sometimes still be admitted.

Lastly, keep in mind that a large number of colleges have switched to test-optional admissions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so submitting SAT or ACT scores may not be a requirement at certain schools. If test scores are not your strong suit, consider looking into test-optional schools and focus on your other application components. Good luck!