Is 1030 considered good for an SAT score?

I took the SAT and scored 1030. I'm feeling a bit unsure about how this score compares to others. Can anyone please shed some light on whether this is a good SAT score or if I should consider retaking the test?

While the idea of a "good" SAT score can be subjective and dependent on the colleges you're applying to, it's helpful to understand how your score compares to others on a national scale. The average SAT score for test-takers is around 1050, so a 1030 is slightly below the national average.

Let's break down your score into percentiles: a 1030 SAT score puts you at approximately the 35th percentile of test-takers, meaning you scored higher than about 35% of students who take the SAT.

Whether you should retake the test will depend on your specific goals and the colleges you're interested in attending. For more selective colleges, the SAT scores of admitted students are often higher, with many seeing average scores upwards of 1300 or even higher for the most competitive schools.

Thus, if you're aiming for a more selective college, it may be in your best interest to retake the SAT and aim for a higher score. However, if you're considering colleges where your current SAT score aligns well with their admitted student averages and other requirements, your 1030 may be sufficient. It's crucial to research the schools you're interested in and compare your score to their admitted student SAT score ranges. Additionally, you can focus on improving your application through a strong GPA, extracurricular activities, and a well-crafted essay.

Lastly, keep in mind that many colleges are test-optional, which means they will not require SAT scores or may place less weight on your test score for admission decisions. In a test-optional scenario, if your other application components are strong, your SAT score may not be a hindrance to your chances of admission.