How's a 1260 SAT score?

I just got my SAT scores back and I scored a 1260. Should I be happy with this score or try to improve it? What caliber of colleges should I be aiming for with a score like this?

A 1260 SAT score is a decent score, placing you around the 87th percentile nationally. However, whether or not you should be happy with it or aim to improve it depends on your college aspirations. If you're aiming for highly selective or elite schools, you may want to consider retaking the SAT to increase your score. On the other hand, if you're targeting less selective or more regional colleges, a 1260 should be competitive.

As for the caliber of colleges you should consider, the College Board suggests SAT score ranges for different levels of selectivity:

1. Less Selective: 940-1130

2. Somewhat Selective: 1130-1270

3. Selective: 1270-1460

4. Highly Selective: 1460 and above

With a 1260, you fall within the "Somewhat Selective" to "Selective" range. This could make you a strong candidate for many state universities, liberal arts colleges, and regional institutions. It's important to research institutions that interest you, as each college will have its specific score range for admitted students.

However, keep in mind that the admission process is holistic, and your application will be looked at as a whole. This includes not only your SAT score but also your academic performance, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation. It's important to focus on other aspects of your application and select colleges that align well with your academics, interests, and long-term goals.

If you feel that you can improve your SAT score and have the time to prepare, it may be worth retaking the exam. A higher score could increase your chances at more selective institutions and potentially lead to more scholarship opportunities. When making your decision, consider your entire application and weigh the benefits of improving your SAT score against the time and energy it would take to do so.