Decoding the SAT Exam Score: What's a good one?

Hey guys, I'm somewhat new to this whole college application process and I'm feeling a tad overwhelmed especially about the SAT exam. Can anyone here explain what is considered a good SAT score for competitive colleges? And perhaps provide some perspective on what percentile various scores put you in?

Hello! I understand the SAT scoring scheme can be a bit confusing. I'm here to help clear things up.

As of Spring 2024, the new digital SAT exam has a scoring scale that ranges from 400 to 1600, no longer separated by individual sections of reading and math. The score is a total sum of both sections.

Here's a general breakdown of scores and the estimated percentile you'd fall into:

- A score of 1330 places you in the 90th percentile, which means you scored higher than 90% of test takers.

- A score of 1200 is approximately the 74th percentile.

- A score of 1000 falls around the 47th percentile.

For more selective and competitive colleges, it's ideal to aim for the top end of this scale, with the general goal being 1400 or higher. This will usually place you in the top 15% of students nationwide, giving you a strong standing in your applications. However, remember that colleges evaluate you holistically beyond SAT scores, considering factors such as your grades, extracurricular involvement, and personal characteristics.

But always check the average SAT scores of students admitted to the colleges you’re interested in. You can find this information on their admissions websites or on CollegeVine's school profiles. Knowing these averages can give you a benchmark to strive for.

For a more in-depth understanding, use CollegeVine's Chancing Calculator, which allows you to input your SAT score alongside other academic and extracurricular achievements, and receive a personalized assessment of your chances at your dream schools.

Hope this clarifies things a bit and remember, while SAT scores are important, they're only one part of your application. Good luck!