Deciphering SAT Score Percentiles

Hey squad! I'm trying to understand how SAT score percentiles work. Could somebody explain what they mean and how they could impact my application? Thanks and cheers!

Hey there! SAT score percentiles are all about comparison. Each percentile tells you what portion of test takers you scored higher than. For example, if you're in the 70th percentile, it means you did better than 70% of the test takers. This gives colleges a standard way to assess your performance.

However, keep in mind that while SAT scores, and where they fall in terms of percentiles, can have some impact on your application process, it's not the end-all-be-all. Yes, selective colleges might have median scores in high percentiles, but they also consider many other factors, like your academic record, essays, extracurricular activities, and more.

As a benchmark, if you’re aiming for highly competitive colleges, you’d generally want to aim for the 90th percentile or above. But remember, falling short of this isn't a deal breaker. If your score is lower than your target school's usual range, make sure the rest of your application is strong and reflects your abilities and potential.

Also remember that as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, some schools, like Dartmouth College, Harvard University, and Brown University, among others, have reverted to requiring standardized test scores again. On the other hand, some schools like the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, and New York University remain test-optional. It's important to check each school's policy individually.

Remember, your SAT score is a significant piece of your application, but it's just one piece. Show colleges who you are as a whole person, not just a test taker. Hope this helps!