Are Low SAT Scores Really Bad?

Just got my SAT scores back and they're lower than I hoped... What's considered a 'bad' SAT score? And how will a subpar score affect my college applications?

The term "bad" is relative when it comes to SAT scores, and it greatly depends on the colleges you plan on applying to. Each college has a range of SAT scores from enrolled students, usually quoted as the "middle 50% range." This means that 50% of students at that school scored within that range. Typically, anything below this range can be considered a low score for that particular school.

To maintain the competitiveness of your application, you should ideally aim to score within or above this range. For example, if the middle 50% range for a university is 1300-1450, scoring below 1300 might potentially harm your application. However, it's crucial to note that SAT scores are just a piece of your application, and colleges will look at your application holistically. Your academic grades, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays also play significant roles.

Schools that have adopted a test-optional policy, like University of Pennsylvania or University of Chicago, will not require you to submit your SAT scores. This may be a beneficial option if you believe your scores do not accurately reflect your abilities or potential. However, some colleges have re-adopted mandatory testing policies, such as Dartmouth College or Purdue University, for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Lastly, please remember that a single test does not define your abilities, and colleges understand the pressures of standardized testing. You have the option to retake the SAT if you believe you can improve your score. Consider exploring test-prep resources or studying strategies to assist your efforts.