What are the implications of a 1180 SAT score?

Hi everyone, I got a 1180 on my SAT last week. I was aiming for at least 1300 and this has thrown me off a bit. Could anyone please shed some light on how this might affect my admission chances, and what I can do to improve?

Hello,

Firstly, keep in mind that your SAT score is just one part of your application, and isn't the be-all and end-all of your admissions decision. Although a 1180 SAT score may be below the average for more competitive colleges and universities, there are still many schools where your score will be competitive.

To give you context, a 1180 SAT score places you roughly in the 57th percentile of all test takers. This means you scored higher than approximately 57% of students who took the test. Many solid state universities and private colleges tend to have average SAT scores around that mark.

If you're aiming for more competitive schools, then improving your score might increase your chances of acceptance. But remember, some schools have become test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit your test scores or not.

Regarding improving your score, one way is to identify your weaknesses from the first test. Focus on what you found most challenging and target those areas when revising. Using study guides, practice papers, and potentially hiring a tutor might also be worthwhile.

Another strategy could be to capitalize on your strengths in the exam. If you did particularly well on one section compared to another, it might be easier to gain points by perfecting that section rather than starting from scratch on your weaker ones.

For now, don't be too disheartened. Many students go on to improve their scores with targeted studying and more familiarity with the test format. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!