Decoding SAT scores: What constitutes a good score?

Hey all, need a bit of perspective here. I recently took the SAT and walked out with a 1020. Is this considered a good score? Would it be competitive for most colleges, or should I aim higher?

To put your score into perspective, the SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600. A score of 1020 is roughly around the 50th percentile, meaning approximately half the test-takers score lower and half score higher. While it's not a bad score per se, it might not be competitive enough for more selective schools.

The definition of a "good" SAT score can vary greatly based on where you're planning to apply. For extremely selective colleges (think Ivy League), most accepted students tend to have SAT scores in the top 5%, which is typically 1400 and above. However, many solid state schools and less selective private colleges have average SAT scores around 1100-1300.

You should research the mid 50% SAT scores of the colleges you're interested in. These numbers reflect the middle range (25th-75th percentile) of SAT scores among admitted students. If your score falls within this range, or higher, you're in a good position for these specific schools.

For instance, let's use an example. If you're applying to a university where the mid 50% range is 950-1150, your 1020 would be competitive here. If you're aiming at a university where the range is 1200-1400, you might aim to improve your score closer to that range.

Keep in mind that while standardized test scores are an important piece of your application, they're not the only factor colleges consider. They also give weight to your high school transcript (grades and course rigor), extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, essays, and more. It's important to present a well-rounded application that highlights all aspects of your abilities.

That being said, if you think that you have room for improvement and the time to prepare, it might be worth retaking the SAT to try to boost your score. Good luck!