Is a 900 SAT score worth the effort?

After countless practice tests, I've plateaued around a 900 on the SAT...can anyone get into decent colleges with a score like that? I'm feeling a little stressed about it...

I understand your concerns and know it can be difficult when your scores don't reflect your potential. Even though it may limit your options slightly, there are indeed colleges that consider applications with an SAT score around 900. However, the landscape of college admissions has rapidly evolved in recent years with many colleges and universities becoming test-optional or even test-blind, which could work to your benefit.

For example, in the 2024-2025 application cycle, University of Michigan (UMich), University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), and University of Southern California (USC) have all continued to be test-optional due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the shift to the digital SAT.

So, while an SAT score of around 900 might seem lower than the average for many colleges, remember this: Admissions officials review applications holistically, evaluating many aspects beyond just test scores. Grades, coursework rigor, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and your personal essays all play crucial roles in the decision process.

Since your performance on the SAT isn't where you'd like it to be, try focusing more of your time and energy on those other areas I mentioned. Seeking leadership roles in extracurricular activities, earning strong grades in rigorous courses, and crafting compelling personal essays can all help bolster your admissions profile. You could hone in on a "spike" or highly-developed specialty, which is often favorable to colleges as it demonstrates your capacity to excel in a focused area.

Lastly, it may be advantageous for you to research test-optional schools in more depth, compiled a list of these colleges that align with your goals and interests. Don't lose hope - you're more than a test score! College admissions is a comprehensive process that takes into account many aspects of your academic journey and personal growth. Keep striving!