SAT Scoring: Getting the full picture

Hi there, what's the range for SAT scores? Trying to get a sense of what I should be aiming for and how critical certain scores are for admissions.

The SAT score range has changed over the years. As of 2024, the SAT is fully digital and consists of two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, with 1600 being the maximum combined score.

In terms of what you should aim for, that largely depends on the caliber of schools you're considering. Score ranges vary greatly among different colleges and universities. For instance, highly selective colleges usually accept students with composite SAT scores in the top percentile, typically 1450 and above. However, less selective schools may accept students with scores within the average range, around 1050-1250.

That said, understand that test scores are only one factor that universities consider in their admissions process. Other factors also play a significant role, such as your grades, coursework rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and more.

In terms of the criticality of certain scores, you would ideally want to at least hit the 25th percentile of admitted students' SAT scores at your target schools to be considered a competitive applicant. This percentile mark is the score that 25% of admitted students scored at or below; conversely, 75% of admitted students scored above this mark. However, scoring above the 75th percentile would make you a strong applicant academically.

One last note: Be sure to check the testing policy of the schools on your list. Some schools are test-optional or test-blind for the 2024-2025 application cycle, meaning they either don't require or even consider SAT or ACT scores in their admissions process. For example, all the UC and CSU schools have gone test-blind. On the other hand, schools like Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech have returned to requiring an SAT or ACT score beginning in the current or upcoming application cycle. It's crucial to understand these differences as you craft your application strategy.