How varied can SAT scores be for college admissions?

Hey everyone! I'm working on getting my SAT scores up (happy to report there's been progress!). But I keep seeing a range of scores accepted by the colleges on my list, rather than a single 'magic number'. Is this typical? Any advice on understanding what my target SAT score should be?

Indeed, it's quite typical for colleges to report a range of accepted SAT scores rather than a single "ideal" number. This range is often referred to as the “middle 50%" - which means that 50% of accepted students scored within this range. The lower boundary is the 25th percentile score, and the upper boundary is the 75th percentile score.

For example, a middle 50% range might be 1350-1520. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1350, and 25% scored above 1520. By targeting a score within this range (the closer to the higher end, the better), you'll increase your chances of competitiveness at that particular college.

It's important to remember that SAT scores are just one part of your application. However, focusing on the middle 50% can be a helpful benchmark when preparing for the SAT for a particular school. Keep in mind that SAT policies can vary greatly by schools. As for universities such as Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Purdue University, Brown University, Yale University, The University of Texas at Austin, and California Institute of Technology, they will be requiring all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score, as of the 2024-2025 application cycle. Stay informed on the latest policies for your target schools - and good luck as you continue your SAT preparation!