UC Berkeley average SAT: Is high always high enough?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior who's got Berkeley dreams but the SAT is giving me nightmares. Anyone knows about the average SAT scores for UC Berkeley? If I aim just for the average, is that good enough or should I aim much higher?

Hello there! I understand your concern about SAT scores - they can certainly feel like a pressure point. UC Berkeley, like many top-tier schools, draws many applicants with high test scores. Although the university is test-blind for the 2024 - 2025 application cycle and will not consider SAT or ACT scores at all, I understand if you'd still like to use it as a reference point.

However, rather than aiming to score higher on the SAT, it would be more beneficial to focus on other aspects of your application that UC Berkeley does consider, such as your GPA, personal essays, and extracurriculars. They're mainly interested in seeing solid academic performance in a rigorous course load and a strong interest in your intended major or field.

You can demonstrate your passion through your extracurriculars and essays. Colleges like UC Berkeley are looking for applicants who are deeply involved in a few activities, rather than broadly involved in many. And when it comes to your essays, be sure to avoid cliches and instead share a unique or highly personal story about a particular experience that shaped you.

Remember, your application should present a complete picture of who you are, what you have accomplished, and what potential you have. It's these qualitative factors that can truly make your application stand out. Best of luck!