Is a 1100 SAT Score Good?

Is a 1100 on the SATs a decent score? I know it's not super high, but how much will that hurt my chances for a decent school?

The "goodness" of an SAT score really depends on the context, specifically the schools you're aiming to attend. An 1100 score places you in around the 58th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 58% of all test takers.

However, each college and university has its own average SAT scores for admitted students, and this is where you'll want to focus your attention to determine how competitive your scores are. For example, if you're aiming for a highly selective school, an 1100 might not be sufficient, as those institutions often have average SAT scores well above 1400.

However, if you're considering less competitive or local state schools, an 1100 could be perfectly fine. For instance, schools like San Jose State University or the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have average SAT scores that are around or a little higher than 1100.

Do remember that standardized test scores are not the only factor that college admissions consider. They'll also be looking at your GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation, to name a few. So even if your SAT score is a little lower than the average for your dream school, other parts of your application could potentially make up for it. On the other hand, a high SAT score won't necessarily guarantee admission if other parts of your application are lacking.

Keep these points in mind as you shape your college application strategy!