Good SAT Scores—What are They?

Greetings everyone! I'm in the process of SAT prep and I'm trying to set a score goal for myself. In your opinion, what's a good SAT score that could make my application stand out at competitive schools?

While all competitive schools have their own specific academic profiles, a common target for many students aiming at those schools is to score within or above the 75th percentile of the SAT scores for admitted students at the universities they're interested in. That said, it's crucial to remember that you should set yourself a realistic and achievable target.

For example, for the most selective schools like Stanford, Yale, or Harvard, the 75th percentile SAT scores of admitted students typically range from 1530 to 1600, which is the maximum score. If you're aiming at top-tier but slightly less competitive schools like Vanderbilt or USC, a score above 1500 would be considered strong.

However, keep in mind that applying to schools with a test-optional policy like NYU or UNC Chapel Hill, your SAT score might be less crucial. Instead, they would focus more on other aspects of your application like your GPA, coursework, and extracurriculars.

In terms of setting an SAT goal, consider the range of scores at the universities you're aiming for, but remember to balance this with the other aspects of your application. A high SAT score alone will not guarantee admission to a competitive school. You would also need a strong academic profile, excellent letters of recommendation, compelling essays, and meaningful extracurricular activities.

Lastly, a resource that could be really helpful is CollegeVine's chancing engine. It can give you a sense of how your academic and extracurricular profile aligns with those of students accepted at your target schools and can help you contextualize your SAT score within the broader scope of your academic profile.