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Duke University
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

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General range for SAT scores?

Hey there! So, I've been really stressed out about my SAT scores lately. Is there a typical range of scores that most colleges look for? I'm not aiming for like Ivy Leagues, but I still want to get into a reputable college. Thanks for any help!

3 months ago

Absolutely, it's normal to want an idea of where you stand with your SAT scores as they can be an important part of your application. When it comes to a 'typical range', it can vary a lot depending on the colleges you're interested in.

Here's a general guide to give you some context:

- For less selective universities, a score of 1250 or above is considered decent.

- For more selective universities, they typically like to see scores of 1350 or more.

However, these are very broad generalizations, and I strongly recommend researching the 25th-75th percentile SAT scores of the specific colleges you're interested in. These numbers offer a range where most of the accepted students' scores lie. Keep in mind that scores above the 75th percentile can help increase your chances, but scores below the 25th percentile make it harder (though not impossible) to gain admission.

One crucial point to mention is that as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, some schools have changed their testing requirements due to the shifts resulting from the pandemic, and others have jumped on this trend too. So, it's always worth double-checking each school's current admissions requirements.

Another thing to consider is that some competitive programs within schools may require higher scores than the school's overall range.

Lastly, remember that though your SAT score is important, it's only one piece of your application. Other factors like your GPA, the rigor of your coursework, your essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities play a significant role in the admissions decisions as well. In short, don't let stressing over test scores take away from the rest of your application.

3 months ago

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