Average SAT scores by state: does location matter?

Hey folks, I've been wondering how SAT averages vary by state. Is there available info on average SAT test scores by state? Do colleges weigh this info at all? Thank you in advance.

Yes, average SAT scores do in fact vary by state, though this primarily has to do with the percentage of students in each state who take the SAT. Some states have a higher percentage of students who take the ACT instead of the SAT, and students taking both tests can skew the scores.

As to your second question, while colleges have access to this information, it isn't considered as a factor in admissions decisions. Standardized test scores are considered in the context of the individual's application, not in comparison to state averages.

Colleges are more interested in how your scores relate to your high school and the rigor of your courses. For example, if your high school typically sends a multitude of students to top schools, and if these students usually score highly on the SAT, a low score on your part might raise some eyebrows.

However, your state average won’t have much direct impact on your admissions chances. It's more important to focus on how your SAT score fits into the average range for the schools you're interested in.