Curious about the general SAT average score

Hi! I'm getting my head around the whole SAT thing. What's the average SAT score overall right now? What should I aim for? Appreciate y'all!

Sure thing! The average SAT score varies each year slightly, however, as of 2024 the average composite score on the SAT is approximately 1060. A score of 1060 signifies you've scored higher than about half the students who took the SAT that year.

Now, the score you should aim for depends largely on the colleges you're interested in. It's a good idea to research the average SAT scores of accepted students at the colleges you're hoping to attend. If you have your eyes on more selective schools, you're looking at a competitive SAT score closer to the high 1300s or even mid-1400s.

For example, at Johns Hopkins University, one of the most selective schools, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1530 and 1560. That means, 25% of admitted students achieved a score above 1560 and another 25% got a score below 1530. So if Johns Hopkins is on your dream list, you want to aim for at least the lower end of that middle 50%, so around 1530.

Remember, while an impressive SAT score can definitely strengthen your application, it's only one component. Your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and other factors like essays and letters of recommendation also play a part in the admissions decisions. But as for the SAT, aiming higher than the average can put you in a good position! Good luck with your test preparation!