Average Test Scores: What Are They Really?

How important are average test scores when it comes to college admissions? I'm just trying to understand if there's a certain score I should be targeting on the ACT or SAT. Thanks in advance!

You've brought up a great point here! The average test scores are a useful guideline, but they're just that: a guideline. When you look at the average test scores of accepted students at a particular college, it can give you an idea of where you might want to aim. For instance, if a school's middle 50% range for the SAT is 1400-1550, then scoring within (or above) that range could make you a competitive applicant.

Keep in mind, though, that these averages should not be misconstrued as strict cutoffs. Many students who score below the average still receive acceptance letters, and unfortunately, some students who score well above the average don't get accepted. Admission offices at many colleges tend to look at your application holistically which means how well you've performed in high school in terms of your grades and rigor of your courses, your extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and yes, your standardized test scores.

However, scoring in the middle 50% or above does indicate you're academically prepared for the rigors of the institution. Additionally, for some very selective schools, there is something called an Academic Index, which is a value that represents the strength of a student’s grades, test scores (if available), and class rank (if available). Scoring well on the SAT or ACT can contribute a solid boost to this index.

As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, some schools such as Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech have reinstated their requirement for all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. Therefore, if you're applying to these schools, an excellent score can potentially benefit your application.

Finally, it's important to remember to balance your time and energy when preparing for these standardized tests. Certainly aim for high scores, but don't let it overshadow the importance of maintaining solid grades and committing to your extracurricular involvements. Good luck!