What constitutes a low SAT score?

So I got my SAT scores and I'm feeling a bit anxious. What would you consider a poor SAT score? I wanna know if I should consider retaking the test.

A "low SAT score" is subjective and depends on various factors such as the schools you're applying to, your academic and extracurricular profile, and your own expectations. While there's no universally defined low score, you can consider a few guidelines when evaluating your SAT results.

First, the average SAT score is around 1060 on a 1600-point scale. Breaking it down, the average score for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section is about 533, and for the Math section, it's about 527. If your score is significantly below this average, you might perceive it as low.

However, it's essential to focus on the schools you're targeting instead of general averages. Research the median SAT scores of admitted students at your prospective colleges. If your score falls below the 25th percentile of admitted students, it might be considered low for that institution. On the other hand, if your score is within or above their middle 50% range, it demonstrates that you're academically competitive.

Before deciding to retake the SAT, consider your overall application strength. If you have a solid GPA, strong extracurriculars, and compelling essays, a slightly lower SAT score may not be a significant hindrance. Conversely, if you feel your application lacks in other areas, retaking the SAT might help compensate for those weaknesses.

Ultimately, whether to retake the SAT depends on how confident you are in achieving a higher score and balancing the rest of your college application responsibilities. Remember that holistic review plays a significant role in the admissions process, so while test scores are important, they're not the sole factor determining your acceptance.