Understanding standardized test scores

Can someone help me understand how to read standardized test scores, especially for the SAT and ACT? I want to know how to interpret my own scores, as well as how to evaluate the average scores for colleges I'm interested in. Thanks in advance!

Sure! Let's break down how to interpret SAT and ACT scores, as well as how to compare them to average scores at colleges you're interested in.

For the SAT:

The total score ranges from 400 to 1600, and it consists of two sections - Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, with the sum of the two sections resulting in your total score. It's essential to know both your total score and the scores of individual sections, as colleges may look at these details in their admissions process. In addition to your actual scores, you will receive percentiles that indicate how you performed compared to others who took the test. A higher percentile means you scored better than most test-takers.

For the ACT:

The ACT is made up of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, and the average of these four scores comprises your composite ACT score (also ranging from 1-36). Like the SAT, you'll also receive percentiles to compare your performance to other test takers.

To evaluate average scores for the colleges you're interested in, you'll want to look at the middle 50% range for admitted students' test scores. The middle 50% is the range within which 50% of admitted students' scores fall, with the 25th percentile indicating the bottom edge, and the 75th percentile representing the top edge. You can find this information on the colleges' websites or through third parties like CollegeVine.

Aim for a score within the college's middle 50% range to be competitive, or even above it to really boost your odds. However, keep in mind that getting a score within the range doesn't guarantee admission, as selective colleges also consider other factors like GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters. On the other hand, if your SAT or ACT score is below the 25th percentile, it doesn't necessarily mean you have no chance - it just indicates that you'll need to stand out in other aspects of your application.

I hope this information helps clarify how to read standardized test scores and compare them with averages at your target colleges! Remember that ultimately, standardized test scores are important, but they're only one aspect of your college application.