1210 SAT score: What are my options?

Hi y'all! I just got my SAT results and scored a 1210. I'm curious about what my college options are with this score. Does anyone have any suggestions on which schools would be a good fit, or if I should consider retaking the exam to improve my chances?

Hello! With a 1210 SAT score, you have a range of college options, but it might be helpful to have more information about your overall profile, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and intended major, to provide tailored suggestions.

That being said, a 1210 SAT score puts you in about the 75th percentile nationally, so you should have a decent shot at many state universities and smaller liberal arts colleges. Generally speaking, you can consider colleges where your SAT score falls within or above the middle 50% range of admitted students. This information can be found on a particular school's website, or sometimes on third party platforms like CollegeVine.

If you have a strong high school record with a high GPA, rigorous coursework, and notable extracurriculars, your SAT score might not be as heavily weighed during the application process, especially at schools that practice holistic admissions. In that case, you might be able to also consider institutions where your SAT is a little on the lower side.

However, if you're targeting more selective colleges or aiming for scholarships, retaking the SAT might be a good idea. An improved score can substantially increase your chances of admission at more competitive schools and make you a stronger candidate for merit-based financial aid opportunities.

Just make sure you're thoughtful about how you allocate your time, as improving your SAT score significantly requires substantial time and effort, and your energy could potentially be more productively spent on other crucial aspects of your college applications, like your essays. Good luck!