Is a 700 on the SAT too low?

I just received my SAT scores and got a 700. I'm pretty worried because I feel that it's too low for the colleges I'm considering. Can anyone provide some guidance? Should I retake the SAT or focus on other aspects of my application?

A 700 SAT score may not necessarily be too low, but it depends on the schools you're targeting and how competitive the applicant pool is at those institutions. It's essential to research the average SAT scores of accepted students at the colleges you're interested in, and/or their middle 50th percentile range (25th-75th percentile). If your score falls within or above that range, then it might be reasonable to keep your current score. If it falls below the 25th percentile, though, you might want to consider retaking the test.

When deciding whether to retake the SAT or not, consider the following:

1. How much time you have before application deadlines: If you have enough time before the deadlines, you may be able to retake the SAT and still focus on other application aspects.

2. Whether you believe you can improve: If you feel that you've performed poorly due to test anxiety or lack of preparation, you might want to invest in additional test prep resources and attempt the test again. If you think you simply have significant gaps in the actual content, however, your energy might be more productively spent on other aspects of your application, as boosting your SAT score significantly is challenging.

3. The importance of test scores at your target schools: Some colleges place more weight on test scores, while others emphasize other factors like extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. Research your target schools' admissions priorities to determine if it's worth retaking the test - you can even reach out to the admissions office directly for clarification.

4. Test-optional policies: Remember, since the Covid-19 pandemic many colleges have implemented test-optional admissions policies, so you may not be required to submit SAT scores at the schools you're interested in. Research the test-optional policies at the schools on your list and decide if retaking the exam is necessary based on their requirements.

Remember that a strong application consists of multiple components, including your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. If you decide not to retake the SAT, make sure you focus on strengthening those other areas to give yourself the best chance of admission. Ultimately, the decision to retake the test or not is based on your assessment of your academic profile and your target schools' requirements. Good luck!