How good is a 1420 SAT score?

Hi! I recently took the SAT and scored a 1420. I was wondering if this is considered a good score for applying to some competitive colleges, or should I retake it to improve my chances?

Hello! A 1420 SAT score is quite good and generally considered above-average compared to the national average of around 1060. However, whether it's competitive enough for the colleges you're interested in will depend on their specific admission standards.

To determine if your 1420 score is competitive for the schools you want to apply to, check each institution's admissions website to find data on the middle 50% of accepted students' SAT scores. If your score falls within their range or above, it means your score should be competitive. However, if you find that your score is below the middle 50% range, you might want to consider retaking the SAT to improve your chances.

Keep in mind, though, that your SAT score is just one part of your college application. A well-rounded application with strong extracurriculars, a compelling essay, and solid academic performance might offset a slightly lower-than-desired SAT score at some institutions.

Moreover, several colleges have adopted test-optional policies or are placing less emphasis on test scores in the admissions process. In these cases, other aspects like your academic record and extracurricular achievements would carry more weight in determining your admission outcome.

Ultimately, retaking the SAT can be a personal decision based on how your score compares to the colleges you're targeting and how confident you feel about improving your score. Keep in mind that balancing test prep alongside other aspects of your application, like crafting strong essays and maintaining good grades, is essential. Good luck!