What's the average SAT score in the US?

Hey, I was just wondering about the average SAT score in the US. It would be helpful to know what score range I should aim for to have a competitive application. Thanks for the help!

Hello! The average SAT score in the US tends to fluctuate slightly from year to year, but currently, it's around 1060 out of a total 1600 points. This score is a combination of both the Math section and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, each of which is scored on a scale of 200-800 points.

However, if you're looking to have a competitive application, you'll likely want to aim for a higher score than the national average. A competitive SAT score will depend on the colleges you're considering, but generally speaking, aiming for an SAT score of at least above 1300 would be strong, and a good starting point if you're aspiring to attend selective and top-tier schools. Keep in mind that scores above 1400 or 1500 are even more impressive and will put you in a more competitive position at highly selective colleges and universities.

It's always a good idea to research the specific schools you're interested in and check their admitted students' SAT score range (25th-75th percentile) to get a clearer understanding of what universities are expecting from their applicants. Remember that while SAT scores are important, many colleges and universities also take into account other factors like academic achievements, extracurricular activities, essays, and more, during the admissions process. Good luck with your college journey!