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Duke University
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Is 1020 a decent SAT score?

I received an SAT score of 1020, and I'm worried about how it might impact my college applications. Do you think this is an acceptable score for many colleges, or should I look into retaking it? Any advice would be appreciated!

9 months ago

A 1020 SAT score is below the national average, which hovers around 1050-1060. However, it's important to remember that the "right" SAT score for you depends on your individual goals and the colleges you plan to apply to. There are many colleges where a 1020 is within the acceptable range for admissions, particularly regional public schools and some private institutions.

That being said, if you have aspirations to attend more selective schools or are aiming to qualify for merit-based scholarships, it would be a good idea to consider retaking the SAT and working on improving your score. There are plenty of resources available, such as study guides, online courses, and tutoring services, to help you boost your score. Additionally, taking practice tests and learning test-taking strategies can significantly contribute to your improvement.

Keep in mind that many colleges have adopted test-optional or test-blind policies since the COVID-19 pandemic, which means that some schools may not require you to submit an SAT score at all. However, a strong SAT score can still be advantageous in the admissions process, especially at test-optional schools.

Lastly, your SAT score is just one component of your college applications. Admissions offices also consider other factors, such as your academic performance (GPA, course rigor), extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and personal essays. Make sure to focus on building a strong overall application to help balance out any concerns regarding your SAT score.

9 months ago

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