What does an 80th percentile SAT score mean?

Hi everyone, I recently found out that my SAT score falls in the 80th percentile. What does this mean in terms of college admissions? Can you get into decent universities with an 80th percentile SAT score?

An 80th percentile SAT score means that you scored higher than 80% of the students who took the test. In other words, out of every 100 test-takers, you had a better score than 80 of them.

In terms of college admissions, an 80th percentile score is generally considered a good SAT score, but it won't be competitive for highly selective schools. With this score, it is possible to gain admission into decent colleges and universities, as long as you meet other criteria like a strong GPA, extracurricular activities, and well-written essays. Keep in mind that admissions processes at most colleges are holistic, which means they consider multiple aspects of your application, not just standardized test scores.

I recommend creating a balanced college list that includes a mix of reach, match, and safety schools based on your SAT score and other factors like your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and location preferences. College search websites and school-specific net price calculators can be helpful to determine your chances of admission based on your academic profile and estimated financial aid. Additionally, consider visiting campuses or attending virtual admission events to gather more information about each college and tailor your application to showcase your best qualities.

Remember, your SAT score is just one factor in college admissions. Focus on crafting a strong overall application, which will improve your chances at a variety of schools. Good luck!