What's the best way to search for colleges based on SAT scores?

Hey, does anyone know a good way to search for colleges that fit my SAT score? I want to make sure I apply to schools where I have a realistic chance of getting in. Thanks in advance for any resources you can share!

One way to search for colleges based on your SAT score range is by using college search engines, such as College Board's Big Future or the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. These platforms allow you to input your SAT score along with various other criteria, such as location, majors, size, and more, to generate a list of colleges that fit your preferences.

When searching based on your SAT score, keep in mind that many colleges don't focus solely on test scores. Admissions decisions are often holistic, meaning they also take into account other factors, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Thus, you should not base your entire college list solely on SAT scores.

As a rule of thumb, you can create a well-rounded list of schools by categorizing them into three groups:

1. Safety schools: These are schools where your SAT score is above the 75th percentile of admitted students. Your chances of admission are higher, but these schools might not be as selective or prestigious as others on your list.

2. Match schools: These are schools where your SAT score falls within the 25th-75th percentile range of admitted students. Match schools are schools where you have a reasonable chance of being admitted and should form the core of your college list.

3. Reach schools: These are schools where your SAT score is below the 25th percentile of admitted students. While it doesn't guarantee rejection, getting into these schools might be more challenging. However, since the admissions process is holistic, if you have strong aspects in other parts of your application, you may still have a chance at these schools.

Remember to research each school's individual SAT score policies, as some institutions have gone test-optional or test-blind for the foreseeable future. Good luck with your college search!