Typical University SAT Requirements?

Hey, I'm starting to make my college list and I want to know what SAT scores universities generally look for in applicants. Is there a ballpark range I should aim for when taking the SAT to increase my chances at most schools? Any advice is appreciated.

Hey there! It's important to keep in mind that SAT score expectations can vary quite a bit depending on the selectivity and competitiveness of the universities you're interested in. However, I can give you a general idea of what to aim for based on different tiers of schools:

1. Highly Selective Schools (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.): For these schools, you should aim for an SAT score in the 1540-1600 range. The higher, the better, as the middle 50% scores for these schools often fall between 1500 and 1570, with top-tier schools having higher averages.

2. Selective Schools (Top 50 national universities and liberal arts colleges): For these institutions, a good target range would be 1350-1530. Keep in mind that upper-tier schools within this range will likely expect scores closer to 1500, while those closer to the top 50 cut-off will be more flexible with scores around 1350.

3. Mid-Tier Schools (Top 100-200 national universities and liberal arts colleges): Within this category, a solid SAT score would fall in the 1200-1340 range. More competitive schools in this group may expect scores on the higher end, while others will have averages around 1200.

4. Lower-Tier and Local Colleges: For these institutions, an SAT score of 900-1100 would typically be considered a decent range. However, many of these colleges might be less focused on standardized tests and will place a higher emphasis on your overall application.

As you build your college list, make sure to research each school's average admitted student profile, which often includes information on their SAT range or middle 50% scores, to have a more accurate target for each individual institution. Having a balanced list of schools categorized as safeties, matches, and reaches based on your SAT score and other factors will help ensure you have a variety of options when decision time arrives.

Additionally, remember that many colleges have gone test-optional or test-blind due to recent changes to the SAT and concerns about test accessibility. In those cases, your SAT score will play a different or potentially no role in the application process, so consider other factors like GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays when determining which schools are a good fit for you.

Best of luck with your college search!