Is a 1490 SAT score considered good for Ivy League admissions?

I just received my SAT results, and my score is 1490. Should I retake the SAT to improve my chances at Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale, or is my current score good enough? Any advice would be helpful!

Congratulations on your 1490 SAT score! That's definitely an achievement to be proud of. While a 1490 is above the national average and considered a strong score, Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale tend to have higher averages for admitted students (typically in the mid-1500s). However, you still fall within the range of their middle 50% SAT ranges (1480-1580 for Harvard and 1460-1580 for Yale).

While your score may be on the lower end of the range, it should be enough to at least get your application read, provided that your grades and course rigor are on par with those of accepted students. You can learn more about how applications are evaluated here: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-is-the-academic-index-how-is-it-calculated

Once you pass the academic thresholds, admissions officers consider the rest of your app, including essays and extracurriculars, so it's important for those to be strong too.

If you feel confident that you can improve your score, it might be a good idea to retake the SAT. However, be mindful of the time and effort that goes into studying for another test, as you could also put that energy towards other aspects of your application, like your essays. Ultimately, it's your decision, but make sure to consider all factors before making a decision. Best of luck!