What can I do with a 1060 SAT score?

Hi everyone! So I got a 1060 on my SAT and I'm kinda bummed out. What are my options for college applications? Should I retake the exam or look into colleges where my score is within their range?

Hello! With a 1060 SAT score, you definitely have options for college applications. When researching colleges, look for those with an average SAT score range that accommodates a 1060; you can often find this information, typically called the middle 50% data, on the school's admissions website or a site like CollegeVine.

Also, keep in mind that many schools have adopted test-optional policies, which means they don't require SAT or ACT scores for their application process. These schools focus more on other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. Applying to test-optional schools could be an excellent option for you if you feel your SAT score doesn't fully represent your abilities.

For more information about test-optional policies, and guidance on how to navigate them, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

Additionally, consider retaking the SAT if you feel you can improve your score, especially if you're below the middle 50% range at your top choices. To get a concrete sense of whether or not you should retake the SAT, I'd check out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable aspects of your profile, including not just test scores but also grades, course rigor, extracurriculars, and so on to give you personalized odds of acceptance at hundreds of colleges across the country: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator/. You can experiment with entering slightly higher SAT scores, to see how much that boosts your chances at your top-choice schools.

If you decide to retake the SAT, I'd recommend using resources like Khan Academy or CollegeVine's blog, which contains handy posts focused on SAT prep like this one: https://blog.collegevine.com/10-tips-to-improve-your-sat-score/. Make sure to focus on not just your composite score, but also the more detailed breakdowns of your performance in your score report. This information can help you put together a targeted study plan, which will be more productive than simply trying to review everything.

Finally, remember that your SAT score is just one part of your application. Your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters also play a critical role in the admissions process. Focus on building a strong overall application to increase your chances of getting into the colleges that you're interested in. Good luck!