How competitive is a 1250 SAT score?

Hi all! Just got my SAT scores and I got a 1250. I'm wondering how competitive this score is for colleges, and if I should try to improve it or just work on other aspects of my application. Any advice?

A 1250 SAT score is slightly above average, as the national average SAT score is around 1060. However, the competitiveness of your score largely depends on the colleges you're aiming for. For less selective colleges, a 1250 could be a fairly solid score, but for more competitive schools, it may be seen as below their average accepted student's score.

If you're targeting highly selective colleges (acceptance rate below 30%), you may want to consider retaking the SAT and aiming for a score closer to their middle 50% range, which tends to be above 1400 for many top-tier schools. In this case, it would be beneficial to dedicate time to improving your score through test prep resources and practice exams.

However, if you're applying to less selective colleges or state schools, a 1250 SAT score might be enough to have a good shot at admission, especially if you have a strong GPA and well-rounded extracurricular activities. You should research the admission stats and average SAT scores for your target schools to get a better understanding of where you stand.

While a higher SAT score can improve your chances of admission, it's only one part of your application. Schools consider your academic and extracurricular achievements, essays, letters of recommendation, and other application components. If your SAT score is aligned with your target schools' averages, you should focus on crafting strong essays and maintaining a solid GPA, along with participating in meaningful extracurricular activities that demonstrate your passions. If you're unsure whether to retake the SAT or not, consider reaching out to your school counselor for personalized advice.