What's a Decent Score on the SAT?

As the title suggests, I'm getting kind of nervous about my upcoming SATs. I wanted to find out, in general terms, what SAT score would be considered average or good. Any ideas?

Sure, I understand your concern. Taking an SAT test can indeed be a bit nerve-wracking. To give you a sense of how scores generally break down, let's take a look at the numbers.

On the SAT, which is a 2-section exam (Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing), you can score between 400 and 1600 points. Each section ranges from 200-800 points, so the maximum total score you can get is 1600.

Now, what's considered an average, decent, or good score will depend largely on the colleges you're interested in. For a bit of context, however, the average SAT score across all test-takers in recent years has been pretty consistent - around 1060.

A score above this average is generally considered decent, while a score that's above 1200 is often considered good. If you're aiming to gain admission to top-tier colleges, you'd typically want to aim for a score above 1400, with scores around 1500 or higher being especially competitive.

Of course, it's important to remember that while SAT scores can play a role in college admissions, they're just one component of your entire application. Your academic record, extracurricular activities, and essays also matter. So, try not to stress too much about hitting a certain number - focus on doing the best you can and reflecting your strengths across your whole application. Good luck with your studies and your upcoming SAT!