Hey guys, I'm a bit confused about SAT score ranges. Could anyone break it down for me? What's considered a good or bad score within these ranges? Thanks!
Answer: Of course, I'd be happy to help explain SAT score ranges!
The new version of the SAT, started in spring 2024, is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with 1600 being the perfect score. This scale is made up of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math, each being scored from 200 to 800.
Understanding "good" or "bad" in the context of SAT scores depends on your personal academic goals, especially the colleges you're targeting. Here's a general breakdown:
- 400-1060: This is considered a low score range. Few colleges have averages in this range.
- 1070-1200: This is below the national average (which is around 1215), and it might not make you a strong candidate for selective schools, but many colleges would consider this score.
- 1215-1340: This score is around the national average, and many schools, outside of the most selective ones, would consider students in this score range.
- 1350-1480: This score range is above average and would make you a competitive candidate at many schools.
- 1480-1600: This is considered a high score range. You'd be in the ballpark for top-tier schools, but remember, your SAT score is only one aspect of your application.
Bear in mind that, even if you're targeting highly selective schools, it is possible to balance out a lower SAT score with other strong parts of your application, like a challenging course load, stellar grades, and exceptional extracurriculars. Always aim to perform to the best of your ability, but also remember to consider the full scope of your application.
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