What's the deal with SAT scores for Ivy League colleges?

So, I'm studying my head off for the SATs right now, and my dream is to get into one of the Ivy League schools. Does anyone have a handle on what the average SAT scores look like for those kind of places? And just for a reality check, is it true that they pretty much only consider students with top scores?

Ivy League schools, known for their high academic rigor and selectivity, do indeed have a higher SAT score range compared to the national average. In general, these schools look for scores in the 1450-1600 range, which is within the 96th to 99th percentile of all test takers. That said, these are just averages, and many students get accepted with scores below this range.

But remember, while a high SAT score can certainly improve your odds of admission, it's far from the only factor these schools consider. These universities take a more holistic approach when admitting students, which means they also heavily weigh other factors like your GPA, your essays, extracurricular activities (with emphasis on Tiers 1-3), and letters of recommendation.

Also, keep in mind that there's variation between Ivy League institutions. Have a look at each school's admitted student profile to get a clearer understanding of the typical SAT range.

One more point: applying Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) does increase your chances at highly selective colleges, including Ivy League institutions. On average, applying ED increases your odds of admission by around 60%, when controlling for profile strength.

You're working hard on the SAT, and that's fantastic! Just remember that a strong application is about more than a perfect SAT score. It's about demonstrating your academic strength, your passion, and your personal qualities. Good luck!