Hi there, I've been really grinding to improve my SAT score and I'm curious to understand what a 'good' score looks like for pretty competitive colleges. Can someone drop a ballpark figure or range that these schools usually consider acceptable or competitive? I realize it's holistic and all, but there has to be an average right? Thanks, guys!
Absolutely! You are correct in understanding that colleges review applicants' profiles holistically, and test scores are only one part of the picture. However, it's understandable that you want a baseline to shoot for.
For highly selective colleges, a competitive SAT score is usually within the upper end of the 1400s to the perfect 1600. While there is some variability between institutions, many prestigious colleges such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale often report middle 50% scores ranging from the high 1400s to the mid-1500s. This means that 25% of admitted students score below this range and 25% score above.
But remember, these are just averages and ranges. There are certainly students who are admitted with lower scores, especially if they shine in other areas of their application. Conversely, a perfect score doesn't guarantee admission, as colleges consider various aspects of your profile, including your grades, extracurricular involvements, and personal essays.
It's fantastic that you're working hard on your SAT score. Keep in mind that improvements, even small ones, can make a difference. Just don't forget to pay attention to the other parts of your application that matter too. Good luck!
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