SAT scores: How do they vary by state?

Hey folks, I've been hearing about variations in average SAT scores per state. Can anyone shed some light on this? Does it really matter during the admission process?

Yes, average SAT scores do vary by state, for a variety of reasons. The main factors include differences in educational systems, the proportion of students taking the SAT, and the presence of intensive prep programs, among others. For instance, in states where most students take the SAT, the average scores are generally lower because a broader range of students (from high-achievers to those who might find it more challenging) are being assessed. Meanwhile, states where only a small percentage of high-performing students take the SAT typically have higher averages.

As to whether it matters during college admissions, typically, admissions officers do take location into account during the review process to account for various factors such as educational disparities, but they won't strictly compare your SAT score against your state average. Admissions teams generally compare your academic performance and SAT scores against their own benchmarks (like the Academic Index) and the profiles of previously admitted students.

The goal is to make sure you are academically prepared to succeed at their institution, so the focus is generally on your individual academic achievements and potential over state averages. It's always beneficial to have a score that's competitive for the institutions you're applying to, which you can often find by looking at the admitted student profile or middle 50% scores of those schools.

Remember, while test scores can be an important part of your application, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Colleges, particularly highly selective ones, also greatly value your extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and other factors that highlight your potential beyond academics.