Hey everyone, just got my SAT scores - got a 1160. I'm feeling a little stressed out about it. Will this score limit my college options? Or do I still have a decent shot at a good college?
Hello,
A 1160 SAT score is solid and will definitely get you into many colleges. However, the competitiveness of your score largely depends on the colleges you're aiming for. The more selective the university, the higher the average SAT score of accepted students tends to be. For instance, at highly selective Ivy League schools, the middle 50% SAT scores often range from approximately 1400 to 1600.
But remember, most colleges do not simply focus solely on test scores. They often review applications holistically, looking at other factors such as your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, awards, and need for financial aid.
For instance, colleges may be more interested in a student with an SAT score of 1160 who performed at a high level in their coursework, maintained strong extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated personal growth and learning. Of course, this would vary from institution to institution.
That being said, if you believe your 1160 SAT score doesn't reflect your true potential, you have options. If there's time before your college applications are due, you might consider retaking the SAT, particularly if you feel that you can improve with further preparation.
Alternatively, for the 2024-2025 application cycle, some universities still practice a test-optional policy, which allows you to choose whether to submit test scores. Notable schools that have a test-optional policy include Columbia University (Columbia), Princeton University (Princeton), Stanford University (Stanford), University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), Johns Hopkins University (Johns Hopkins), New York University (NYU), and the University of Chicago (UChicago). These schools will not require you to submit an SAT or ACT score.
It's important to remember that many paths can lead to a successful college experience. Best of luck with your college admissions process!
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