Choosing a College Based on Average SAT Scores

Hey all, I'm looking at colleges that align with my SAT score. I was wondering if anyone has pointers on how effective this strategy is? Is it more important to find a college that matches my scores, or should I aim higher?

It's absolutely reasonable to consider your SAT score when looking at colleges - this can give you a good sense of where you fall within the applicant pool for that particular school. Tallying this up against the 25th-75th percentile SAT (if available) scores of admitted students could give a good indication as for where you stand.

However, while your scores do play a part in your look at colleges, make sure it's not the only aspect you're considering. You want to also consider factors such as academic programs you're interested in, university culture, location, potential financial aid, and opportunities for growth. Simply put, if a school is a great match in terms of score but doesn’t have the major or extracurriculars you’re interested in, it may not be the best fit.

Aiming higher (or applying to 'reach' schools) can also be beneficial as long as you have a balanced list that includes 'target' and 'safety' schools as well. The reason for this is twofold. First, the application review process is holistic, meaning colleges consider more than just your SAT scores. They're interested in other factors such as your personal essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters. Second, the SAT isn't the only factor even within the academic part of your application - your GPA and course rigor also play a key part.

On another note, some colleges have transitioned to a test-optional policy where you aren't required to submit standardized test scores with your application. This could be a fantastic option if you excel in areas other than standardized testing and would prefer to showcase those strengths instead.

All in all, targeting colleges that match your SAT score can be one part of your strategy, but be sure to consider other factors and opportunities that contribute to your overall college experience.