Decoding the SAT Score

Hey all, so I just got my SAT score back and it’s a 930. Not sure how I should feel about it. Could anyone explain what this might mean for my chances at colleges? I'm feeling a bit unsure about where I stand. Thank you!

A score of 930 on the SAT is below the national average of approximately 1060. However, keep in mind that what's considered a "good" score can vary greatly based on the colleges you're interested in. Many schools, particularly less selective or regionally-focused institutions, will still view a 930 as an adequate score.

One way to determine how your score stacks up is by finding the middle 50% SAT score range for the colleges you're interested in. Most colleges publish this data and it essentially shows that 50% of enrolled students scored within that range. If your score falls within or close to this range, then it's likely your SAT score won't be a major hindrance to your admission.

For instance, if a school's middle 50% range is between 900 and 1100, your 930 would fall within that range, meaning your SAT score is in line with that of the majority of admitted students.

The SAT is still an important component to an application but remember, also, that colleges use a holistic review process when making admissions decisions. It's not only about standardized test scores but also factors like your high school coursework, grade point average (GPA), extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and sometimes, demonstrated interest.

As a final side note, depending on the school submissions deadlines you're working with, retaking the SAT might be an option to consider if you're aiming for colleges with higher typical scores and you have the time and resources available to prepare. It's quite common for students to see improvement on their second or even third attempts. Again, this entirely depends on your personal circumstances and college goals. Best of luck with everything!