Evaluating good SAT scores

I've been working really hard to prepare for the SAT but I'm not sure what would be a 'good' score. I know it can vary based on which colleges I'm aiming for, but are there any general benchmarks or ranges to help me set a target?

Absolutely, it's a good idea to have a target score in mind while you're preparing. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with 1600 being a perfect score.

Average SAT scores can provide a useful benchmark. In the most recent available data, the mean SAT total score was around 1050, according to the College Board. If you score round about the mean, you're performing better than about half of the test takers.

However, if you're interested in competitive, selective colleges, you'll likely need a much higher score. At many selectively competitive colleges (like top 50 national universities or liberal arts colleges), the middle 50% SAT scores of admitted students are typically in the 1330-1560 range. That means 25% of admitted students scored below that range, and 25% scored above.

If you have a specific college or a few colleges in mind, I recommend looking up the middle 50% SAT scores for those schools to get a clear target range for yourself. For example, if you were interested in the University of Michigan, you could find on their admissions page that the middle 50% SAT range for admitted students was 1350-1530 in recent available data.

Do remember though, your SAT score is just one part of your application. Many colleges take a holistic approach to admissions and consider various factors including grades, rigor of coursework, letters of recommendation, essays, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

Regardless, setting a target SAT score based on your academic goals can certainly be a motivating factor as you prep for the exam. Just make sure you're balancing it with attention to your coursework, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of your high school life. Good luck with your preparation!