Hi all, I've started preparing for the SAT and I've been wondering - what's generally considered a high score? I mean, just to give me a ballpark for my goals. Any insights are welcome!
Hello! A strong SAT score can vary depending on the context, but let's base this on the maximum score possible, which is 1600. Generally speaking, achieving a score in the 1300-1400 range places you above the 75th percentile of all test takers, indicating a relatively strong performance.
However, if your sights are set on highly competitive colleges (think Ivy League, Stanford, Duke, and the like), then you'll likely want to aim for a score above 1500. These types of colleges often have median SAT scores of accepted students well into the 1400s, with many students reporting scores in the 1550-1600 range. This doesn't mean you can't get in with a lower score - remember, a compelling application is about far more than test scores alone - but the higher your score, the better chance you'll have.
That being said, always remember that your goals should align with the schools you’re interested in. A 'high' SAT score at a certain university might be considered 'average' at another. Look up the 25th and 75th percentile scores at your dream schools to give you a clearer idea of the score you should aim for to increase your chances of acceptance. Good luck with your preparations!
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