Hey guys! Trying to figure out where I should aim my SAT prep. I understand that it varies based on the colleges I'm targeting, but what's generally considered an above-average SAT score? What score should I aim for if I'm looking at somewhat competitive colleges?
Absolutely, the score you should aim for does indeed depend on the colleges you're targeting. To provide you with a general overview, the average SAT score is around 1050 to 1060 out of 1600. This means if you score higher than this you are doing better than approximately half of the test takers.
For somewhat competitive colleges, you'll likely need a score higher than the average. Many of these schools might have average SAT scores in the mid to high 1200s, or even in the low to mid-1300s. For example, a school like University of Connecticut, regarded as somewhat competitive, had an average SAT score for admitted students in the range of 1220 to 1410. So, generally, aiming for a SAT score of 1300 or higher can position you reasonably well for somewhat competitive schools.
If your sights are set on highly selective institutions, the bar is set even higher. Schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, for example, have median SAT scores of admitted students well above 1500.
Remember, your SAT score is one of many factors considered during the admission process. While a strong score can boost your application, factors such as GPA, extracurricular involvement, and essays also play crucial roles.
Good luck with your test prep!
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