What Is A Good SAT Score: Strategies For Success

There are many factors that go into achieving a good SAT score. This post will explain how you can set the right target based on your personal needs and college expectations as well as other factors that help get you into college, such as GPA, essays, and activities. 

We'll also explore the benefits of retaking the SAT to improve your score and how to prepare for the SAT exam by using resources like Khan Academy's personalized study plans.

In the end, you'll be better equipped to make decisions concerning your educational journey and improve your odds of getting accepted by your preferred college. 

What Is The SAT And Why Should You Care?

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. The test is intended to measure a high school student's readiness for college. It is designed to test your knowledge of reading, writing, and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms.

The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW), and Mathematics. The test also includes an optional essay section.

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is further divided into two tests: one focusing on Reading and one focusing on Writing and Language.

The Math section is divided into two portions: one allows the use of a calculator and the other does not.

The SAT score range for each section is 200-800, making the highest possible total score 1600. You get a maximum of 800 points for the math section, 400 points for the reading section, and 400 points for the writing section. The optional essay is scored separately.

What Is A Good SAT Score? 

Now that you know how the SAT works, and how it's graded, what is considered a "good" SAT score? Well, for most people this is personal - a good score is the score that it takes to get you into college.

But let's be real - you really want to know how you scored compared to other students taking the test.

In 2022, the average SAT score was 1050. Here's what score you'd need to rank in the following major percentile groups - including the total score, as well as the individual section scores for math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW):

You can go and find all the past College Board data here.

How To Set Your Target SAT Score

Before setting an SAT target to strive for, you need to figure out the score you'll need to get admitted to your preferred schools. This will depend on factors such as the competitiveness of the institution and its average accepted scores. To determine your target SAT score, research colleges' requirements and use resources such as the College Board's website.

Setting your target SAT score requires you to think about everything from potential colleges to tuition costs to financial aid opportunities to academic programs and extracurricular activities. By creating a list of preferred colleges and researching each ones average accepted scores or percentile ranges, you can set a realistic goal for yourself.

Contributing Factors

• Selective Colleges: Highly selective colleges, such as Stanford University, typically require higher scores for gaining admission.
• Average Accepted Scores: Researching the average SAT scores of admitted students at different institutions will give you a better idea of the score you'll need for those schools.
• Test-Optional Schools: Some colleges have become test-optional, meaning they do not require standardized test scores for admission. For test-optional institutions, other elements such as GPA and extracurriculars may be more influential when it comes to admissions decisions.
• Your Personal Goals: Your own academic goals will also help you determine the score you will need. If you're aiming for scholarships or acceptance into honors programs, higher scores may be necessary.

Create A List Of Preferred Colleges

Create a list of colleges based on factors that are important to you. Consider the following when making your selections:

• Tuition Costs & Financial Aid: Research each school's cost to attend and available financial aid options.
• Location: Decide whether you prefer urban or rural settings and consider proximity to home.
• Campus Atmosphere: Visit campuses if possible to get a feel for the culture at each institution.
• Academic Programs & Extracurricular Activities: Explore majors offered as well as clubs/organizations that align with your interests.

Compare Average Accepted Scores

Once you've compiled a list of schools, here are some steps you can take to determine their average accepted scores: 

1. Gather information: Use resources such as College Board's BigFuture search tool or individual college websites to find the average SAT scores of admitted students at the different schools. 
2. Percentile range: Determine which percentile range (e.g., top 10%) would make you a competitive applicant.
3. Add a buffer: Add several points above the range to account for fluctuations between test administrations.
4. Adjust your expectations (if necessary): Aim high but be prepared to adjust expectations after taking practice tests or receiving initial results from previous exams. 

Although SAT scores are significant, other factors such as GPA and extracurricular activities are also essential in college admissions. 

Key Takeaway: To determine a good SAT score, research college requirements and consider factors such as competitiveness of the institution, average accepted scores, personal goals and preferences. Set a target score range based on desired institutions' average accepted scores. Aim high, but be prepared to adjust expectations based on practice tests or your initial exam results. 

How To Improve Your SAT Score 

If you've taken the SAT and are not content with your current score, contemplate taking the test again in order to enhance your chances of admission (if you still have time). Many students achieve a higher score on their second attempt after dedicating more time to preparation and focusing on areas where they struggled in the first exam.

Retake the SAT

Above-average scores on standardized tests like the SAT can significantly boost your chances of gaining admission into specific colleges. A high percentile score may also qualify you for scholarships or financial aid opportunities based on merit. In addition, improving your test scores demonstrates perseverance and commitment to academic excellence - qualities that are highly valued by admissions officers.

• Selective Colleges: High SAT scores increase your odds of being accepted into top-tier schools such as Stanford University or other prestigious institutions.
• Scholarships: Some scholarships require minimum test scores; achieving above-average results could make you eligible for these awards.
• Demonstrated Commitment: Improvement between multiple attempts highlights dedication towards personal growth within educational settings overall.

Utilize Khan Academy's Personalized Study Plans

To prepare for tackling the most difficult SAT questions, take advantage of study resources such as the ones offered by Khan Academy. 

Their official SAT practice platform creates personalized study plans tailored specifically towards individual needs based upon previous performance metrics collected during your initial attempts. 

Targeted Practice: Khan Academy's Official SAT Practice identifies your weak areas and provides targeted exercises to help you improve.

Efficient Studying: By focusing on the areas where you need the most improvement, you can make better use of your time and energy when preparing for the test.

Employ Effective Studying Strategies

In addition to Khan Academy, there are several other strategies that can help you increase your chances of achieving a higher SAT score. Here are some tips for efficient and effective studying:

• Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times each day or week dedicated solely towards reviewing materials covered within exam sections - building good habits is key. 
• Pace Yourself: Break down larger tasks into smaller segments, and focus your attention to avoid feeling overwhelmed throughout the process leading up to the exam date. 

Key Takeaway: Retaking the SAT can improve your chances of admission into your preferred colleges and scholarships. Utilizing resources like Khan Academy's personalized study plans, creating a study schedule, and pacing yourself are effective strategies for achieving higher scores on the test.

SAT Score FAQs

What was Mark Zuckerberg's SAT score? 

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, reportedly scored a perfect 1600 on his SATs. His high score likely played a role in his admission to Harvard University before he dropped out to focus on developing Facebook.

Is a 90th percentile SAT score good?

A 90th percentile SAT score means that you performed better than 90% of test-takers. While this is generally considered a strong performance, it's important to research the specific requirements and average scores for your desired colleges, as they may have higher expectations.

What is an impressive SAT score?

An impressive SAT score typically falls within the top percentiles (or above 1400 or 1500). However, it can vary depending on individual goals and college preferences. Researching average accepted scores at your preferred schools will help determine if your own scores are competitive.

Is a 1500 SAT score okay?

Achieving a 1500 on the SAT places you in approximately the 98th percentile, meaning you've outperformed about 98% of test-takers. This is an excellent result and would be considered highly competitive for most colleges and universities across the United States.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding what constitutes a good SAT score is crucial for gaining admission to your desired school. Consider college requirements and personal preferences when setting your target score, but remember that other factors such as GPA, essays, and extracurriculars also play important roles in the admissions process.

Lastly, don't let money be an obstacle to pursuing a college education! Explore The College Investor further for more information on how to manage your finances and invest wisely.