Can I still get into a good college with a low SAT score? (2024)

FAQs

Can I still get into a good college with a low SAT score? ›

I understand that a low SAT score can feel discouraging, but don't worry too much! There are definitely options available for you to get into a good college. Many colleges consider your application holistically, which means they look at more than just your test scores.

You might not be aiming for a perfect SAT score, but understanding what constitutes a "bad" score can help you plan your college admissions journey. It's also important to remember that your standardized test score is just one factor that schools will consider in your overall application.

Even if you're generally satisfied with your SAT/ACT scores, if they fall well below your school's middle 50% range, it may be better to withhold them so they don't count against you in the admissions process.

While GPA is gaining more importance in college admissions decisions, as some schools deemphasize test scores, that doesn't mean you should neglect standardized testing. While the SAT and ACT aren't the best indicator of your success in college, they generally remain an important part of the admission process.

Thanks for your help! A 910 SAT score is considered below average when it comes to college admissions, particularly for more selective institutions. Generally, a score of 1050-1100 is considered an average SAT score, and higher scores are required for more competitive colleges.

Is 1200 a good SAT score? The average SAT score is 1059, putting a 1200 SAT score just above the average. It makes you a competitive candidate at a good number of institutions, which is the primary goal, making a 1200 SAT a good score.

Your SAT score, which ranges from 400-1600, is the sum of your two section scores: Math and Reading and Writing. Each section uses a scale of 200-800 in 10-point increments. A good score on Math or Reading and Writing, then, would be around 600.

You're wondering if 1300 is a good SAT score and the short answer to that question is “Yes”. In fact, scoring a 1300 on the dot places you in the 86th percentile among all SAT takers and around the 90th percentile of all high school students nationwide.

The scoring scale runs from 400 to 1600, with the average test taker receiving a composite result between 1050 and 1100. A 950 falls in the 31st percentile, short of what most colleges and universities would like to see on applications for admission.

Can a good GPA make up for a low SAT? ›

Yes, to some extent, a high GPA can make up for a lower test score. Universities and colleges are increasingly looking at the entire profile of the student rather than a single metric.

Even if you have low SAT scores, there is still a chance of getting into college. For one, according to the NCES, 52.2% of all colleges have no application criteria. This means, they may not look at standardized test scores like the SAT at all. Many colleges are now test optional too.

Test Optional is here to stay and we couldn't be more thrilled! At The College Curators, we recommend that high school students in the class of 2024 still consider taking the ACT or SAT, but whether or not they submit their scores should depend on test availability and personal performance.

This means that anything below 1050 is considered below average, and composite scores of 870 or lower are in the bottom 25%.

Is 900 a good SAT score? A “good” SAT score is one that makes you a competitive candidate at a majority of colleges, including your ideal college. A 900 doesn't give you as many college options as we'd normally like students to have, so raising your score closer to that national average (1150-1100) is encouraged.

With the national average SAT score always hovering near 1000 (purposefully), 800 falls short of that average and leaves few college options.

In general, then, schools really look at the score, but it's not one of the most important parts of your application or even your SAT score. Your best bet if you are interested in a given school that requires the essay and you want more specific guidance how they use the essay is to call the admissions office and ask.

What happens if you do bad on the SAT? The short answer—you try again. There is no real substitute or alternative plan if you do poorly on the Digital SAT. You can take a shot at the ACT, but the reality is that these exams are very similar and scores are highly correlated.

The average composite SAT score is 1059, and the highest possible score is 1600, putting 1300 above average and competitive. A 1300 SAT score allows you to apply competitively to a large number of schools, making it an objectively good score for most students.