What Is A Good SAT Score? Is My SAT Score Bad, Average, Good or Great?

You may have wondered what is a good SAT Score? Or better yet, what is a good SAT Score for me? As you prepare for the SAT, you may wonder, “What does my score mean? Is it even a good, average, or a great score?” Even though there are a lot of variables to consider and how it effects your college career, this article will provide a clearer picture.

Most desirable universities, including UC, CSU, privates, and out-of-states, want students to earn at least a 1300 in order to be seriously considered as a qualified candidate. However, this figure varies greatly depending on major, competitiveness of the applicant pool that year, and other factors taken into account in the admissions process. Please look at the score levels chart. Also notice the percent of college students that get each score level.

The Answer To “What Is A Good SAT Score For Me?”

It depends. For some students, their maximum scores may be 1300-1400. Also for others, they can achieve 1500-1600.There are many factors that can have an effect on a SAT score.

Upbringing
Background,
Resource constraints
Educational restraints
Family and society related circumstances.

Given time, any student can choose and make their own destiny. No matter what cards they were dealt. Therefore, a good score depends on.

YOU the individual.
YOUR existing capabilities.
The Passion within YOU.
YOUR goals.
How much time YOU have to reach those goals.

While it is impossible to determine each student’s exact numerical potential, we encourage students to consider the following ways to determine your score, or what we call a “target score.”

What is a Target SAT score?

A student’s “target score” is a range that can be calculated in one of two ways. In other words this is the most common ways that counselors use. In order to help you calculate what is a good SAT score for you. Try the following methods, using a calculator and writing utensil.

Option 1. The SAT Baseline Score Method

The first way is to use what we call a “baseline score”. This creates a foundation in which to build upon. Without setting goals that may be lofty considering the time frame you may have. A student’s baseline score is the result (out of 1600) from his or her first attempt at an SAT with little or no prior preparation. We use the following steps to determine a SAT baseline score.

Take the SAT practice test. With little or no prior preparation.
Once you have determined this score, add 100 – 200 points.
This new score is your “target score” The score you need to shoot for with studying and proper preparation.
For example, if a student’s baseline score is 1200, we believe they should aim for 1300-1400.

Option 2. The Unweighted GPA Formula to determine a Score For You.

The second way is the unweighted GPA formula. In order to determine a score for You.

Take the student’s overall unweighted GPA. As shown on his or her official, most recent, junior high or high school transcript.
Divide the GPA by the maximum GPA (usually 4.0)
Multiply this ratio by 1600 to find the proportional test score value. (Round it to the nearest tens place).
Finally, add and subtract 50 points from that value to determine a student’s “target score”.
- For example. If a student’s unweighted GPA is a 3.5.
  - 3.5/4.0 = 0.875.
  - 0.875*1600 + 1400.
  - Results: The student’s “target score” is between 1350-1450.

Therefore, implementing a score range allows us to account for variability in test difficulty and score curving by the College Board. It also allows a student to have a higher probability of success. Earning something between a 100 point range is more probable. (and less stressful.) Instead of fixating on one singular score.

The Conclusion

There is still uncertainty in the 2021 – 2024 college freshman due to the pandemic. Some colleges are adjusting their policies to the SAT score. However, consider the volume of applicants each year to a college or university. They either use the SAT score to determine eligibility, or another form of testing to determine acceptance. If you want to take a FREE diagnostic SAT exam to see what your “baseline score” is? Contact hello@cake.education to schedule a day to come in!

Therefore, if you are interested in finding out which schools you can apply to with your current SAT score, or determining if you should take the SAT once again? Contact hello@readyedgego.com for more information.

Sarah Gooch

Essay Editor

Q:How many total years of experience do you have in your current role, including but not limited to ReadyEdgeGo?

A: I have five years' experience in coaching student writing, but this is my first year with ReadyEdgeGo.

Q: What about working with students do you most enjoy?

A: I love helping students find depth and meaning in their own stories—but I also just love it when they make me laugh!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: In theory, I enjoy painting and writing poetry, but these days I actually spend most of my free time socializing or watching movies with my husband.

Q: What is your one piece of advice for high schoolers?

A: Don't just focus on achieving top grades and credentials because they look good on applications, or your education will be meaningless. The numbers and awards have their place, but stay connected to your sense of curiosity, discovery, excitement, and wonder so that the content you're learning is constantly transforming you—it's something you care about, something you remember after the final exam. Work on the aspects of yourself no one can measure, like integrity, wisdom, kindness, and compassion, so that you're not only developing your academic and career potential but also investing in the type of adult you're going to be, the person you'll have to live with after you clock out every day for the rest of your life.

Doing the hard inner work of building your character and learning deeply instead of just earning grades will set you up for a satisfying, well-rounded life. Strange as it sounds, it will also put you ahead in your academic and career goals, because colleges and hiring managers aren't looking for an empty set of data on a spreadsheet; they want a fully fleshed-out person marked by passion, creativity, and a story no one else has lived.

So go on studying hard for tests, but also spend some time asking yourself what matters in life and who your role models are. Read up on topics that amaze you, and build something incredible just for fun. Cultivate that spark of joy you feel when you're immersed in a subject that fascinates you. If you can hit that balancing act of doing your homework and meeting deadlines but also investing in the kind of person you want to be, then trust that all the rest will follow: schools will recognize you as a dynamic, all-star person, and you will also build a life of happiness, close relationships, and peace.

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