How competitive is a 1360 SAT score?

How competitive is a 1360 SAT score?

I just got my SAT results and scored a 1360. I'm trying to figure out how good this is. Am I in a decent range for a good mix of colleges, or should I consider retaking it to aim higher? I've heard mixed things about what scores some schools expect, so any insights would be great!

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A 1360 SAT score puts you in a strong position for college admissions, landing in approximately the 91st percentile of all test takers. This means you scored better than about 91% of students who took the SAT, placing you well above the national average of 1050. Your score demonstrates strong academic capabilities that will be viewed favorably by many selective colleges and universities.

Your 1360 score falls within the middle 50% range for many respected universities, including schools like Boston University, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Wisconsin-Madison. This score would be highly competitive for many state flagship universities and well-regarded private colleges. For context, most schools with acceptance rates between 20-40% typically have middle 50% SAT ranges that include 1360.

Whether you should retake the SAT depends on your target schools. If you're aiming for highly selective institutions like Ivy League universities or schools with acceptance rates under 20%, where middle 50% ranges often start at 1400 or higher, a higher score could strengthen your application. However, if you're targeting schools where your current score falls within or above their typical admitted student range, focusing on other aspects of your application would be more beneficial.

Remember that colleges evaluate applications holistically. Your SAT score is just one component alongside your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Many universities have also adopted test-optional policies, meaning you can choose whether to submit your scores. A 1360 gives you the flexibility to submit scores to schools where this would strengthen your application while potentially withholding them from more selective institutions where the score might be below average.

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