I just got my SAT scores back and I got a 1070. How does this score stack up for schools like Indiana University and University of Arizona? Should I retake the test or focus on boosting other parts of my application?
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A 1070 SAT score falls in the middle range of all test-takers, landing around the 50th percentile nationally. For schools like Indiana University and University of Arizona, this score places you within their broader consideration range, though slightly below their average admitted student scores. Indiana University's middle 50% range for admitted students is typically 1170-1370, while the University of Arizona generally accepts students with SAT scores between 1110-1350.
You have several strong options with a 1070 SAT score. While this score might make admission to these specific schools more challenging, many quality colleges and universities regularly admit students with scores in this range. Your score could be particularly competitive at regional public universities and many private colleges where holistic admissions processes consider multiple factors beyond test scores.
Regarding whether to retake the SAT, consider your timeline and potential for improvement. If you have time before application deadlines and haven't extensively prepared for your first attempt, a focused study plan could help raise your score by 100 points or more. Many students see significant improvements on their second attempt after becoming familiar with the test format and targeting their weak areas.
However, with many colleges adopting test-optional policies, you might choose to focus on strengthening other aspects of your application instead. Strong grades in challenging courses, compelling extracurricular activities, well-written essays, and demonstrated interest in your target schools can often outweigh standardized test scores. Consider what would make the best use of your time and energy given your specific circumstances and application timeline.
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