How do I know what SAT score I need for the colleges I'm interested in? I'm looking at UC Berkeley and Boston University and want to make sure I have a competitive score.
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College SAT score requirements vary significantly between institutions, and most universities publish their middle 50% range of accepted student scores. For UC Berkeley, admitted students typically score between 1330 and 1530 on the SAT. Boston University's middle 50% range falls between 1340 and 1480. Aiming for scores within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
When determining your target SAT score, understand that these ranges are guidelines rather than strict cutoffs. Universities practice holistic admissions, meaning they consider your entire application package, not just test scores. A score at or above the median range positions you well for admission, while scoring below doesn't automatically disqualify you if other parts of your application are strong.
To set your personal SAT score goal, research the score ranges for all schools on your list and aim for the 75th percentile of your most competitive choice. This strategy gives you the best chance of admission at your reach schools while making you a strong candidate for your target and safety schools. Many universities list their score ranges directly on their admissions websites, or you can find this information through the Common Data Set.
Keep in mind that test optional policies have become increasingly common since 2020. Both UC Berkeley and Boston University currently allow students to apply without submitting SAT scores. If your scores fall below the middle 50% range, you might consider applying test-optional and focusing on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays.
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