I just got my SAT score back and it's a 1290. I'm wondering if that's considered a good score for schools like Penn State or University of Colorado Boulder. Does anyone know if this is competitive enough or should I consider retaking the test to boost my chances?
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A 1290 SAT score places you above the national average and makes you competitive for many colleges and universities. For context, this score puts you in approximately the 87th percentile of all test takers, meaning you scored higher than about 87% of students who took the SAT.
For schools like Penn State and University of Colorado Boulder, your 1290 SAT score aligns well with their typical admitted student profile. Penn State's middle 50% range for admitted students typically falls between 1200-1400, while CU Boulder's range is approximately 1180-1350. Your score of 1290 puts you comfortably within these ranges, making you a competitive applicant from a test score perspective.
Whether you should retake the SAT depends on several factors beyond just these specific schools. Consider your overall academic profile, including your GPA, coursework rigor, and extracurricular activities. If you're targeting more selective universities in addition to Penn State and CU Boulder, or if you're seeking merit-based scholarships, a higher score could strengthen your application. Many students find their scores improve by 20-40 points on a second attempt with focused preparation.
Keep in mind that colleges take a holistic approach to admissions. Your SAT score is just one component of your application, and admissions officers also heavily weigh your academic performance, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, many schools now have test-optional policies, giving you the choice of whether to submit your scores at all.
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