Hey everyone, I just got my SAT scores back and I got a 1200. I'm wondering if this is considered a good score for colleges like Penn State or Indiana University? Also, any advice on whether I should retake the test or focus on other aspects of my application?
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A 1200 SAT score falls into the middle range for many colleges and universities across the United States. This score places you at approximately the 74th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 74% of test-takers. For schools like Penn State and Indiana University, a 1200 SAT score puts you within their typical admitted student range, though closer to the lower end.
At Penn State, the middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 1190 and 1370 on the SAT. For Indiana University, the middle 50% range is approximately 1150-1360. Your score of 1200 means you're competitive for admission at these schools, particularly when combined with strong grades and extracurricular activities.
Whether you should retake the SAT depends on several factors. Consider retaking if your GPA is lower than average for your target schools, as a higher test score could help offset this. Also, if you're seeking merit scholarships, many universities offer better financial aid packages to students with higher test scores. Before deciding to retake, reflect on whether you had adequate preparation time and if there were specific sections where you know you can improve.
Instead of immediately planning for a retake, focus on strengthening other aspects of your application. Strong essays, meaningful extracurricular activities, and compelling letters of recommendation can often carry more weight than a modest increase in test scores. Remember that many colleges now take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they evaluate your entire profile rather than focusing solely on numbers.
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