I just got a 1380 on my SAT and I'm wondering if that's a strong score. I'm aiming for schools that are somewhat competitive, but I'm not sure how this score measures up. Could some of you who've been through this give me a little insight? Should I retake it or focus on improving other parts of my application?
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A 1380 SAT score is indeed considered a strong score, placing you above roughly 91% of all test takers. This score falls well above the national average of 1050 and puts you in a competitive position for many selective colleges and universities. Most students scoring 1380 find themselves comfortably within the middle 50% range for many excellent schools.
When evaluating whether your 1380 is "good enough," consider your target schools' middle 50% SAT range for admitted students. For highly selective institutions like Ivy League schools, where median scores often exceed 1500, you might want to consider retaking the test. However, for many competitive universities, including respected state flagships and strong private colleges, a 1380 makes you a viable candidate.
Rather than automatically planning a retake, first analyze your college list. Research the average SAT scores for recently admitted students at your target schools. If your 1380 falls within or above their typical range, you may be better served focusing on other aspects of your application. Strong essays, compelling extracurricular activities, and maintaining excellent grades often carry more weight than marginal improvements in standardized test scores.
Your score demonstrates strong academic capability, particularly if it's balanced between the Math and Evidence-Based Reading sections. Many universities now also offer test-optional admissions, meaning you can choose whether to submit your scores. With a 1380, submitting your scores would generally strengthen your application at most institutions outside the most selective universities.
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