I scored a 1220 on my SAT and I'm curious if that's considered good for colleges like Arizona State University or Syracuse. I'm worried it might not be enough for some of the schools on my list. Should I be aiming for a higher score, or is this already a competitive score?
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A 1220 SAT score places you above the national average of 1050 and puts you in approximately the 78th percentile of all test-takers. This means you scored better than about 78% of students who took the SAT, making it a solid score for many colleges and universities.
For Arizona State University, a 1220 SAT score falls well within their middle 50% range of admitted students, which typically spans from 1150 to 1360. This means your score would be considered competitive for admission at ASU. Similarly, at Syracuse University, where the middle 50% range is typically 1180-1360, your 1220 would also be considered competitive, though it falls in the lower portion of their typical admitted student range.
Whether you should retake the SAT depends on several factors. If you're targeting more selective institutions or hoping to qualify for merit scholarships, a higher score could strengthen your application. Many universities use SAT scores not just for admissions decisions but also for scholarship consideration, so improving your score could potentially increase your financial aid opportunities.
Consider your overall application strategy when deciding whether to retake the test. If you have strong grades, impressive extracurricular activities, and compelling essays, your current SAT score might be sufficient. However, if you believe you can significantly improve your score with additional preparation, and you have time before application deadlines, retaking the test could be beneficial. Remember that many colleges also practice test-optional admissions, giving you the choice to submit scores only if you feel they strengthen your application.
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