I just got my SAT scores back and I got a 1390. I'm wondering if that's considered a good score, or if I should retake it. How does a 1390 stack up against other scores, and will it make me competitive for most colleges? Any advice on whether a retake is necessary would be awesome.
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A 1390 SAT score puts you in an impressive position, landing in approximately the 93rd percentile of all test takers. This means you scored better than about 93% of students who took the SAT, making it a strong score that will make you competitive at many colleges and universities.
Your score of 1390 sits well above the national average of around 1050, positioning you as a competitive applicant for most universities. This score typically meets or exceeds the middle 50% range for many excellent colleges, including numerous state flagship universities and selective private institutions. However, for highly selective schools like Ivy League universities, where the middle 50% often ranges from 1400 to 1560, you might be slightly below their typical range.
The decision to retake the SAT should depend on your specific college goals. If you're targeting schools where your 1390 falls within or above their middle 50% range, there's likely no need to retake the test. However, if you're aiming for highly selective institutions where the average SAT scores are above 1400, and you believe you can improve your score with additional preparation, a retake might be worth considering.
When deciding whether to retake the SAT, consider your overall application strategy. Your SAT score is just one component of your college application. Strong grades, compelling extracurricular activities, impressive essays, and meaningful recommendations can often compensate for an SAT score that's slightly below a school's average. Many colleges also practice holistic admissions, meaning they evaluate your entire application package rather than focusing solely on test scores.
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