I just got my SAT scores back and I'm at a 1310. I'm aiming to go to a mid-sized university on the East Coast. Is a 1310 a decent score or should I consider retaking the test to improve it?
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A 1310 SAT score puts you above the national average of 1050 and places you in approximately the 87th percentile of all test takers. This means you scored better than about 87% of students who took the SAT, making it a competitive score for many colleges and universities.
For mid-sized East Coast universities, a 1310 SAT score typically falls within the middle 50% range of accepted students. Schools like University of Connecticut, University of New Hampshire, and University of Vermont generally accept students with SAT scores between 1170 and 1390. Your score would make you a competitive applicant for these types of institutions.
Whether you should retake the SAT depends on your specific target schools and their middle 50% SAT range. Research the average SAT scores for your top-choice schools' admitted students. If your 1310 falls below or at the lower end of their typical range, consider retaking the test. However, if your score falls comfortably within or above their range, you may want to focus your energy on other aspects of your application instead.
Remember that colleges evaluate applications holistically. Your SAT score is just one component among many factors, including your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. If you're satisfied with your score and it aligns with your target schools' expectations, you might better spend your time strengthening other parts of your application rather than preparing for another SAT attempt.
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