EDU in Review News Blog

What’s a Good SAT Score?

sat-testThe results are in and high school students everywhere are scrambling to know how they did on the SATs. They’re that first real step toward college and one of the more determining factors in where a student will go. This week, the SAT scores were published leaving many students questioning what that number actually means. Determining whether you have a “bad” score or a “good” score is still relative, dependent on the school you’re applying to.

A perfect score is 2400, scoring 800 in each of three areas. In 2008, the average scores for the three sections were:

  • 502 – critical reading
  • 515 – mathematics
  • 494 – writing
good-sat-scores

Good SAT scores at major universities. (via About.com)

Scores accepted at the top liberal arts colleges are usually in the 700s. At Harvard, those scores skim closer to 800. At public universities, scores for each section of the SAT range from 540-740.

If you do plan on attending a public university, you might not need to even worry yourself with the SAT score. There are currently more than 800 schools that have eliminated SAT and ACT scores as criteria for admission, saying that a student’s high school record is a better indictation of their qualifications. These include Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M, Wake Forest and George Mason. Even if you’ve already taken the exams, don’t fret, including your scores is optional.

Source: Yahoo Buzz






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