Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 09:01     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
As others have said, it is a part of a larger portfolio of work, so hard to pin it down to a specific number. But I would look at the CDS for the schools you're interested in and aim for the 25th percentile score as the floor of what you want to aim for. If going for merit aid at not-as-competitive schools, aim for the 75th percentile or better. Higher is better, to a point, but there's also a point of diminishing returns. The time spent moving a 1520 to a 1560 would be better spent on making sure grades are as high as possible, or, if that's covered, working at a job, serving the community, becoming a better human, working out, etc.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:55     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
I realize there are other attributes but 1560 earned a waitlist at UVA and NEU and denials from Penn and Harvard for HS class of 23. Rigor (9 APs, 2 DE but NO Lang or Lit) and GPA (3.98/4.5-FCPS) are more important.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:55     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
My son got a 1380 and that is considered 92nd percentile nationally.

He had a 4.1 WGPA. Was still waitlisted at Virginia Tech and Clemson for business.

I think for competitive stem programs, you need at least a 1450 if you you’re going to submit it.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:51     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
A few years ago, the MIT dean of admissions said not to bother retaking if above 1550. However, it's certainly true that elite schools do not consider that a lower bound.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:50     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
Anonymous wrote:Pre-covid, a 1500/34 was generally regarded as good enough for anywhere. I think that's more or less true today for the most selective colleges.


+1
And the test is so much easier now compared to when we took it.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:48     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
Why asking so early? Your kid won’t take for another 2-3 more yrs.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:41     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
Pre-covid, a 1500/34 was generally regarded as good enough for anywhere. I think that's more or less true today for the most selective colleges.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:38     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
Focus on GPA and taking rigorous courses. A 1600/36 will still have you well under a coin flip chance at any university that accepts less than 10%
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:17     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
At TO schools, mid 1500s will get you merit aid.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 08:02     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
Anonymous wrote:1350 is the new 1200.


So is 1350/1400 as hard to get as it was in the 80s? Or is the scoring easier now?

-Former 1290 scorer who did a regular commercial prep class, attended a top 5 high school and top 20 college.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 07:42     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
For many top-end schools, a 1460 (or even under) may suffice, a 1500 may enhance, and a 1530+ may get extra attention.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 07:15     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
1400 to be respectable 1530 for top schools
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 07:15     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
Depends on goals. 1500 minimum for highly competitive
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 07:11     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
1350 is the new 1200.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2025 07:08     Subject: What’s considered the cutoff for a “good” SAT score these days?
I have a rising 9th grader.