<p>Example: I just got an information packet in the mail from Villanova University, it says the avg. SAT scores for the class of 2009 was a 1350. According to collegeboard.com, it's around a 1260. Is this just a result of increased competition? Any insight?</p>
<p>try to google the common data set for the school in which you are interested. Usually there is the segmented section on standardized scores that gives fairly good information.</p>
<p>having done this college scene two years ago, i would not pay too much attention to set numbers regarding standard testing but use it as a very general guide. The schools manipulate the numbers, sometimes raising the lower range and minimizing the higher or only reporting the scores for those who enroll. It really is all part of a marketing plan. </p>
<p>Apply to the schools you are interested in and cast a wide net with a variety of safety, match and reach. You should hopefully be pleasantly surprised unless you think you belong in an Ivy league school and that is the only school that is acceptable.</p>
<p>Mactruck,</p>
<p>What is the exact quote from Villanova? Often schools will quote the average SAT of their accepted students. This is a bit higher than the average SAT of the students that actually matriculate. I think the College Board number uses the scores of those that actually choose to attend.</p>
<p>Another example of this is that schools will often quote the number of seats available and the number of applicants, i.e. we have seats for 1 in 10 applicants. They may actually accept 3 in 10 knowing that 2 in 10 will choose to attend elsewhere.</p>