<p>Most if not all schools post what their average sat range is for incoming freshman. For example, 620-710.
So does that mean students accepted scored below and above that range too?</p>
<p>Been thinking about this for awhile</p>
<p>Those are the 25th and 75th percentiles. That means that 25% of accepted students scored lower than the first score and another 25% scored higher than the second. Obviously it can’t hurt to be above the range and you still have a chance if you’re below the range, but it’s basically there to give you a guide of about where your scores should be if you want to be a good match for the school.</p>
<p>Ok that makes sense.
So clearly if you’re 200 points from the bottom range than don’t apply, but if you’re a good 40 points under or above, taking a chance won’t hurt?</p>
<p>There are exceptions, of course, but that’s definitely the general idea. If you have low test scores but your other stats and ECs are very good, then don’t hesitate to go for a school where the test scores are higher than yours. Also, remember that not only is the 25% who scored below that number a pretty large amount of students, but you don’t know how far below they scored. Kids get into Harvard with 1800 SATs. Similarly, kids get into good state schools with 1200 SATs. Don’t count yourself out based only on scores (though I’m definitely not encouraging you to apply to Harvard if you have a 1500)! If you’re not sure whether a school is a realistic option for you, ask someone who you know won’t just say what you want to hear.</p>
<p>Thank you for the info and advise!
College board makes everything seem so unrealistic. Haha my dream school is only 50 points higher in each category compared to my score and my gpa is slightly under their average but my EC’s and essays are strong so i’m hopeful!</p>
<p>Yeah, MIT’s 25%-75% reading/writing scores are {670,770} and {680,770} respectively. Mine were 610 and 660, both in the lower 25%. But I had some other stuff on my college app that compensated. So don’t opt out of applying to the perfect school just because your test scores are below par.</p>
<p>Good job on MIT.
Thanks!</p>