<p>The truth is what scores you need depends on some outside factors. If you’re white or Asian and upper-middle class or above, you’re going to need higher scores to get looked at. Colleges take a holistic view and try to fill various niches in their admissions process. Sure they admit some kids with lower scores - disadvantaged minorities, legacies, and outstanding athletes, applicants from North or South Dakota, viola, bassoon, or oboe players, tend to be the ones who get admitted with lower scores. Everyone else better have the numbers. At least this is my understanding. But studying for the SAT for 5+ hours a day is nuts if you ask me. Will the world come to an end if you don’t go to a top 10 college?</p>