SAT Score confusion

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I’m sure this has been asked before, but is a 1390/1600 an acceptable SAT score for, say, UC Davis or Stanford? I was considering retaking for the sake of seeing if I can get a higher score, but I’m wondering if it’s even necessary.
All the sites I’ve seen have been for the 2400 SAT which momentarily alarmed me into thinking I have not a chance for college, haha.

Thanks!

2

I’m no expert, but I think the best way to check to see if your score is “acceptable” would be to check each school’s admission stats, which most schools post. They will give enrolled students’ SAT percentiles plus other stats. You’ll see 25th and 75th percentiles. If you are closer to the 75th percentile or above it, then you have a better shot. Look at admit % rate, too.

3

According to PrepScholar, the average SAT for UC Davis is 1290, and that for Stanford is 1520. This doesn’t mean they don’t admit below that. Check the decisions pages of each school’s past classes here on CC, to get an idea of what accepted applicants’ scores look like.

Now though: Do you feel like a 1390 is putting your best foot forward? Is that your best shot? If you do, by all means don’t bother. If you don’t, if you think you can do better, then register for another test. Only you can define “necessary” for yourself.

That said, if you’re looking at Stanford and other schools in its cadre, you need to increase your score to be more competitive. It doesn’t mean you can’t get accepted with that score, but unless you really stand out in some other way, test again.

Good luck!

4

Thanks so much! I really do want to up the game then, if I can. Even if it’s only by a few points, I think that’d be great. Thanks for your help

5

Actually for UC Davis’s in-coming Freshman class, the New SAT average was a 1310.

For the best chances at any UC, aim for the 50th percentile (average) or higher in GPA and test scores based on the their Freshman profiles.

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/profiles/index.html

Stanford is in a different league, so having top GPA and test scores may get you over the first hurdle, but you need to have something outstanding and extraordinary to compete.

6

low for stanford. around 1530 would make you competitive.