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There are a lot of ways to compare SAT scores:

• To your classmates
• By the average SAT score of accepted students at your desired college
• By the average SAT score by state.

The first step to making this comparison is to take an SAT practice test if you haven’t either taken one or the official SAT, yet. This will allow you to see where you’re beginning so you can assess your strengths and weaknesses.

Average SAT Score by State

The table below shows data puts out for each graduating class. It lists the percentage of graduates taking the SAT, the total number of test takers, and the average SAT score for the Class of 2024.

If you’re a student in a state where the ACT is a state requirement, like , , or , the average SAT score tends to be higher because those self-selecting students want to stand out, get ahead, and find a place to shine.

If your results favorably compare to the average SAT score of your state, it might be a good idea to prep for and take the SAT .

Interpreting SAT Score Ranges with the College Search Tool

If you’re compelled to see how your SAT scores stack up and predict what your admission chances may be, The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Review’s free College Search tool allows you to find the median SAT scores of incoming first-year students for individual colleges.

Each school on the list presents the data on score requirements for admissions with a range from the median of the 25th percentile to the median of the 75th percentile. This means that one-quarter of incoming students had a score below the lowest number and one-quarter had a score above the highest number.

Comparing SAT Scores: State Averages vs. College Data

When comparing state average SAT scores with score data from college, it’s important to consider the statistical measure as well as the population included. You can expect the differences in state averages compared to college data on test scores to be represented in the following ways:

State Averages

• Measures the Mean - This is the average of all the numbers added together and divided by however many numbers you added.
• Population: The Average SAT Score by State table provides the number of students from each state who took the test—the lower the number, the less representative it may be of applicants from that state (who may instead be submitting ACT scores, or no scores to a Test Optional institution).

College Data

• Measures the Median – This is the middle number in an ordered list of numbers and is slightly better at accounting for outliers (numbers far below or above all the others).
• Population: The College Search tool lists scores submitted by college applicants to a specific college or university.

Average SAT Scores Are Just a Starting Point

The overall average score on the SAT is 1024. While that means that a 1030 is technically “above average,” that doesn’t mean that’s a good enough score to set yourself apart from the pack, especially at the most selective colleges. That said, your score is only part of the picture.

The SAT is a college admissions test and is one tool you can use to get into college. Pushing for a few extra points on an SAT retake may not be as worthwhile as:

• focusing your time and energy on writing stronger application essays
• building an impressive activity list
• interviewing with admissions officers

Remember that your state’s average score is not necessarily a good score for you. A good score is the score that gets you into your dream college .