About the SAT Score Requirements for College

The SAT exam consists of three sections: Writing, Math and Critical reading. The scores for each section range from 200 to 800. Most students earn about 500 on each section; with a total score of 1,500.

The SAT score a student needs to achieve will depend on the colleges they plan on attending. For example, many public universities look at both your SAT score and grade point average, while Ivy League colleges require scores that are near perfect for admission.

To determine the SAT score you need to achieve, make a list of the schools you want to attend. Then, contact each admissions department and ask for the minimum SAT score. This will give you an idea of the minimum score needed for acceptance into college.

When evaluating what scores you need for colleges, you may notice a few don’t require scores for the writing portion of the SAT. This is because the writing section is relatively new, and some colleges don’t use this number in the admissions process. This may change in the future as schools evaluate the role of this score in their admission process.

The SAT subject tests allow you to demonstrate your skills in specific subject areas including: English, history, math, science and foreign languages. Some colleges require students to take these tests for admissions, while other colleges use the score for college placement.

Determine if your prospective colleges requires these courses by contacting their admissions department. The College Board recommends taking these test early; typically by the end of your junior year of high school. Each subject test is scored differently depending on the subject matter. Most tests have about 20 questions and are scored electronically.

Is the SAT score important? Yes. But remember, colleges are reviewing your entire application; which means they’ll evaluate your GPA, extra-curricular activities and academic achievements. So while it’s important to focus on your SAT score, also remember to focus on highlighting other areas of your candidacy.