How Much is a “Good” SAT Score Worth?
A “good” SAT score is often hard to quantify as every university has different standards and every student has different expectations. However, there are definite examples where you can quantify the impact an SAT score can have. While in most cases scholarships, college admissions, and by extension career success are the culmination of many interwoven factors, the impact of an SAT score is undeniable in determining many student’s college trajectory.
Put bluntly, most colleges and universities in the US offer some form of academic scholarship. GPA and SAT scores are often the primary factors in consideration. For example, Colorado State University offers non-residents anywhere from $1,000 for a GPA of 3.6 and an SAT score above 1310, to $4,000 for a GPA of 4.0 and an SAT score over 1490. For residents, the stakes are even higher with awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Similar awards are available at the University of Oregon, University of Tennessee, University of Missouri, University of Mississippi, University of Arizona, Texas Tech University, and Clemson University, just to name a few. Baylor meanwhile, offers up to $22,000 in scholarship based on SAT scores and class rank alone. Many others, such as the University of Alabama even offer full ride scholarships for certain SAT and GPA thresholds.
Scholarships are, however, only part of the picture. While impossible to precisely answer how each university values standardized tests, most universities publish the score demographics of their admitted classes. For instance, the 25th percentile of admitted students to Georgetown University is 1370, while the 75th percentile of admitted students is 1530. Thus, targeting a score in the 1370-1530 range if I wanted to attend Georgetown would be a good start.
Career success is also shown to be correlated with the university you attend. For example, according to payscale and the US department of education the average early career salaries of graduates from the top 10 colleges in the United States are 47% higher than those with degrees from the ten colleges within the City University New York (CUNY) school system, many of which are ranked within the top 100.
Again, SAT scores achieved is only one of many factors influencing future earnings. Despite this, SAT scores remain a tangible way to influence college and career trajectories with monetary repercussions that may materialize many years into the future. It is therefore imperative to do everything you reasonably can to maximize your chances of scoring at the apex of your personal potential.
Automatic Scholarships Based on SAT/ACT Scores in 2023 | CollegeVine Blog
How Your SAT Scores Can Help You Earn Scholarships | CollegeVine Blog
Georgetown University: Acceptance Rate, SAT/ACT Scores (thoughtco.com)
