The wait is over—SAT scores for Seminole High School juniors have officially been released! For many students here at SHS, this test serves as a turning point in their academic journey, the switch from high school coursework to college planning.The March SAT is usually the first standardized college admissions test that juniors take, which means that the score release is especially nerve-wracking and feels the most significant. After weeks of studying and preparation—whether students start tutoring, online resources like Khan Academy, or even in-school tutoring and practicing, students were eager to see how their efforts paid off.
Your SAT score is made up of two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math, with a maximum combined score of 1600. A “good” score depends on your individual goals and paths for college, but the national average is between 1050-1100. For students aiming at highly selective colleges, your goal should be around the 1300s and above. Whether or not you are aiming for a top 10 school or a state university greatly affects which score you should be aiming for.
Luckily, College Board gives you more information than just the score you earned. With your score, students receive a detailed breakdown of their score, showing their performance on certain topics, like Advanced Maths or Algebra.This information can be incredibly useful for identifying strengths and weaknesses.For those planning to retake the SAT in May, or even during over the summer, your score breakdown can be a great study tool! Because they detail exactly what you excel in or what you need more extra work on, you can study more effectively, zeroing in on topics that need a little more work.
The SAT is still a very vital component when building your college application, but it may be changing. With many schools going test optional after COVID, some remain like that. Many students may choose not to submit their SAT score, and rely more heavily on their GPA or extracurriculars. A high SAT score, however, still can make your application more memorable and provide you with opportunities like scholarships and honors programs at colleges..
For juniors, the score release is more than just your first SAT score, for many, it’s the realization that senior season and college applications are approaching quickly – they’re right around the corner! Over the next couple months and going hardcore over the summer, it’s time to start curating college lists and brainstorming personal statements.
The emotional impact of score release day rippled throughout the junior class. The anticipation had been building for weeks as students anxiously refreshed their College Board accounts. The mixture of relief, excitement, disappointment, and determination was palpable in the hallways. For some, the scores validated months of hard work and dedication. For others, it was a wake-up call that more preparation might be needed before college applications begin in earnest. The collective experience serves as both a milestone and a reality check for many in the Class of 2026.
It’s time to start meeting with college counselors, make decisions about when and whether you will take the SAT again.. Planning ahead can relieve some of the pressure of senior year and keep students on track toward their college dreams.
As the Class of 2026 moves forward, these SAT results serve as both a checkpoint and a springboard. Whether students feel encouraged or challenged by their scores, the important thing is to keep moving forward—one step closer to graduation and the future that lies beyond.