<p>Theres really so many nuances that its difficult to answer as to what SAT is high enough for a NESCAC (or equivalent in Centennial or other league).
The short answer is that a 1700 is too low for most prospective athletes at all of the NESCAC schools. But if youre an underrepresented minority athlete, then that probably wouldnt preclude you from any of the NESCAC colleges. Being from an underrepresented geography is also a benefit (North Dakota is good).
If youre of a level that might approach All American, a coach could possible get one slot to get someone in with scores well below the 25% percentile. And while some of the colleges are SAT optional, probably not if youre a recruited athlete.
Some sports will dip lower (football and ice hockey), whereas with other sports (e.g., cross country and swimming) the coach will have very little sway to bring in someone with a low SAT. How much leeway also depends on the school, and even a particular sport at a particular school.
Ivy schools will generally dip lower than the NESCAC schools. This is because their bigger student body can absorb more low scores and because they are trying to compete at a D1 level. For example the entering soccer freshman class for Harvard might have a target average of 2000. If youre a 2100, then you offer up 100 points that can be used to get a 1900 in. (The caveat being that the coach might be valuing you more for your excessive SAT points than your soccer ability.) If youre really good, you can get into Harvard with an 1800.
So youll find that coaches cant give you hard and fast answers, because there are so many variables that come into play, including what are the scores of the other athletes being recruited?</p>