Quick Links

Home / SAT Exam / Good SAT Score

What is a Good SAT Score? Check SAT Percentiles & Composite Score

Last Updated on Jun 28, 2025

IMPORTANT LINKS

SAT Test Dates 2025 Average SAT Score Good SAT Score SAT® Score Calculator What's a Good SAT Score for Ivy League? Highest SAT Score ACT to SAT Conversion SAT Superscore SAT Preparation Courses SAT Test Sections SAT Free Practice Test How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges Grammar Rules SAT Preparation Tips How to Prepare for Both SAT & ACT? SAT Reading Tips PSAT vs SAT SAT Vocabulary SAT Myths Subject Tests SAT Score Range SAT Math Preparation SAT Changes Digital SAT Pacing Why Should You Take Both SAT & ACT? Should You Guess On SAT & ACT? SAT Writing Section SAT Writing Tip How to Reschedule the SAT How to Write an SAT Essay? SAT Percentiles & Score Ranking SAT Practice Questions with Answer SAT Test Scores Guide How Long Is The SAT When Should You Take the SAT? Digital SAT Format SAT Preparation Guide SAT vs ACT SAT Tutoring Course SAT Registration SAT Syllabus SAT Eligibility SAT Books SAT Admission Ticket SAT Calculator Policy SAT School Day SAT Test Optional Top Colleges That Accept a 1590 SAT Score Top Colleges for a 1570 SAT Scor Top Colleges That Accept a 1600 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 1510 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1540 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1520 SAT Score Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1500 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1410 SAT Score Top Colleges for a 1400 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1390 SAT Score Top Colleges for a 1380 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1370 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1360 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1350 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1310 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1300 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1290 SAT Score Colleges that Accept 1580 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1280 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1270 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 1260 SAT Score Top Colleges for a 1490 SAT Score Best Universities for a 1250 SAT Score Best Universities for a 1240 SAT Score Best Universities for a 1230 SAT Score Best Universities for a 1220 SAT Score Top Colleges for a 1560 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1550 SAT Score Top Colleges for a 1530 SAT Score Best Universities for a 1210 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1200 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1190 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1180 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1170 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1110 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1100 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1090 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1080 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1070 SAT Score Best Colleges That Accept a 1060 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1450 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1440 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1430 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1420 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1480 SAT Scor Top Colleges That Accept 1470 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1460 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1050 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1340 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1040 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1030 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1020 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1010 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1330 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept 1320 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 1000 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 990 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 980 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 970 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 890 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 960 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 830 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 950 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 820 SAT Scor Colleges That Accept a 940 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 880 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 870 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 930 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 920 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 800 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 790 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 780 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 770 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 760 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 750 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 740 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 910 SAT Score Colleges That Accept a 900 SAT Score Colleges That Accept an 850 SAT Score Colleges That Accept an 840 SAT Score Colleges That Accept an 810 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 730 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 720 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 690 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 700 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 710 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1160 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 860 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 660 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 650 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 640 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 630 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 620 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 610 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 600 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 590 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1150 SAT Scor Top Colleges That Accept a 1140 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1130 SAT Score Top Colleges That Accept a 1120 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 680 SAT Score Colleges That Accept 670 SAT Score

It is not easy to determine what is a "Good SAT score." The answer will vary based on the colleges you are applying to. Still, knowing benchmarks is important:

The average SAT score is around 1024 as per the College Board SAT Suite Assessments Report, and any score above that is above average.
A score of 1350 or more puts you in the top 10% of test-takers, significantly increasing your chances for college admission.
Many colleges have since adopted test-optional policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a strong SAT exam score can still strengthen your application and point out your academic strengths.

Continue reading to find out more about what is a good SAT score.

What Is a Good SAT Score?

A good SAT score is one that aligns with the requirements of your target colleges. The average score is around 1024, while a 1350 places you in the top 10%, making you competitive for selective schools. To set a target score, research colleges that fit your academic, financial, and extracurricular preferences, then check their average admitted SAT scores. Remember, your SAT score is just one part of your application—grades, essays, GPA expectations and extracurriculars also play key roles in admissions decisions.

Good SAT Scores for 15 Popular Colleges

Below is a table showing the middle 50% of students' SAT scores for 15 popular colleges and universities. All information is for class of 2026 or 2027.

You need to be aware of these schools because many applicants may have chosen not to submit their test results, and it is optional for them to administer. Read the contents of the table below for more information.

School	25th Percentile SAT Score	75th Percentile SAT Score
Colgate University	1470	1540
Colorado College	1390	1500
Columbia University	1510	1570
Indiana University Bloomington	1210	1420
Miami University	1210	1390
Pennsylvania State University - University Park Campus	1290	1460
Rice University	1500	1560
University of Georgia	1310	1470
University of Maryland, College Park	1380	1510
University of Minnesota Twin Cities	1340	1490
University of Pennsylvania	1510	1560
University of Pittsburgh	1270	1450
University of Richmond	1440	1530
Villanova University	1450	1520
Washington University in St. Louis	1500	1570

Best Strategies for Good SAT Score

Scoring well in your SAT test is not as easy as it sounds. Achieving a good SAT score is all about smart work and strategies with a consistent study schedule. Here are some of the best proven strategies by top SAT test-takers to excel on your SAT test date:

1. Knowing Which Questions to Attempt

All SAT questions are not on the same level. Attempt the questions you are highly confident in and skip the questions which are unfamiliar or taking too much time. Effectively manage time provided for one question and based on their scoring potential. This doesn’t only save your time but improves your overall score.

2. Rely Less on Calculators

While the Maths section allows calculators, spending too much time on them for every little calculation can be a waste of time. Try solving simpler problems mentally rather than relying on calculators.

3. Don’t Leave Any Questions Unsolved

There is no negative marking in the SAT exam. Even if you don’t know the answer to a question, try guessing methods or elimination methods to mark your answer. An attempted question still has a 25% probability of getting right.

4. Set an Effective Time-table

Start your mornings with easier problems and quizzes. Take breaks every 2 hour duration. Continuous study without breaks and rest can hog your brain. Short term goals are more effective than long pending revisions.

5. Train for the Digital SAT’s Adaptive Nature

For the digital SAT, question difficulty adapts based on your performance. Prioritize answering early questions correctly, as they influence the subsequent ones based on adaptive testing techniques of the new digital SAT.

SAT Score Percentiles and Good SAT Scores

SAT percentiles show how your performance compares to other test-takers, and they are key in determining what counts as a "good" SAT score. Nearly 1,973,891 students from the Class of 2024 took the SAT. Here's how SAT score percentiles were linked to the overall performance for class of 2024:

75th Percentile: For example, the 75th percentile corresponds to a score of 1190 (better than 75% of test-takers) as per the College Board SAT Suite Assessment Report.
25th Percentile: The 25th percentile corresponds to a score of 840.
50th Percentile: The 50th percentile corresponds to a score of 1010.
Section-Wise SAT Scores: In ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) section, 149,505 students scored between 700-800 and 175,440 students achieved a score between 700-800 in Math.

SAT Score vs. Typical Scores at Your Target Schools

When considering SAT scores, it’s less about national rankings and more about how you perform relative to your target schools. Selective colleges tend to have higher average SAT scores, so aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range for your desired schools.

Research: Check college profiles for the middle 50% SAT score range to understand where you stand.
Target Schools: If your scores fall at the lower end of a school’s range, it could be a stretch; if they’re within the middle range, you’re a strong contender.
Merit Aid: Higher scores can increase your eligibility for merit-based scholarships.

Use your target scores as goals, and aim to exceed them for the best chances of admission and financial aid.

Factors You Should Consider Other Than SAT Scores

Certain factor you should consider other than SAT scores while admission to colleges in United States are:

Good GPA Scores - SAT is not all you need to focus on if you are aiming for a top college in the US, your GPA scores are valuable as well. Many colleges look for GPA scores and academic performance apart from SAT scores to evaluate your acceptance letter.

Extracurricular Activities - You should actively participate in some extracurricular activities as it will help you gain an edge over other candidates. Competition is very high in top popular US colleges and your application should present the best of your capabilities.

Real-life Experiences - You can share your personal experiences that are worth gaining some extra credit. Colleges reward your hardships & confidence and are more likely to provide you admission.

What is a Good SAT Score for You?

You might be wondering as to exactly what is a good SAT score for you? A good SAT score mark depends on which college you are aiming for and wish to gain admission in. Check the SAT score range for that particular college and aim for the required score.

Generally 1050 is considered an average and 1200 a good SAT score which is acceptable in many popular colleges in the United States. Some top universities are even test optionals and may not require SAT scores for admission.

What is a Good SAT Score for Ivy League Schools?

Ivy League is one of the most popular universities in the United States which comprises 8 distinct colleges. These 8 Ivy League colleges are Dartmouth, Princeton, Yale, Pennsylvania, Columbia, Brown, Cornell, and Harvard.

Getting into Ivy League is highly competitive and requires a high SAT score above 1500 along with excellent academic performance. A 4.0 GPA score and impressive college application will have a higher chance of admission to Ivy League colleges.

What is Superscoring?

Superscoring is a new college policy that adds scores of the sections that have the highest marks in case of multiple attempts in the SAT exam. Suppose you gained 500 in Maths & 650 in EBRW in your first attempt and 600 in Maths & 630 in EBRW in second attempt then college will add the highest score achieved in Maths & EBRW to create a new composite score.

In this case, the composite score will be (600+650)=1250. Not all colleges consider superscoring while admission.

Low SAT Score? What to do Next?

Worried about your low SAT score? It might seem like the end of your academic future but you can still turn this around. Worrying won’t help you. Now, the question is what can you do to improve your situation?

You can Retake The SAT - Retaking the SAT is always an option. If your SAT scores are very low or you are aiming for Ivy league or top colleges, consider retaking the SAT to gain a higher score.

Try Effective Preparation Strategy - In your next attempt, set short-term goals and complete the exam syllabus in time. Give ample time for revision and attempt practice tests daily for better preparation.

A Tutor can Help - A tutor can show you the right path to academic success. Smart study rather than studying hard is more effective.

Consider ACT Exam as an Alternative - While giving the SAT exam, also appear in ACT exams or try achieving a high GPA score as an alternative option for your college admission.

Academic Record Matters - Academic records like GPA score or extracurriculars matter even with a high SAT score. Colleges reward students with diverse knowledge and experiences.

Good SAT Scores
Is 1600 A Good Sat Score	Is 1590 A Good Sat Score
Is 1580 A Good Sat Score	Is 1570 A Good Sat Score
Is 1560 A Good Sat Score	Is 1550 A Good Sat Score
Is 1540 A Good Sat Score	Is 1530 A Good Sat Score
Is 1520 A Good Sat Score	Is 1510 A Good Sat Score
Is 1500 A Good Sat Score	Is 1490 A Good Sat Score
Is 1480 A Good Sat Score	Is 1470 A Good Sat Score
Is 1460 A Good Sat Score	Is 1450 A Good Sat Score
Is 1440 A Good Sat Score	Is 1430 A Good Sat Score
Is 1420 A Good Sat Score	Is 1410 A Good Sat Score
Is 1400 A Good Sat Score	Is 1390 A Good Sat Score
Is 1380 A Good Sat Score	Is 1370 A Good Sat Score
Is 1360 A Good Sat Score	Is 1350 A Good Sat Score
Is 1340 A Good Sat Score	Is 1330 A Good Sat Score
Is 1320 A Good Sat Score	Is 1310 A Good Sat Score
Is 1300 A Good Sat Score	Is 1290 A Good Sat Score
Is 1280 A Good Sat Score	Is 1270 A Good Sat Score
Is 1260 A Good Sat Score	Is 1250 A Good Sat Score
Is 1240 A Good Sat Score	Is 1230 A Good Sat Score
Is 1220 A Good Sat Score	Is 1210 A Good Sat Score
Is 1200 A Good Sat Score	Is 1190 A Good Sat Score
Is 1180 A Good Sat Score	Is 1170 A Good Sat Score
Is 1110 A Good Sat Score	Is 1100 A Good Sat Score
Is 1090 A Good Sat Score	Is 1080 A Good Sat Score
Is 1070 A Good Sat Score	Is 1060 A Good Sat Score
Is 1050 A Good Sat Score	Is 1040 A Good Sat Score
Is 1030 A Good Sat Score	Is 1020 A Good Sat Score
Is 1010 A Good Sat Score	Is 1000 A Good Sat Score
Is 990 A Good Sat Score	Is 980 A Good Sat Score
Is 970 A Good Sat Score	Is 960 A Good Sat Score
Is 950 A Good Sat Score	Is 940 A Good Sat Score
Is 930 A Good Sat Score	Is 920 A Good Sat Score
Is 910 A Good Sat Score	Is 900 A Good Sat Score
Is 890 A Good Sat Score	Is 880 A Good Sat Score
Is 850 A Good Sat Score	Is 840 A Good Sat Score
Is 830 A Good Sat Score	Is 820 A Good Sat Score
Is 810 A Good Sat Score	-

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 30, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025.

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

Good SAT Scores FAQs

Is a 1200 a good SAT score?

A 1200 is above the national average and places you around the 75th percentile. It’s a solid score for many universities but not competitive for highly selective schools.

Is 1500 SAT good for Harvard?

Yes, a 1500 is an excellent score and within Harvard’s typical range (1460–1580). It makes you academically competitive, but holistic factors also matter.

Is 1500 SATs good?

Yes, a 1500 SAT is an outstanding score, placing you in the top 1–2% of test-takers. It opens doors to many elite colleges and merit scholarships.

What is Taylor Swift's SAT score?

Taylor Swift’s exact SAT score is not publicly confirmed. However, she prioritized music over traditional college admissions.

What was Mark Zuckerberg's SAT score?

Mark Zuckerberg reportedly scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT. He later attended Harvard University.

SAT

SAT Prep

Good SAT Score

Acceptance Rate

Math Prep

English Prep

ACT

ACT Scores Guide

SAT Tips

ACT Tips

College Guide