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.

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.