What is a Good SAT Score?
July 10, 2024
The college application process includes many rites of passage, from conducting campus visits to selecting a personal statement topic. However, of all the admissions hoops students must jump through, none inspire more anticipation (or perhaps dread) than the SAT. A lot of students’ concerns about the SAT originate from anxiety about their performance. These fears lead many to questions such as: what is a good SAT score? Is a 1200 a good score? A 1300? A 1400?!
We have encouraging news: good SAT scores are not a one-size-fits-all proposition. In fact, a “good” SAT score will vary from student to student. In this post, we will discuss how the SAT is scored and what variables define good SAT scores, so that you can identify a target score for yourself!
What is a good SAT score?
Before we can figure out what is a good SAT score, let’s establish what the SAT is. The SAT is a standardized test that functions as an entrance exam for many colleges. This exam measures students’ readiness for college-level work by evaluating their knowledge of reading, math, and writing, as well as their ability to think analytically and problem-solve. SAT scores, in combination with a student’s GPA and transcript, provide admissions officers with a more comprehensive understanding of a student’s academic performance in comparison to other applicants.
While the composition of the SAT has evolved over the years, it recently made a major transition to a completely digital version. The new Digital SAT is composed of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Each of these sections is divided into two adaptive modules, meaning that you’ll get easier or more challenging questions depending on how many questions you answer correctly at any given stage.
Altogether, the Digital SAT takes two hours and 14 minutes to complete. Students will have 64 minutes to complete the Reading section’s 54 questions, and 70 minutes to complete the Math section’s 44 questions.
Historically, the SAT also included an essay section. However, it was dropped in June of 2021 in the majority of states and school districts.
How is the SAT scored?
The Reading & Writing and Math sections of the Digital SAT are each evaluated on a scale of 200 to 800, similar to previous versions of the test. Together, these sections produce a cumulative score of 400 to 1600. In contrast to other exams, SAT scores are only based on the number of correct responses students provide. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. This means that it is in students’ best interest to answer all SAT questions, even if they have to guess.
Although many students fixate on earning good SAT scores, there is no such thing as a passing score. Instead, a student’s score report will include a percentile ranking, indicating what percentage of students scored the same score or below. For example, a student in the 80th percentile performed the same or better than 80% of other test takers. Below is a partial list of SAT scores and their corresponding national percentile rankings:
| SAT Score | Percentile Rank Among SAT Users |
| 1600 | 99+ |
| 1550 | 99 |
| 1500 | 99 |
| 1450 | 99 |
| 1400 | 97 |
| 1350 | 90 |
| 1300 | 94 |
| 1250 | 86 |
| 1200 | 81 |
| 1150 | 74 |
| 1100 | 67 |
| 1050 | 58 |
| 1000 | 48 |
But do SAT scores even matter? What about the test-optional movement?
Recent research shows that SAT scores can actually help predict a student’s ability to succeed at the undergraduate level, and even help create more diverse classes (more on that below). Furthermore, this research has been supported by internal studies done at multiple colleges on their own admissions processes, ultimately leading some colleges—such as Caltech, MIT, Brown, Yale, and Dartmouth—to shift from test-optional to test-required (or test-flexible, in Yale’s case).
However, if you’re applying to test-blind and/or test-optional schools, you’ll want to take several factors into account before you decide to take the test and/or submit your test scores. Check out our blog for more information: Should I Apply Test-Optional to College?
How do I know if I have a good SAT score?
The average SAT score in 2023 was a 1028 according to College Board. Using that score as a baseline, one could argue that a “good” SAT score is anything above a 1028 (i.e. anything above average). However, an above-average score likely won’t cut it for many applicants, particularly those applying to selective colleges. This is because good SAT scores are contextual, depending on a student’s college list, as well as variables such as their prospective major.
For example, let’s say you earn a 1400 on the SAT, placing you in the 97th percentile of all test-takers. Objectively, that’s a pretty great score! However, that score’s mileage may vary depending on your college list. Currently, you’re planning to apply to public universities in the Midwest, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and the University of Iowa. However, you also want to apply to a few highly selective colleges like the University of Chicago. While your SAT score is quite high, the admissions committee at each university will perceive it differently based on the SAT scores of their average applicant pool.
What is a Good SAT Score (Continued)
Let’s start with UIUC. Looking at their First-Year Class Profile, the middle 50% of their first-year class—or students who fall within the 25th-75th percentile range—had SAT scores between 1380-1530. Based on that information, a 1400 would fall in the middle of that range around the 50th percentile mark. This ranking indicates that your SAT score is average at UIUC, making it a good target school. In comparison, the University of Iowa’s middle 50% SAT score range is 1130-1310. There, your score is above that range. That would place you in the top 25%, making the University of Iowa a good safety school.
However, you’ve always dreamed of attending the University of Chicago, even though it’s a “reach” school. You confirm this fact after looking at the middle 50% of SAT scores for UChicago, which range from 1510-1560. This places you in the lower quarter of SAT scores. While this doesn’t mean that you will not or cannot be admitted to UChicago, it does signal that this college is a reach and admission is less likely.
Important note about reported average test scores…
If a school is test-optional, their reported average test scores are only based on the percentage of students who submit scores. Accordingly, students are more likely to submit scores that fall within the range but withhold scores that fall outside of it, further inflating the school’s average standardized test range. Cue vicious cycle.
However, the percentage of students on who the average is based can give you a sense of whether a college’s standardized test range is falsely high. Staying with our UChicago example, 76% of enrolled students chose to submit scores, so the average score range is likely pretty indicative of the academic caliber of the incoming class. If that percentage was 25%, though, we might look at those high SAT and ACT averages a little differently.
Does my academic or personal context impact my score?
Yes, academic and personal context do contribute to how admissions officers interpret your score. Colleges look at the average SAT/ACT score of your high school and/or surrounding area and take that into account when viewing your score. For example, let’s say you’re a student from an underrepresented background who attends school in an under-resourced area and has limited access to standardized test preparation. Despite these factors, you score a 1400 on the SAT—much higher than the average 1100 at your high school. Even if a 1400 is below the mid-50% range at a given college, it can help demonstrate high potential to succeed and positively impact your application.
Let’s head back to UChicago one more time. The mid-50% SAT range for enrolled students is 1510-1560, and 99% of students had a score of 1400 or above. However, UChicago reports that it admitted students whose scores fell from 1080-1600. There’s no data on how many students were admitted whose scores fell outside of the average range, but it’s an example of how holistic admissions practices can help identify high-potential students who may have lower-than-average scores.
On the flip side, if you have many resources and opportunities at your disposal, attend a well-resourced high school, live in an economically advantaged area, do well in school, and do not have any limiting factors, such as neurodiversity or mental health challenges, then your score will likely be viewed in light of those advantages.
What is a good SAT score based on my prospective major?
While looking at the SAT scores of admitted and/or enrolled students goes a long way in helping students determine what is a good SAT score, it doesn’t paint the full picture. It is also important to consider prospective majors when determining whether your score is “good” for a particular school.
Let’s return to that good old 1400 SAT score. You are considering careers as a software developer or STEM teacher, and are debating between an education or computer science major. If you apply as an education major to UIUC, your SAT score would make you a more competitive applicant. This is because the middle 50% of SAT scores for students within UIUC’s College of Education range from 1170-1380.
However, your score would be perceived differently if you apply as a computer science major to UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering, where the middle 50% ranges from 1450-1540. Within that applicant pool, you would be in the lower quarter based on your SAT score.
Overall, this example shows how an applicant’s major can impact the perception of their SAT score. While you may be within the target score range for the general student population at UIUC, your prospective major can make your score more or less competitive.
So, what is a good SAT score? As this example demonstrates, there isn’t a magic number that will be “good” for all students or in all circumstances. Good SAT scores are those that help make you a competitive applicant. Moreover, that number may vary depending on your college list and prospective major.
Okay, so what should my target SAT score be?
We now know that there is no one definition of a good SAT score. However, as an applicant, you need to know your answer to “What is a good SAT score?” so that you can prepare accordingly.
To answer that question, you need to assemble a well-rounded college list that includes a healthy balance of target, safety, and reach schools. Once you know where you want to apply, it’s time to do some research! Collect information about the SAT score ranges of admitted students at each university on your list. We have made this part of the process easy with our searchable Entering Class Statistics table. If colleges provide major-specific scores, document the score range for students within your prospective major as well.
Once you’ve collected all relevant data, identify the highest 75th percentile score from all of your colleges. That is your target SAT score. Scoring at or above the highest 75th percentile score will make you a more competitive applicant among all of your colleges.
How can I improve my score?
You’ve found your answer to what is a good SAT score. Now, how do you actually get it? We have some suggestions:
- First, figure out your baseline score by taking a practice test. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the SAT’s structure and composition.
- Once you receive your score, consider your strengths and weaknesses. Did you struggle with one test over the other? Was one type of question especially confusing? Did you struggle to respond to all of the questions in the allotted time? Reflecting on your experience and performance will help you identify what skills you should prioritize while studying.
- From there, assemble and stick to a study plan, focusing on your core improvement areas. Ideally, you’ll have several weeks, if not months, to prepare to maximize your odds of reaching your target score. Consult College Board’s website, which provides numerous resources to support SAT preparation. Khan Academy also offers free preparation.
- If you need more focused support, seek out a tutor, group class, or self-study option. SAT study books can also be very helpful.
- Finally, consider taking the SAT more than once if time and money allow. Doing so will give you more experience with the exam, as well as additional opportunities to improve through superscoring.
What if I don’t reach my target SAT score?
Hopefully, your diligent preparation will help you reach your target score. However, if you are unable to hit your target, don’t panic! Your SAT score is just one part of your college application. If your SAT score is slightly below your target but other aspects of your application, like your GPA, are solid, then you’re likely still a competitive applicant. Even a more significant score differential won’t necessarily take you out of the running.
However, not meeting your target score, particularly by a significant margin, may signal that it would be worthwhile to reevaluate your college list. Schools that were originally in the target category may now be “reaches.” In this scenario, it is a good idea to play it safe by applying to additional schools in the target and safety categories. Doing so will ensure your college list is well-rounded and aligns with your SAT score and GPA.
Final Thoughts — What is a Good SAT Score?
Your performance on the SAT is an important factor in many college admissions decisions. Good SAT scores are contextual, depending on the schools you apply to as well as your prospective major. For this reason, it’s important to determine your target SAT score based on your college list. Earning an SAT score at or above the 75th percentile at a university can make you a more competitive candidate.
While your SAT score is important, it’s just one of the many factors that admissions officers weigh, including your GPA, the rigor of your courses, and your application essays, among others. Do your best on the exam, but don’t let it consume you or define your college admissions experience. There are many excellent colleges to choose from that admit students with a variety of SAT scores. By preparing for the test intentionally and engaging in thoughtful goal setting, you’ll end up at the school that’s right for you.
If you have additional questions about the SAT or standardized testing, consider consulting the following resources:
- When Do SAT Scores Come Out?
- What is the Average SAT Score Over Time?
- 15 Hardest SAT Math Questions
- Digital SAT Score Calculator
- ACT and SAT Testing Policies
- Test-Blind Colleges
Wondering how your score stacks up at different colleges? We’ve got you covered:
