SAT Score Range Explained: What is a Good Score?

Wondering what counts as a “good” SAT score? You’re definitely not alone! The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, made up of two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math, each scored between 200 and 800. According to the College Board’s 2024 report, the average SAT score nationwide was 1024—breaking down to 519 in ERW and 505 in Math. But here’s the thing: what’s considered a “good” score really depends on the colleges you’re aiming for. Top schools typically expect scores well above average, so it’s smart to set a target score based on your dream colleges’ requirements!

How Is the SAT Scored?

Before we talk about what makes a score “good,” let’s break down how the SAT is actually scored.

The SAT has two sections:

• Reading & Writing (RW) – Tests your reading comprehension, grammar, and ability to analyze texts.
• Math – Tests algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and some advanced math concepts.

Each section is scored on a 200-800 scale, and your total score is simply the sum of these two sections. That means the lowest possible SAT score is 400, and the highest possible score is 1600.

But here’s the thing: your raw score (the number of questions you answer correctly) goes through a process called equating to ensure fairness across different test versions. So even if you got the same number of questions right as someone who took the test in a different month, your final score might differ slightly.

Understanding SAT Score Ranges

Now that you know how the SAT is scored, let’s talk about the score ranges. Colleges look at your SAT score to determine how prepared you are for college-level work. Here’s a general breakdown of SAT score categories:

Keep in mind, what’s considered “good” depends on where you want to go. A 1250 might be excellent for some universities but below average for Ivy League schools.

SAT Percentiles: How Do You Compare?

Colleges don’t just look at your raw score—they also look at your percentile rank, which tells you how well you did compared to other test-takers.

For example:

• If you score in the 90th percentile, that means you scored higher than 90% of all test-takers.
• If you’re in the 50th percentile, your score is average.
• If you’re in the 25th percentile, you scored higher than only 25% of test-takers.

Here’s an estimated percentile breakdown:

If your score is in the 90th percentile or above, that’s a top-tier score! But even if your score is in the 50th percentile, many colleges still consider that a solid score.

What Is a Good SAT Score for College Admissions?

What qualifies as a “good” SAT score depends on the colleges you’re applying to. Let’s break it down:

1. Ivy League & Highly Competitive Schools (1450-1600)

If you’re aiming for Harvard, Yale, Stanford, or MIT, you’ll need a 1400+ SAT score to be competitive. Most admitted students score in the 1450-1600 range.

2. Top Public Universities (1300-1450)

Schools like University of Michigan, UCLA, and UNC-Chapel Hill look for scores around 1300-1450. This puts you in a solid range for highly ranked state schools.

3. Mid-Tier Universities (1100-1290)

Universities like Arizona State University, Penn State, and University of Oregon accept students with scores between 1100-1290. If you’re in this range, you’re in good shape for many colleges!

4. Less Selective Colleges (900-1090)

Schools like Old Dominion University, Florida International University, and University of North Florida accept students with scores in the 900-1090 range. If you’re here, you still have plenty of great options.

5. Community Colleges & Test-Optional Schools (Below 900)

Many community colleges and test-optional universities don’t require SAT scores, so if you’re in this range, you can still pursue college admission through other pathways.

Should You Retake the SAT?

If your score isn’t where you want it to be, don’t worry—you’re allowed to retake the SAT! In fact, most students take the SAT at least twice to improve their scores.

Here’s when you should consider retaking:

• Your score is below the 50th percentile for your target school.
• You were sick or had a bad test day.
• You didn’t study much and think you can improve.
• You’re applying to a school that superscores (takes your highest section scores from multiple attempts).

How much can you improve?

On average, students who retake the SAT improve by 40-100 points. With focused prep, it’s possible to jump even higher!

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you’re looking to boost your SAT score, here are some proven strategies:

1. Take Full-Length Practice Tests- The best way to prepare is to take realistic SAT practice tests under timed conditions. This helps you get familiar with the test format and identify weak areas.

2. Focus on Weak Areas- If your math score is low but your reading is strong, focus on math drills. If reading is the problem, practice reading passages and answering comprehension questions.

3. Learn Time Management Tricks- The SAT is a race against the clock. Practice pacing yourself so you don’t run out of time before answering all questions.

4. Use Official SAT Prep Resources- Free SAT prep is available from College Board, and Testbook USA.

5. Take the Test More Than Once- If your first score isn’t great, take the test again! Many colleges look at your highest score rather than your first attempt.

Conclusions

Your SAT score is a key part of your college application, but it’s not the whole story. Even if your score isn’t in the top percentiles, colleges also weigh your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations. So, what’s a good SAT score? It really depends on your college goals! Set a target score, practice smart, and don’t hesitate to retake the test if needed—you’ve got this! Want to improve your SAT score? Try Testbook’s SAT Prep Program with full-length practice tests, real-time feedback, and expert strategies to help you boost your score!