A good SAT score depends on your college goals, your target schools, and how your score compares with other students. There is no single SAT score that guarantees admission to a good college.In general, a
1300+ SAT score is strong, while
1400+ is very competitive and
1500+ is an excellent score. However, the right target depends on the colleges you want to attend. The best way to determine your target SAT score is to compare your score with the typical scores of students admitted to your target schools.The SAT is scored from
400 to 1600, with two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Each section is scored from 200 to 800.
What Is Considered a Good SAT Score?
There is no official definition of a “good” SAT score. A score that is excellent for one student may be less competitive for another, depending on the colleges they are applying to.As a general guide:
| SAT Score | General Interpretation |
|---|
| 1500–1600 | Excellent |
| 1400–1490 | Very strong |
| 1300–1390 | Strong |
| 1200–1290 | Good |
| 1100–1190 | Above average |
| 1000–1090 | Around average |
| Below 1000 | Below average |
These ranges are general benchmarks, not college admission requirements. Colleges set their own admission policies and decide how they use SAT scores.
What Is a Good SAT Score for College?
The most useful way to evaluate your SAT score is to compare it with the scores of students at the colleges you are interested in.For example, a 1200 may be a competitive score at one college but below the typical range at another. Similarly, a 1400 may be an excellent score for many schools while still being below the middle range at some highly selective colleges.Instead of asking only, “What is a good SAT score?”, ask:
“Is my SAT score competitive for the colleges I want to attend?”Check each college’s current admissions requirements and published SAT score information before deciding on your target score.
SAT Score Percentiles
Your SAT percentile shows how your score compares with the scores of other students.For example, if your score is in the 75th percentile, you scored as well as or better than approximately 75% of students in the relevant comparison group.College Board publishes both nationally representative percentiles and user-group percentiles. The two can differ because they use different comparison populations.Here are selected current SAT total-score user percentiles:
| SAT Score | Approximate User Percentile |
|---|
| 1600 | 99+ |
| 1500 | 98 |
| 1400 | 93 |
| 1300 | 86 |
| 1200 | 78 |
| 1100 | 63 |
| 1000 | 48 |
| 900 | 29 |
| 800 | 14 |
Percentiles can change as College Board updates its reference groups, so students should use the current College Board percentile data when evaluating their score.
Is a 1200 a Good SAT Score?
Yes, a
1200 SAT score can be a good score, depending on your college list.A 1200 is around the upper portion of the current SAT user percentile distribution, but whether it is competitive depends on the specific schools you are applying to.If your target colleges typically admit students with scores around or above 1200, the score may be competitive. If you are applying to highly selective schools, you may want to aim higher.The best next step is to compare your 1200 with the SAT score range reported by each college on your list.
Is a 1300 a Good SAT Score?
A
1300 is generally considered a Good SAT math score.It is around the mid-to-upper 80s percentile among recent SAT users, according to College Board’s current percentile data.A 1300 can make a student competitive at many colleges, but the answer depends on the institution. Some highly selective colleges have much higher typical score ranges.If your target schools have SAT ranges around 1300, your score may be a strong match. If their typical scores are significantly higher, consider retaking the SAT if doing so fits your application timeline.
Is a 1400 a Good SAT Score?
A
1400 is a very strong SAT score.It is around the 93rd percentile among SAT users in College Board’s current data.A 1400 can be competitive at many colleges and universities. However, highly selective institutions may have significantly higher typical SAT scores.If you have a 1400, compare your score with the current score ranges of your target colleges rather than assuming that the score is automatically competitive everywhere.
Is a 1500 a Good SAT Score?
Yes. A
1500 is an excellent SAT score and places a student near the top of the current SAT user distribution. College Board’s current percentile data places a 1500 around the 98th percentile among SAT users.A 1500 can make a student academically competitive at many colleges. However, admission decisions are never based on SAT scores alone. Colleges may also consider grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and other factors.
What SAT Score Do You Need for a Good College?
There is no universal SAT score required for a “good” college.Different colleges have different admissions standards, testing policies, and applicant pools. Some colleges require SAT or ACT scores, while others may be test-optional or use scores differently.A better strategy is to create a list of target colleges and research their current SAT policies.For each college, look at:
- Whether SAT scores are required, optional, or recommended
- The typical SAT scores of admitted students
- Whether the college superscores the SAT
- Whether SAT scores are considered for scholarships
- Any program-specific testing requirements
Your target score should be based on the schools you actually want to attend.
What SAT Score Is Good for Highly Selective Colleges?
Highly selective colleges generally have more competitive applicant pools, so students targeting these schools should aim for a score that is competitive with the institution’s current reported range.There is no single SAT cutoff for all highly selective colleges.A student targeting highly selective schools should research each college individually rather than relying on a general number such as 1400 or 1500.A high SAT score can strengthen an application, but it does not guarantee admission.
What Is an SAT Superscore?
An
SAT superscore combines your highest Reading and Writing section score with your highest Math section score from different SAT test dates.For example:
| Test | Reading and Writing | Math |
|---|
| Test 1 | 680 | 720 |
| Test 2 | 720 | 700 |
If a college superscores the SAT, your superscore could be:
720 Reading and Writing + 720 Math = 1440 superscoreHowever, colleges have different score-use policies. Some superscore, some consider a single test date, and some may require applicants to submit all scores. Always check the policy of each college on your list.
Should You Retake the SAT?
Retaking the SAT may make sense if your current score is below the range you are targeting or if you believe additional preparation could substantially improve your score.Before registering for another test, consider:
- Your current score
- Your target college score ranges
- How much time you have before application deadlines
- Whether your target colleges superscore
- Whether you can realistically improve your weaker section
Many colleges consider students’ best section scores across multiple test dates, but policies vary by institution.
How to Set Your SAT Target Score
Instead of choosing an arbitrary goal, use your college list to establish a target.
Step 1: Build Your College List
Create a list of the colleges you are seriously considering.
Step 2: Check Each College’s SAT Policy
Find out whether the college requires, recommends, or allows SAT scores.
Step 3: Research SAT Score Ranges
Look at the current SAT information published by each college.
Step 4: Compare Your Score
Determine whether your score is below, within, or above the typical range for each school.
Step 5: Set a Realistic Target
Choose a target that improves your competitiveness without sacrificing other important parts of your application.
What Is the Average SAT Score?
The SAT does not have one fixed “average good score.” A student’s percentile is often more useful because it shows how the score compares with a defined group of test takers.College Board provides current percentile information for SAT total and section scores, and those percentiles are updated based on the applicable comparison groups.When evaluating your performance, look at both:
Your SAT score + your percentile + your target colleges’ score information.SAT Score FAQs
What is a good SAT score?
A good SAT score depends on your target colleges. As a general benchmark, 1300+ is a strong score, 1400+ is very strong, and 1500+ is excellent. However, students should compare their score with the requirements and typical scores of their target colleges.
Is 1200 a good SAT score?
A 1200 can be a good SAT score for many colleges, but competitiveness depends on the specific school. Check the current SAT information for each college you are considering.
Is 1300 a good SAT score?
Yes. A 1300 is generally a strong SAT score and is around the mid-to-upper 80s percentile among current SAT users. Whether it is competitive depends on your target colleges.
Is 1400 a good SAT score?
Yes. A 1400 is a very strong SAT score and is around the 93rd percentile among current SAT users. However, some highly selective colleges have significantly higher typical score ranges.
Is 1500 a good SAT score?
Yes. A 1500 is an excellent SAT score and is around the 98th percentile among current SAT users.
What SAT score do you need for a good college?
There is no universal SAT score for a good college. Each institution has its own admissions policies and applicant pool. Research the current SAT requirements and score information for the specific colleges you want to attend.
What is an SAT superscore?
An SAT superscore combines a student’s highest Reading and Writing score with their highest Math score from different SAT test dates, when a college uses a superscoring policy. Not every college uses the same score policy, so check each school’s requirements.
Final Takeaway
So,
what is a good SAT score?There is no single answer that applies to every student.A
1300+ score is generally strong, 1400+ is very strong, and 1500+ is excellent, but the most important benchmark is your target college’s current SAT expectations.Use your score, percentile, and target-college data together to set a realistic goal. If your score is below your target range, focused SAT preparation and another test attempt may help you become more competitive.If you are preparing for the SAT and want to improve your score, focus your preparation on the sections and question types where you have the most room to improve.
