What is a Good SAT Score? All You Need to Know About SAT Score Range & Test Prep
Last updated: April 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson. See our review methodology.
A “good” SAT score depends on where you want to go. A 1200 is above average nationally but below the threshold for most selective colleges. A 1400 puts you in the top 5% of test-takers. This guide breaks down exactly what the numbers mean, what schools expect, and how to improve if your score falls short.
SAT Score Ranges and Percentiles
The SAT is scored on a 400-1600 scale (200-800 per section). According to the College Board, the average SAT score is approximately 1050. Here’s how scores map to percentiles:
| SAT Score | Percentile | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 1550-1600 | 99th+ | Top 1% — competitive for Ivy League |
| 1450-1540 | 95-99th | Highly competitive for top-50 universities |
| 1350-1440 | 90-95th | Strong score — competitive for most selective schools |
| 1200-1340 | 75-89th | Above average — solid for state universities |
| 1050-1190 | 50-74th | Average range — meets requirements for many colleges |
| 890-1040 | 25-49th | Below average — limits options at selective schools |
| 400-880 | 1-24th | Significant room for improvement |
Source: College Board SAT percentile data. Exact percentiles shift slightly each year based on the test-taking population.
What Score Do You Need for Your Target School?
College admissions are holistic, but SAT scores have practical thresholds:
| School Tier | Typical SAT Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy League / Top 10 | 1450-1570 | Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton |
| Top 25 | 1350-1500 | Duke, Georgetown, UCLA, Michigan |
| Top 50 | 1250-1400 | Boston University, Wisconsin, Purdue |
| State Universities | 1100-1300 | State flagships, regional universities |
| Open Admission | Any score | Community colleges, some state schools |
These are middle-50% ranges (the 25th-75th percentile of admitted students). Scoring below the range doesn’t guarantee rejection — and scoring above doesn’t guarantee admission. GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations all matter.
Is Your Score Good Enough? Quick Answers
Is 900-1000 a good SAT score?
It’s below the national average (~1050). This score is competitive for community colleges and some open-admission universities, but limits options at selective schools. With structured prep, most students in this range can improve 100-200 points.
Is 1100-1200 a good SAT score?
Above average. A 1100 is roughly the 59th percentile; a 1200 is the 74th percentile. Competitive for many state universities and less selective private colleges. A strong GPA can compensate at schools in the 1200-1300 range.
Is 1200-1300 a good SAT score?
Solidly above average (74th-86th percentile). Competitive for most state flagships and many private universities. This is the range where focused prep on weak sections can push you into the “highly competitive” bracket.
Is 1300-1400 a good SAT score?
Strong (86th-95th percentile). Competitive for top-50 universities. A 1400 puts you in the running for selective schools, though the most competitive (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) typically expect 1450+.
Is 1400+ a good SAT score?
Excellent. A 1400 is the 95th percentile; 1500 is the 99th. These scores make you competitive at virtually every university in the country, including Ivy League schools — though admissions at that level depend heavily on other factors.
How to Improve Your SAT Score
If your score isn’t where you need it, structured prep makes a measurable difference. According to the College Board, students who use official SAT practice on Khan Academy for 20+ hours see an average score increase of 115 points.
Free options:
- Khan Academy SAT Prep — free, official College Board partnership, personalized practice
- College Board practice tests — 8 full-length official practice tests available free
Paid prep courses:
- Kaplan SAT Prep — comprehensive content review, practice tests, and score improvement guarantee
- Magoosh SAT — video lessons and practice questions at $99-179 (budget-friendly)
- Prep Expert — live online classes with strategy coaching and 200+ point improvement guarantee
For study strategies: How to Study for the SAT
Not sure which test to take? SAT vs ACT comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average SAT score?
The national average SAT score is approximately 1050 out of 1600 (based on College Board data). This represents the 50th percentile — half of test-takers score above this and half score below.
Do colleges see all your SAT scores?
Most colleges allow Score Choice, meaning you can choose which scores to send. Some schools (like Georgetown and Yale) require all scores. Check each school’s policy before deciding whether to retake.
How many times can you take the SAT?
There’s no official limit, but most students take it 2-3 times. Taking it more than 3 times shows diminishing returns and some admissions officers view excessive attempts negatively.
When should I take the SAT?
Most students first take the SAT in spring of junior year, with a retake in fall of senior year if needed. This gives time to prep, retake, and still meet early application deadlines.
Is the SAT harder than the ACT?
Neither is objectively harder. The SAT gives more time per question with deeper analytical reading. The ACT is faster-paced with more straightforward questions and includes a science section. Take a practice test for each to see which suits your strengths. See our SAT vs ACT comparison.
