Achieving a Good Score on the SAT: How the Test Works and Tips for Success
The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test administered by the College Board. U.S. colleges widely use it as one piece of their admissions processes, along with GPA, course rigor, letters of recommendation, essays, special talents like athletics and music, and other factors.
Achieving a good score on the SAT can make you a competitive applicant for top universities, increase your chance of acceptance, and improve your scholarship chances. So, even though some schools are test-optional, taking the SAT can still help your application stand out.
But how do you determine what a “good” score is and whether your score will help you get into your desired school?
If you’re preparing for the SAT, this guide will help you understand the SAT scoring and how to determine what a good SAT score is for you and your college goals.
What Is a Good Score on the SAT?
A “good” score on the SAT depends on your college goals. You’ll want an SAT score that meets or exceeds the standard needed for the colleges you wish to attend. That might be 1000, or it might be 1500 or more.
For instance, a 1400 composite score may be a quality score for some schools but too low for other, more competitive colleges. Typically, the higher your score, the greater your chance of standing out. A perfect score is 1600, but less than 0.1% achieve that in any given year.
Mathematically, a total score of at least 1200 is often a “good” score because this should place you around the 75th percentile. However, more competitive schools may require higher scores.
So, it’s essential to know what is considered a good score for the universities you’re interested in attending to help you judge your performance and set your exam goals. Higher scores can also increase your chances of qualifying for some scholarships or additional financial aid.
What’s an Average SAT Score?
The average SAT total score for the 2023 graduating class was 1028, compared with 1050 for the 2022 graduating class. The average Math score for 2023 was 508, and the average Evidence-based Reading and Writing (ERW) score was 520.
To calculate the national average SAT score, the College Board adds the scores for each graduating class and divides the total by the number of test takers.
The national average SAT score is helpful as a rough gauge of your performance. However, the SAT percentiles show you the percentage of test takers who performed the same or lower than you, providing a better understanding of your score and performance.
Another average to know is the average SAT score for the colleges you’re interested in attending. Most schools publish the average score of admitted students, giving applicants an idea of where they stand in the admissions process. Knowing the average score range for colleges you’re interested in can help you judge what type of scores you’ll need to be a competitive applicant.
SAT Scores for Incoming Freshmen at Selected Colleges
Knowing the range of SAT scores for the schools you’re interested in helps you identify whether your score is competitive. Ideally, you want your SAT score to meet or exceed the range of scores for the last admitted class. Scores can vary from year to year but generally stay in the same range.
Here are scores for a selection of 25 colleges to get you started.
The Role of SAT Scores in College Admissions
While standardized tests are optional for many colleges right now, the test scores can provide helpful information for college admissions
For instance, SAT scores help college admissions:
Understand applicants’ readiness for college
Highlight candidates’ academic strengths and interests
Compare students from different high schools
Evaluate what level of college classes are right for the student
Additionally, if you decide to have your test scores shared with interested colleges, schools that are interested in you based on your scores and other shared information can reach out to you.
How SAT Scores Impact Scholarships
Colleges often use SAT scores to assist with awarding their scholarships. You can even get some scholarships automatically based solely on your standardized test score.
Additionally, private companies and other organizations that award scholarship money often require standardized test scores as a part of the application process.
So, even if you’re applying to all test-optional or test-blind schools, taking the SAT or ACT can still be a good idea. Since getting a high test score can often increase your chance of being awarded or being eligible for some scholarships.
SAT Score FAQ
Is 1200 a good SAT Score?
A 1200 SAT score is considered good as it falls within the competitive applicant range for many colleges and places you around the 72nd percentile (above average range). It reflects academic potential and readiness for college and can help you secure some scholarships, although this score is in the lower range. With test preparation, students can improve their scores to target more competitive institutions.
Is 1400 a good SAT score for Ivy League?
A 1400 SAT score is a strong score, but at a few Ivy League colleges, it might be in the lower half of accepted students. Achieving 1400 reflects academic potential, enhancing college acceptance potential. With extracurricular activities, a 1400 score increases students’ chances of acceptance to Ivy League colleges. 1400 is a competitive score, demonstrating readiness for Ivy League education.
Is 1100 a good SAT score?
An 1100 SAT score places you around the 58th percentile and reflects college readiness and academic potential. It falls within the acceptable range for admissions to many colleges and universities. However, it may be harder to secure a merit-based scholarship.
What’s a good math SAT score?
A strong math SAT score is essential for competitive college admissions, enhancing students’ academic potential. A high math score increases the likelihood of acceptance to selective colleges and opens the door to scholarship opportunities and financial aid. A strong math score demonstrates readiness for college-level mathematics, making it an important component of the overall SAT score.
Preparing for the SAT
Preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to be stressful. Many SAT resources can give you the assistance you need to achieve the competitive score you want.
To help prepare, you’ll want to set a realistic SAT prep plan and schedule so you have ample time to prepare for the next test date.
Additionally, you can prepare by:
Using prep books, online resources, or tutors
Identifying test-taking tips that can help you perform better on test day
Taking multiple practice exams
Reading books in your downtime
Learning memorization and mnemonic tactics
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