The SAT is one of the most important standardized tests for high school students aiming for college admission, especially in the United States. Whether you are preparing for your first SAT or looking to improve your score, understanding what is a good score on the sat can help you set a realistic target. In this post, we will break down SAT scoring, average scores, competitive scores, and how to determine a good score based on your goals.

Understanding the SAT Scoring System

Before defining a good SAT score, it’s important to know how the SAT is scored. The SAT has two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points. Your total SAT score is the sum of these two section scores, ranging from 400 to 1600 points.

Each section also has subscores and cross-test scores, but most colleges and universities focus on the combined total score and the individual section scores. Higher scores generally indicate stronger academic readiness and improve your chances of admission to selective colleges.

What is the Average SAT Score?

According to recent data from the College Board, the average total SAT score is around 1050 to 1100. This means most students score within this range. Breaking it down further:

• Average EBRW Score: About 530
• Average Math Score: About 520

Scoring close to or slightly above these averages means you are performing at a level comparable to most test-takers nationwide. However, whether this score is considered “good” depends on where you plan to apply.

What is Considered a Good SAT Score?

A “good” SAT score largely depends on your college goals. Generally speaking:

• A 1200 or above is considered a strong score and will make you competitive at many state universities and less selective private colleges.
• A 1350 or higher is very good and makes you competitive at more selective colleges and universities.
• A 1500+ score is considered excellent and will make you competitive at Ivy League schools and other top-tier institutions.

In other words, a good SAT score is not the same for every student. It depends on the selectiveness of the colleges you are targeting. Some schools are test-optional or place less emphasis on SAT scores, while others still weigh them heavily during the admission process.

What is a Competitive SAT Score for Top Colleges?

If you are aiming for highly selective schools, you will need to aim higher than the national average. Here are general benchmarks:

• Ivy League Schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc.): 1450–1570
• Top Public Universities (UCLA, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan): 1350–1500
• Competitive Private Colleges (NYU, Boston University, Emory): 1300–1450

These ranges are based on the middle 50% of admitted students’ scores. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below this range, and 25% scored above.

How to Determine Your Target Score

Research Your Colleges

The best way to know what score you should aim for is by looking up the average SAT scores for admitted students at the colleges you are interested in. You can usually find this information on each school’s admissions website.

Set a Realistic and Personal Goal

If you are applying to a school with an average admitted SAT score of 1250, then aiming for a 1300 or above would give you a competitive edge. If you are aiming for a top-tier university where the average admitted score is 1500, then you will want to push for that level.

Consider Test-Optional Policies

Since many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, especially after 2020, you might not need an SAT score at all. However, submitting a strong SAT score can still enhance your application, especially if it is higher than the school’s average.

Final Thoughts: What Score Should You Aim For?

A good SAT score is relative to your individual goals and the colleges you want to attend. If you are applying to moderately selective colleges, a score between 1150 and 1250 might be enough. For more selective schools, aim for 1350 or higher. And if you are dreaming of top 20 universities, you’ll likely need to break the 1450+ mark.

Ultimately, while the SAT is an important factor, remember that colleges also consider your GPA, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and personal essays. A balanced application is often more important than just one impressive score.