What Is a Good SAT Score?

1. Understanding the SAT Scoring Scale

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600. It consists of two main sections:

• Math: 200–800
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): 200–800

The two section scores are added together for a composite score. There is no penalty for wrong answers, and each section contributes equally to the total score.

2. What Is the Average SAT Score?

According to the College Board, the average SAT composite score in recent years has been around:

• 1050–1060 composite
• EBRW average: ~530
• Math average: ~520

Any score above this range is technically “above average.” However, whether that’s *good* depends on where you're applying.

3. What Is Considered a Good SAT Score?

Here’s a quick breakdown by percentile and performance level:

• 1200–1290: Above average (top ~75th percentile)
• 1300–1390: Strong score (top ~85th percentile)
• 1400–1490: Excellent score (top ~94th percentile)
• 1500–1600: Outstanding score (top ~98–99th percentile)

Most selective colleges look for scores above 1400, while highly competitive schools (like Ivy League universities) expect 1500 or higher.

4. What Score Do You Need for Ivy League Schools?

Here are typical SAT score ranges (middle 50%) for top U.S. universities:

• Harvard: 1480–1580
• Yale: 1460–1570
• Princeton: 1450–1570
• MIT: 1510–1580
• Stanford: 1440–1570

To be a competitive applicant, you should aim to be near or above the 75th percentile of accepted students. A score of 1550+ puts you in the top tier at any school.

5. Good Scores for Public and State Colleges

Here are estimated score ranges for well-known public institutions:

• University of Florida: 1300–1450
• University of Michigan: 1340–1530
• UC Berkeley: 1330–1530
• University of Texas – Austin: 1230–1480
• University of Georgia: 1250–1420

For many public universities, a score of 1250–1350 is considered good, while 1400+ makes you a strong applicant.

6. What Score Do You Need for Scholarships?

Some scholarships are merit-based and use SAT scores as a qualifier:

• National Merit Scholarship: Typically requires PSAT/NMSQT score in the top 1% per state (~1470+ on SAT equivalent)
• State merit aid: Many states award tuition waivers or aid for SAT scores above 1300
• Institutional scholarships: Some colleges offer automatic awards for scores like 1350+, 1400+, or 1500+

7. What Is a Good Score for You?

A good SAT score is one that meets or exceeds the average scores of students admitted to your target schools. Here's how to define “good” based on your situation:

• Planning to attend a competitive state school? Aim for 1250–1350.
• Applying to top 50 private universities? Target 1400–1500.
• Shooting for Ivies or Stanford/MIT? 1500–1580 is ideal.
• Need merit aid? Prioritize 1300+ for many award thresholds.

8. Can a “Low” SAT Score Still Be Good?

Yes—context matters. A 1150 might be a great score for someone applying to test-optional liberal arts colleges or institutions where academics, essays, and extracurriculars weigh heavily. Many colleges no longer require the SAT, and they assess applicants holistically.

9. Superscoring Can Improve Perception

Many colleges superscore, meaning they combine your highest Math and highest EBRW scores across multiple test dates. If you score 720 Math in May and 760 EBRW in October, your superscore is 1480. Take advantage of this when planning retakes.

10. Final Thoughts

There’s no single definition of a “good” SAT score. It depends on your college list, scholarship goals, and academic profile. Research your schools’ SAT ranges and set a target that aligns with your ambitions. With the right preparation, your “good” score is within reach.