To crack the ideology of Good SAT Scores can be a little demanding as it depends on the college you are applying to but to evaluate what is a strong SAT score will require specific information about some techniques. As it can significantly boost a student's chances of gaining admission to college in the U.S. While test-optional policies have gained popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, many students still aim for high SAT scores to strengthen their applications. But what exactly is considered a "good" SAT score? For many students, getting into college involves more than just good grades and a compelling personal statement — strong test scores can make a big difference too. The SAT, like the ACT, is a widely recognized college entrance exam in the U.S. While there's no official passing score, achieving a high SAT score can improve your chances of acceptance. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT/ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score?

A good SAT score is one that helps you get admitted to a college that you want to go to.

The average SAT score is around 1050. Any score above that would be above average. A score of 1350 would put you in the top 10% of test takers and help make your application competitive at more selective schools. In choosing colleges to apply to, consider factors such as the cost of tuition and availability of financial aid, location, and campus atmosphere. 

Also consider whether the college offers academic and extracurricular programs that interest you. To set your target SAT score, first explore a range of colleges that can offer you the mix of things you want. Then, look at the average SAT score for an admitted first-year student and use that as your target. The College Board college planning website BigFuture contains all of this information and is an excellent resource for researching colleges.

Note: Bear in mind that your SAT score is only one factor among several on your application. Your grades, application essay, and extracurriculars also shape admissions officers' perceptions of your application.

SAT Score Percentiles

Percentiles can be used to see how well you did compared with other test-takers. Refer to the following percentile charts to see what constitutes a good SAT score. Note that the percentile rankings for scores may change slightly from year to year.

Your SAT score, which ranges from 400-1600, is the sum of your two section scores: Math and Reading and Writing. Each section uses a scale of 200-800 in 10-point increments. A good score on Math or Reading and Writing, then, would be around 600. The Facts:

• 1600 is the SAT perfect score.
• 400 is the required minimum score.
• For the class of 2023, the average was 1010. 

Total SAT Percentiles

SAT Math Percentiles

SAT Reading and Writing Percentiles

SAT Score vs. Typical Scores at Your Target Schools

It matters less how students perform at the national level than how they perform at a few key local levels — namely, your target schools. (These numbers are, of course, related: A selective school will be able to boast student SAT scores that exceed the national average by greater margins than those at its less competitive counterparts.) Also, read about the ACT exam.

Not sure how you measure up? You can use our college search to find the online profiles of schools you want to research. Look up the profiles of the schools on your wishlist, and click over to the “Admissions” tab. Our college profiles report the middle 50% range of test scores for entering first-year students.

Do your scores fall in the lower end of a school's range? That school may be a longshot (though still possible with some SAT prep !). Do your scores fall well within the school's average range? That college or university could be a match! The scores you see are your goals to set — and, ideally, the ones to beat. Remember that the higher you can score, the more likely you are to make yourself eligible for merit-based aid.

Good SAT Scores for 15 Popular Colleges

Below is a table showing the middle 50% of students' SAT scores for 15 popular colleges and universities. All information is for class of 2026 or 2027.

You need to be aware of these schools because many applicants may have chosen not to submit their test results, and it is optional for them to administer. Read the contents of the table below for more information.

Conclusion

Unless you received a perfect score on the SAT, you can always improve. Find your benchmark, then compare it to common scores at the colleges to which you are applying. When considering an admission decision, colleges take into account a lot, but standardized test scores form part of an important component of your college application. The better score, the more choices you will have.