How to Get a Good SAT Score… and what “Good” Really Means

You’ve probably heard classmates or teachers talk about what counts as a “good” SAT score. But the truth is, that number isn’t the same for everyone! It all depends on who you are and where you want to go to college. A score that’s competitive at one school might fall short at another. The real question isn’t what looks good on paper; it’s what score helps you achieve your goals. Once you define that, you can plan your prep efficiently and reach your target with confidence.

Remember: “Good” Is Subjective

The most important thing to remember about a good SAT score is that “good” is subjective. Granted, a 1600 is impressive wherever you go– but that’s not the only good SAT score. You’ll see charts listing national averages or the top percentile ranges, but those numbers don’t tell the whole story. What really matters is what you want your score to accomplish.

For you, a good score is one that helps you reach your personal goals. Maybe that means qualifying for a scholarship, getting accepted to a specific university, or improving your application after a lower GPA semester. Don’t focus on getting a score arbitrarily; focus on what you want that score to do for you.  

For example, let’s say that you want to attend Texas State University, and you’d like their $48,000 President’s Honor Scholarship. It’s guaranteed to all freshmen who score 1420 or higher on their SAT. If that’s your benchmark, then for you, a good score is anything over 1420. But if your heart is set on Harvard, where the middle 50% of admitted SAT score range is 1480-1580, a 1420 isn’t going to be a good score. The point is, there’s no universal definition of a “good” SAT score; it depends entirely on your next step.

The most effective way to figure out your target score is to research the average or middle 50% SAT scores at the schools on your list. That range represents the majority of admitted students. Set your goal within or above that range, depending on how competitive you want to be. Having a clear benchmark gives you something specific to work toward and helps make your prep time meaningful.

Setting SMART SAT Goals

Once you know what a “good” score looks like for your situation, it’s time to turn that goal into an action plan. A great way to do that is by using the SMART goal method. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and it helps you move from vague hopes to concrete results.

Let’s break that down. A specific goal might be, “I want to raise my SAT Math score by 100 points.” That’s far more effective than just saying, “I want to do better.” A measurable goal means you can track your progress with practice tests. To keep it achievable, make sure your target is realistic given your starting score and timeline. A relevant goal ties directly to your larger objective, like getting into your dream school or earning merit-based scholarships. Finally, time-bound means setting a deadline, such as the next test date that works with your college application schedule.

This is an ideal framework for getting a good SAT score because it’s an approach that keeps you organized and accountable. SAT scores are already benchmarks, and when you put some thought into it, the way forward towards those benchmarks becomes clear. You’ll know exactly what to focus on, how much time you have, and whether your efforts are paying off. It also makes your test prep feel purposeful instead of endless.

Plan Your Test Prep

I know it sounds a little over the top, telling you to prepare to prepare. But if you want to get a good SAT score, you need to  plan your test prep rather than just diving in. If you don’t know what you’re doing, test prep can feel extremely overwhelming, and you might make a big mistake. You’ve spent your whole academic career so far learning how to study for subject tests– but that’s not helpful for standardized tests. 

The SAT measures how well you can apply knowledge, spot patterns, and work efficiently under time pressure. Memorizing every rule won’t help if you don’t know how to approach the questions strategically. Instead, you need to use your time wisely so that test prep gets you maximum results with minimal interference into your routine. 

That’s why a good prep plan doesn’t just include what to study; it also maps out how to study.

Start by taking a full-length practice test to find your baseline score. Then, identify your strongest and weakest sections. A solid plan will focus more time on the areas that need improvement, while still maintaining your strengths. Build study sessions around your energy levels; don’t cram late at night or skip sleep for extra drills. (Studies show that academic performance suffers when you skip sleep!)

Study Smarter, Not Longer

Students who get good SAT scores know that test prep isn’t about spending every spare minute studying; it’s about studying strategically. High scorers know that mastering test format and timing can make just as much difference as knowing the content. For example, the SAT Reading section rewards active reading and question prediction skills. The Math section benefits from knowing when to use calculator shortcuts and when mental math is faster. The Writing and Language section favors students who recognize grammar patterns rather than memorizing every rule.

Strategy means learning how the test works. You’ll need to know when to guess, how to pace yourself, and how to avoid traps that waste valuable seconds. These techniques take practice, but they’re learnable… and they’re the reason well-prepared students often see dramatic score jumps without doubling their study hours.

Make Practice Count

It’s easy to fall into the trap of endless practice tests without analysis. But just taking tests over and over won’t get you a higher score. A good SAT score comes from studying your mistakes. Each question you miss is a clue about what you need to work on. Maybe you’re misreading details, running out of time, or second-guessing correct answers. Once you spot those patterns, you can target them directly.

Treat practice tests like rehearsals. Take them under realistic conditions, including timing and breaks, so test day feels familiar. Review thoroughly afterward—don’t just note which questions you missed, but ask why. Understanding your reasoning errors helps you avoid them in the future.

If you find yourself stuck or frustrated, it might mean you’re ready for structured guidance. A prep course can help you refine your approach, learn time-saving strategies, and stay accountable to your study goals. You don’t have to do this alone! Prep Expert® offers courses designed by top 1% instructors who have mastered the SAT themselves. You’ll get practical strategies, personalized feedback, and a study schedule that works for you. Whether you prefer a long-term course that builds skills gradually or an intensive boot camp that sharpens your strategies right before test day, there’s an option that fits your timeline. 

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Earning a good SAT score requires preparation, patience, and purpose. The test is just one piece of your college journey, but it can open doors to opportunities that shape your future. By defining what “good” means for you and tackling your goals strategically, you’ll be on your way to results that matter. If you’re ready to make the most of your time and effort, explore our SAT prep course catalog today. You’ll find Prep Expert® classes designed to help you get a good SAT score– whatever that means for you!