What Is A Good Score on the SAT?

If you’re preparing for the SAT, part of setting yourself up for success is understanding why you’re taking the test, and what you need the test to do for you. It’s not like you’re taking the SAT for fun, after all– you need a high score to help highlight how competitive of a student you are. If you put in the work to merit a place at a competitive institution, your SAT score should support that. 

But what is a good SAT score? The highest you can get is a 1600, and the lowest you can get is a 400. So how does the range in between stack up? Let’s take a look at what a good SAT score is and how you can achieve your SAT scoring goals.

Understanding the National Average

The national average SAT score can be a helpful starting point when determining what qualifies as a good score. As of recent years, the average total score for the SAT typically falls around 1050. This is made up of two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math, each scored between 200 and 800. In 2023, the average score for the ERW portion is about 520, and the average for Math is 508. A good SAT score is higher than the national average, which lets you stand out from the majority of test-takers. 

If you score around the national average, it indicates that you’re performing at a median level. While this may be sufficient for some colleges, particularly those with less competitive admissions standards, students aiming for more selective institutions will need a score that is well above this range. Competitive colleges and universities often expect scores in the top 25% of test-takers, which means aiming for a total score of 1190 or higher. 

Understanding SAT Percentiles and What They Mean

Another important factor in determining what a good SAT score is comes down to percentiles. When you receive your SAT score, you’ll also see a percentile ranking. This tells you how your score compares to those of other test-takers. For example, if your percentile rank is 75th percentile, that means you scored higher than 75% of students who took the test, while 25% scored higher than you.

Percentiles provide valuable context for interpreting your raw SAT score. A total score of 1200, for instance, might seem strong on its own, but its competitiveness depends on where it falls in the percentile rankings. A 1190 typically places students around the 75th percentile, meaning it’s above average but may not be enough for highly competitive colleges. Meanwhile, a score of 1350 lands around the 90th percentile, putting you in the top 10% of test-takers– a strong position for many selective universities.

Another way that percentiles can help you is by letting you gauge your performance in relation to other students, not just in terms of raw numbers. A “good” SAT score isn’t just about hitting a certain number; it’s about how that number positions you within the pool of applicants. Remember, you’re not competing against arbitrary standards; you’re competing with other students for admission to your college of choice. You need to show the school that you stand out, so the better you score compared to others, the more likely you are to get in.

For example, if you’re applying to a highly competitive school where most admitted students are in the 90th percentile or higher, you’ll want to aim for a score that matches or exceeds that range. On the other hand, if your target school accepts students with scores in the 50th–75th percentile, a score in that range will likely be sufficient.

Good Is Subjective

Another thing that will help you understand what a good SAT score is looking at it on a school-by-school basis. Many students like to categorize the schools they’re applying to as safety schools, target schools, and goal schools. Safety schools tend to be large and less selective, while goal schools are often highly selective. A good SAT score for your safety school might be an average or low score for your goal schools.

To find out what the average SAT score is for the schools you’re applying to, start by researching their admissions websites. Many colleges publish data on the SAT scores of their incoming freshman classes, often presented as the middle 50% range. This range shows the scores between the 25th and 75th percentiles of admitted students. For instance, if a school’s middle 50% SAT score range is 1200-1400, a score within or above that range will boost your application.

Remember, while SAT scores are an important part of your application, they’re not the only factor schools consider. Admissions committees also evaluate your GPA, extracurricular activities, class difficulty, essays, and letters of recommendation. You need to present yourself as a well-rounded, capable student who’s ready to take on challenging work! 

Preparation Will Help

When you have an idea of what a good SAT score looks like for you, the next step is to prepare. Effective preparation can significantly improve your performance, and one of the best ways to boost your score is by taking an SAT prep class. The best prep courses are led by instructors who have scored in the top 1% of SAT test-takers, meaning they have firsthand experience with the test and can teach you the strategies needed to succeed. 

A good prep course goes far beyond a simple content review. The SAT doesn’t exist just to test your general academic knowledge; it also tests your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Prep classes focus on test-taking techniques and strategies that can make a real difference in your score. Instructors can help you learn how to manage your time, eliminate wrong answer choices efficiently, and recognize common question patterns. They also provide structured study plans, making sure that you’re covering all sections of the test and addressing your weak points to turn them into strengths.

Balancing Goals and Realism

It’s important to strike a balance between ambition and realism when defining a good SAT score for yourself. While aiming for perfection might seem appealing, not everyone needs a 1600 to achieve their college dreams. But at the same time, don’t settle. If you want to get into your highly competitive dream school, you owe it to yourself to practice and prepare for the SAT to reach your goals. Setting a score goal that aligns with your abilities and the expectations of your chosen schools can keep you motivated without unnecessary stress. This is another good reason to take an SAT prep class and work with a tutor who understands the test inside and out. When you work with someone with such intimate knowledge of the test, they truly understand your test-taking skills. They can work with you to set a realistic target score. This gives you a concrete number to work toward and helps you track your progress towards your goals. 

A good SAT score depends on your individual goals and the schools you’re targeting. By researching average scores, preparing effectively, and balancing ambition with realism, you can set yourself up for success. Remember that your SAT score is an important step in your college journey, but it’s not the sole determinant of your future. With thoughtful planning and hard work, you can achieve a score that opens the door to exciting opportunities. Test-taking is a skill that anyone can learn, and when you take an SAT prep class with PrepExpert, we guarantee improvement. Have a look at our selection of SAT prep courses and see which dates work best for you. Your SAT success is worth it!