SAT Scores: The Good, The Bad & The Range

What is a good SAT score, what is a bad score, and what is the range of possible scores? This guide breaks it down and includes a list of average college scores.

A good SAT score will help you get admitted to your preferred college. If you have recently taken the SAT test, or are preparing for the test, you will likely have questions about what SAT score to aim for. What is a good score, what is a bad score, and what is the range of possible scores? 

This guide will help you determine how your SAT scores compare to other test takers and what a good score is for you depending on the universities you are considering. We will also provide the SAT score ranges and percentiles for more than 50 prominent colleges and explain what to do if your score is lower than anticipated.

Before we get into that, it is important to understand that a good score for your friend might not be a good score for you. It depends on the requirements of the college you want to attend.

When researching colleges, consider the cost of tuition, financial aid, location, campus atmosphere, academic programs, and extracurricular activities that you are interested in. Additionally, use the average SAT score for admitted freshmen as a target for your own score.

What is the SAT?

The SAT, formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, is an exam taken by students applying to undergraduate courses. The test aims to assess their verbal, written, and mathematical skills. The importance of SAT scores, when it comes to being accepted into college, varies from school to school, but generally the higher your score, the more options you have for admission.

How is the SAT Scored, and What is the Point Range?

• The perfect SAT score is 1600.
• There are two required SAT sections.
• You cannot score zero.
• There is no penalty for choosing the wrong answer on the SAT. 
• Your raw score report is only based on the total of the questions you answered correctly.
• SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, and there are two main subsections that are worth 800 points each.
  • Section 1: The Reading and Writing & Language (EBRW)
    • Total points – 800, made up of reading and writing portions
    • Reading: 400 Points, 52 Questions, 65 Minutes
    • Writing: 400 Points, 44 Questions, 35 Minutes
  • Section 2: The SAT Math Test
    • Total points – 800, made up of two portions
    • No Calculator portion, 20 questions, 25 minutes
    • With Calculator portion, 38 Questions, 55 minutes

Related article: How to Boost Your SAT Reading Score (10 Tips)

Understanding SAT Percentile Score

Your score percentile shows how your performance on the test was relative to the other people who took it on the same day. For instance, if you are in the 15th percentile, it means that you scored better than 15% of the other test takers. If you are in the 90th percentile, that means you did better than 90% of them.

Generally speaking, a score below the 50th percentile is considered ‘bad’; anything in the 50th-70th percentile is ‘good’, and anything above the 90th percentile is great!

The average or mean SAT composite score is 1060 out of a possible 1600 points. The test is created in such a way that the mean score is typically around 1000, with roughly 500 points coming from each section. The average Math score is 528 and the average EBRW score is 531.

Check the table below to see how your SAT score compares with other test takers. 

SAT Score |	Nationally-Representative Percentile |	Percentile Among Actual SAT Test Takers
1600	99+	99+
1590	99+	99+
1580	99+	99+
1570	99+	99+
1560	99+	99+
1550	99+	99
1540	99+	99
1530	99+	99
1520	99+	99
1510	99	98
1500	99	98
1490	99	98
1480	99	97
1470	99	97
1460	99	97
1450	99	96
1440	98	96
1430	98	95
1420	98	95
1410	97	94
1400	97	94
1390	97	93
1380	96	92
1370	96	92
1360	95	91
1350	94	90
1340	94	89
1330	93	89
1320	93	88
1310	92	87
1300	91	86
1290	90	85
1280	89	84
1270	88	83
1260	87	82
1250	86	81
1240	85	80
1230	84	78
1220	83	77
1210	82	76
1200	81	74
1190	80	73
1180	78	72
1170	77	70
1160	76	69
1150	74	67
1140	73	66
1130	71	64
1120	70	62
1110	69	61
1100	67	59
1090	65	57
1080	63	55
1070	61	54
1060	60	52
1050	58	50
1040	56	48
1030	54	46
1020	52	45
1010	50	43
1000	48	41
990	46	39
980	44	38
970	42	36
960	40	34
950	38	33
940	36	31
930	35	29
920	33	28
910	31	26
900	29	25
890	27	23
880	26	22
870	24	20
860	23	19
850	21	18
840	20	16
830	18	15
820	17	14
810	16	12
800	14	11
790	13	10
780	11	9
770	10	8
760	9	7
750	8	6
740	7	5
730	6	5
720	5	4
710	4	3
700	4	3

The Good, Bad, and Average SAT Percentile Scores 

So, what would be considered a good score versus a bad score? Additionally, what type of result would be so disappointing that it would bring you to tears? It might be better to use the term competitive score instead of good or bad.

Below is some indication of where you are on the good-to-bad scale, but remember, your choice of college plays a significant role in how good your score is. You 

• 99th Percentile: 1520 is an incredibly high score, which will like give you access to Ivy League colleges.
• 90th Percentile: 1350 is still very high, and better than 90% of students, and you can aim for any of the top schools.
• 75th Percentile: 1210 means you are better than three out of every four test takers, and competitive at a lot of quality flagship state universities and many private schools.

A College SAT Score Guide

The score needed to get into competitive universities has been increasing, but the guide below will help you find a school that is suited to your SAT score. 

You don't need to worry if you end up with a score of 1120, as there are still good quality universities you can be accepted to. 

While the 1100s may not get you into a good quality school, an additional 200 points will put you in the 1300 bracket that can get you accepted to a top-10 public school in America.

It is very difficult to get accepted into the most competitive universities, as out of a hundred students, only one might be likely to be successful.

Let's investigate what types of colleges have SAT scores that fall within certain ranges, as these scores usually indicate their expectations for applicants.

• 1500+: The best universities worldwide, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, and Cal Tech.
• 1400-1500: Almost-Ivies, like University of Michigan, UC-Berkeley, Notre Dame, UCLA, and University of Virginia.
• 1300-1400: Many good private and public universities, including the University of Florida, University of Texas at Austin, Pepperdine, and George Washington University.
• 1200-1300: This range of quality state universities includes the University of Arizona, University of Colorado, and Texas A&M, while there are also numerous excellent private institutions such as TCU and Syracuse in the same spectrum. (See: Which Colleges Accept a 1300 SAT Score?)
• 1100-1200: A broad range of schools, including flagship state universities like the Ole Miss, University of Missouri and quality second-tier state universities like UC-Riverside and the University of Illinois-Chicago.
• Below 1100: There are many universities in this group, including non-flagship state schools and numerous small private schools. Examples of these include the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Arkansas State University, Illinois State, and Regis University.

Average SAT Scores at Popular Colleges

College Name	Average SAT Score
Arizona State University	1245
Cal Tech	1545
Colorado State University	1180
Florida International University	1195
Florida State University	1270
Harvard University	1520
Indiana University	1255
Kansas State University	1160
Louisiana State University	1180
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)	1535
Michigan State University	1210
NYU	1440
Northern Arizona University	1135
Oklahoma State University	1160
Princeton University	1505
Rice University	1505
Rutgers	1300
San Diego State University	1215
SMU (Southern Methodist University)	1390
Stanford University	1505
Texas A&M	1275
Texas Tech University	1155
The Ohio State University	1355
UCLA	1405
University of Alabama	1180
University of Arizona	1235
University of Arkansas	1210
University of California at Berkeley	1415
University of Calfornia at Irvine	1310
University of Central Florida	1330
University of Chicago	1520
University of Florida	1360
University of Georgia	1325
University of Illinois	1350
University of Illinois at Chicago	1120
University of Kansas	1240
University of Maryland	1380
University of Michigan	1435
University of Minnesota	1350
University of Missouri	1190
University of Oklahoma	1210
University of South Florida	1250
University of Southern California	1440
University of Texas at Austin	1355
University of Washington	1340
University of Wisconsin	1390
Vanderbilt University	1505
Virginia Tech	1285
Yale University	1515

Related article: What is an SAT Superscore & Which Colleges Superscore?

How to Improve your SAT Score

Whether preparing for your first or subsequent test, don’t make the mistake thinking that you can master the material on the SAT in a short amount of time. It is important to remember that the SAT covers a wide range of topics that were learned throughout your years of schooling. 

Therefore, it is not feasible to try to learn everything in a matter of days. The best approach is to begin studying early and make consistent, steady progress.

People may mention shortcuts to dramatically improve your score, but don't be fooled. The most effective way to improve is to practice the core skills that the test covers, such as grammar and algebra. 

These steps are sure to get you into the school of your dreams, and you’d be wise to consider gaining outside help to guide your preparation for the SAT. There are a variety of options, such as free resources, online classes, or tutors. Experts with knowledge of the test can help you maximize your score by pointing out where you can gain points.

1. Develop SAT Test - Specific Skills

The College Board, the organization that runs the SAT, has found that most people who take the SAT more than once do better on it. This is mainly because they've gained experience with the test format. Doing some practice tests before the actual exam is a great way to become more familiar with the SAT and its length and difficulty.

2. Identify Your Weaknesses

Subscores provide a helpful way to pinpoint areas that need improvement. It is important to identify any weaknesses, look into concepts that are challenging and develop strategies to address common issues. A tutor can help you to recognize patterns in questions and know how to approach them.

3. Create a Study Schedule

High schoolers often face busy days with school, work, extracurriculars, and social involvements. To get a higher SAT score, you'll need to set aside time to study. Establish a study schedule and commit to following it. You'll be amazed at the progress that can be made in just 6 to 8 weeks of dedicated prep. As little as four or five hours a week for two months can lead to notable growth in academic understanding and test-taking skills.

4. Write Practice Tests

Working hard is essential to success, so dedicate your efforts to completing official practice tests. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to write free official practice tests.

5. Track Your Progress

A successful plan should have a specific target test date and weekly objectives for the hours to be devoted to preparation. To measure your progress and decide where to focus your efforts, use your practice tests as a guide.

6. Make Your Goal Known

Last but no less important – let your target score be known! Talk to your parents about it, and this can be a great opportunity to discuss what your ultimate goal is and how you plan to do it. They can provide valued support and encouragement to help you stay on track with your test-prep routine. 

Make sure you keep your goal score in your sights – write it in big and bold letters!!!

Tape it where you will see it often, like on your wall, refrigerator door, or any other room you often spend time in. This will help keep you motivated and on track with your SAT study plan.

Bottom Line

Now that you have a better understanding of how SAT scores work and the kind of score that would be right for you, take the time to explore Amikka Learning's blogs for even more advice on how to excel on the SATs.