What Is a Good SAT Score? Percentiles, Targets & Scholarships
Preparing for the SAT and wondering what score you should aim for? In this guide, we break down what’s considered a good SAT score, how the percentile system works, and which scores open doors to top universities and scholarships.
Use Your Target Colleges to Define a Good Score
A good SAT score depends on your goals. For some students, a strong score means qualifying for a state university or scholarship; for others, it means competing at highly selective colleges where score expectations are much higher.
Start by checking the middle score ranges for your target schools, then compare those ranges with your current practice-test results. That gap tells you how much prep time you may need and which section deserves the most attention.
Look at score ranges for the colleges you actually plan to apply to.
A strong total score is easier to reach when Reading & Writing and Math both improve.
Merit aid can make a higher SAT target worth the extra preparation time.
📊 SAT Score Percentiles
Here’s a general breakdown of SAT total scores and how they compare nationally:
| Total Score | Percentile | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1550–1600 | 99th | Top 1% – Ivy League eligible |
| 1450–1540 | 95th–98th | Excellent – Top 30 universities |
| 1300–1440 | 85th–94th | Above Average – Competitive schools |
| 1150–1290 | 70th–84th | Average – Most state colleges |
| Below 1000 | Below 50th | Needs improvement |
🎯 What Score Should You Aim For?
- 1500+: Top 10 schools like Harvard, MIT, Stanford
- 1400–1490: UCLA, NYU, University of Michigan
- 1300–1390: Good for most public universities and scholarships
- 1200–1290: Acceptable for many regional schools
Colleges also consider GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters, but your SAT score is often the first filter.
Choose your plan
Practice with confidence
Select the plan that matches your preparation goals.
💰 SAT Score Requirements for Scholarships
Here are general SAT score ranges for merit-based aid:
- 1450+: Eligible for full-ride and national merit scholarships
- 1300–1440: Partial scholarships from state or private schools
- Below 1200: Fewer scholarship opportunities based on SAT alone
🔗 Learn More
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A score of 1300+ is above average. 1400+ is competitive. 1500+ is considered excellent and opens doors to elite universities.
You receive 200–800 for Reading & Writing, and 200–800 for Math. These combine for a total score out of 1600.
Some merit-based scholarships use SAT scores as eligibility criteria. A score above 1400 can help you qualify for aid.
Visit the College Board score page to view percentile charts and breakdowns.