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SAT Score Ranges Explained: What’s a Good Score?

Every student asks the same question: what counts as a good SAT score? The honest answer is it depends on your target schools. A 1350 is outstanding for some universities and below average for others. Still, there are meaningful score benchmarks that help you set realistic goals. This guide explains SAT score ranges, percentiles, and what counts as a good SAT score for different college tiers.

SAT Score Structure

The Digital SAT scores from 400 to 1600, with each of the two sections (Reading and Writing, Math) scoring 200 to 800. Your composite is the sum. Percentile ranks show where your score falls nationally: a 90th percentile score means you scored higher than 90 percent of test takers.

What Do SAT Scores Mean by Range?

Good SAT Scores by College Tier

Ivy League and Equivalent (MIT, Stanford, Duke)

The middle 50 percent admitted student SAT ranges are typically 1480 to 1570. Aim for 1500+. A 1550 is competitive. A 1600 is not required.

Top 30 US Universities

Middle 50 percent typically 1400 to 1520. Aim for 1450+ for solid competitiveness.

Strong State Flagship Universities

Middle 50 percent often 1250 to 1400. A 1350 places you competitively.

Most Four-Year US Universities

Middle 50 percent typically 1050 to 1250. A 1150 to 1250 is competitive for most regional and state schools.

International Students and Score Expectations

International students often need slightly higher SAT scores than domestic students at the same schools. This compensates for unfamiliar application components and fewer admission spots available to internationals. If you are targeting a US university and are an international applicant, add 30 to 50 points to the published middle 50 percent range as a guide.

Superscoring and Your Score Strategy

Many colleges superscore, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test dates to build a composite. If you scored 750 Math and 680 R&W on one test, and 720 Math and 730 R&W on another, your superscore is 750 + 730 = 1480. Check each college’s policy. Superscoring colleges reward strategic retakes targeting one weak section.

Test-Optional Policies

Many US universities now have test-optional admissions, meaning you can choose whether to submit an SAT score. If your score is above the median for a school, submitting helps. If below, consider skipping. Check each school’s posted median scores and decide accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average SAT score?

Approximately 1050 to 1070, depending on the year. Scores above 1200 are above average.

Is 1400 a good SAT score?

Yes. A 1400 places you around the 94th percentile and is competitive for most selective universities below the Ivy League tier.

Is 1200 a bad SAT score?

Not at all. A 1200 is above the national average and suitable for a large number of four-year universities.

Should I retake the SAT?

Retake if your score is below your target school’s 50th percentile, and you have 6+ weeks to prepare. Most students see improvement on retakes.

The Right Score Is the One That Matches Your Goals

A good SAT score is not one fixed number. It is a score that opens doors to the universities you are aiming for. Before setting a prep goal, research the middle 50 percent ranges for your target schools, add 30 to 50 points if you are an international student, and build your plan from there. Focused preparation toward a realistic target beats chasing perfect numbers you do not need.

Unsure what SAT score you need? Ayşenur helps students set realistic targets based on college lists. Request a free info session or WhatsApp +90 544 915 91 00.

Author: Ayşenur Özkan, Mathematics Instructor and SAT Math Tutor.

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