The SAT is scored from 400 to 1600. National averages typically sit around the low 1000s. Selective universities often see middle ranges of roughly 1300–1500, and the most competitive commonly report ranges above 1450. A good score for you is one inside, or above, the middle range of the universities you are applying to.
How to set your own target
- List your universities: a mix of reach, match and safer options.
- Look up each one's middle 50% range, usually published in its admissions profile or common data set.
- Aim for the middle or upper part of the range for your match universities.
If a university's middle 50% range is 1350–1480, a 1450 is a strong score there; a 1300 is below the middle but not necessarily disqualifying.
Percentiles, briefly
Your score report shows percentiles: the share of test-takers you scored higher than. They are useful for understanding where you stand, but universities mostly look at the scores themselves against their own admitted students.
Superscoring
Many universities superscore: they take your best Reading and Writing score and your best Math score from different test dates. If your universities superscore, it can make sense to sit the test more than once and focus each attempt. Policies vary, so check each university.
Test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant
Many universities are test-optional, and some have returned to requiring scores. For international applicants, a strong score can still help: particularly where school grading systems are unfamiliar to admissions officers. Check the current policy for each university, because these have been changing.
How much can a score improve?
It depends on the starting point and the time available. Gains are usually largest early on, when students learn the format and fix common errors; the last 50–100 points are the hardest. A diagnostic test before you start gives the most reliable picture of what is realistic.
See the full SAT preparation programme, or read a realistic four-month SAT preparation plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good SAT score?
One that falls inside or above the middle 50% range of the universities you are applying to. For many selective universities that is roughly 1300 to 1500.
What is the average SAT score?
National averages typically sit around the low 1000s out of 1600, although figures vary from year to year.
Do universities superscore the SAT?
Many do, taking your best section scores from different test dates. Policies vary, so check each university.
Is the SAT still needed if a university is test-optional?
Not required, but a strong score can still strengthen an application, especially for international students. Check each university's current policy.
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- When should you take the SAT? A timeline for Grades 10 to 12
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Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.