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Applying to college often involves navigating the complexities of standardized tests, and the SAT is a critical component of this process. Knowing what constitutes a good SAT score can help you set realistic goals and enhance your chances of getting into your dream school. Today, let’s explore what makes a SAT score stand out and how you can achieve it.



About SAT Score

What Is a Good SAT Score?

SAT scores range from 400 to 1600. The test is divided into ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and Math sections, and each SAT score corresponds to a percentile rank. College admissions committees provide detailed reports on average scores based on state, gender, race, and other demographics.

As of the 2022 academic year, the average scores are:

   - ERW (Reading and Writing): 541

   - Math: 538

   - Total: 1088

 

What About Top Colleges?

The best way to determine your target score is to look at the average scores for schools on your list. Most colleges provide a range of SAT and ACT scores for the middle 50% of admitted students. If your scores fall within these ranges, it means you can at least apply. However, considering factors like race and unique cases of applicants, aiming 50-100 points higher can make you a more secure applicant.

SAT score ranges (25th to 75th percentiles) for top U.S. universities:

   - Harvard University: 1500-1570

   - Stanford University: 1450-1560

   - Princeton University: 1500-1600

   - Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 1450-1590

   - Yale University: 1500-1600

   - University of California, Berkeley: 1480-1540

   - University of California, Los Angeles: 1380-1500

 

What Defines a "Good" SAT Score?

There is no universal definition of a "good" SAT score. For some students, scoring above average might be considered good. One of the most critical factors in determining what constitutes a good score for you is "which college do you want to attend?"

If you’re aiming for highly competitive colleges, such as Ivy League institutions or those in the top 20 of U.S. News & World Report rankings, you'll need a much higher score than students applying to less selective schools.

SAT scores are also important for other reasons. For instance, public colleges often use score criteria to award scholarships. A high score might help you secure financial aid.

 

Test-Optional Policies

Some colleges have adopted test-optional policies, allowing applicants to choose whether to submit standardized test scores. Since the onset of the pandemic, many colleges have maintained these test-optional policies due to safety concerns. 

However, not taking the SAT is not mandatory. If you choose to take the test and achieve a score within the middle range, it’s advisable to submit it. In fact, if admissions committees have two identical applicants, one who submits scores and one who does not, the one with submitted scores will generally have a higher acceptance rate. Test-optional policies are different from test-blind policies, where colleges do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

 

How to Improve Your SAT Score

To improve your SAT score, you can take the test multiple times, as most colleges allow you to choose the best scores. The best strategy for achieving a higher score is practice. Before taking the test for the first time, it’s beneficial to take practice tests to gauge your current level and identify areas to focus on.

Regularly taking practice exams and improving through consistent study is the best approach to reaching your goal. Practice, practice, and more practice will help you achieve your target score.