What's a Good SAT Score?

If you’re wondering what a good SAT score or SAT score range is, you’re not alone. It’s one of the top questions we get from both students and parents. The answer depends on what you want to do with your score.

Depending on the college you are applying to and your profile details, a strong SAT score can make you stand out. Each college has its own score expectation, and a score that may be average at a highly selective school might be in the top percentiles at another. 

Some schools require that you submit your SAT score, but some schools are test optional. Even when applying to test-optional schools, taking the SAT could help you stand out on your applications.

Think of your college application as an intricate recipe. Your SAT score is just one ingredient. When you combine your score with everything else in your application, like your GPA, your extracurricular activities, and your personal essay, you might get something really great—like a delicious acceptance letter.

The following information will help you figure out where you want to go and what you might consider a good score to help you get there.

1. Think About Your Future

Imagine your ideal college experience. What do you see? Are you in a big city or a small town? Is there a strong theater program or a state-of-the-art computer lab? Use the College Search tool to find schools that match what you’re looking for based on location, majors, campus life, SAT scores, and other factors, and then put together a college list. 

2. Understand the Score Range

The score range for the SAT is 400−1600; that’s your total score. It’s the sum of your scores on the Reading and Writing section and the Math section, which each have a score range of 200−800.

Setting an SAT target score is a great step that not only helps you  understand the score range, but can assist you in determining a realistic target. Check the schools on your list for their desired score range to help you further focus on your target.

3. Don’t Obsess Over the Numbers

We’re serious. Your SAT score might be a significant part of your college application, but it’s not the only part. 

Don’t count yourself out. Even if you get a 1600 (perfect score), there’s no guarantee you’ll get accepted by every college if the rest of your application doesn’t match what the college is looking for. 

If your score isn't where you think it should be to apply to a particular school, your application may have other strengths that could make you a great fit!

Don’t forget that you can retake the SAT to boost your score. In fact, most students do. Students perform better retaking the test due to increased knowledge, study time, and confidence with the test format. 

When you take an official practice test in Bluebook, you’ll be able to see the specific knowledge and skills that you need to focus on in My Practice. You can review those skills using Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy^®. 

One More Thing

Don’t stress out. No matter what your SAT score is, there’s a college that’s right for you—you just have to find it. Good luck!

Learn more about the SAT, including how to register.

Check out all the official practice resources available to you.