What Is a Good SAT Score? A Complete Guide for College Applicants

For decades, the SAT has been a pivotal, and often stressful, part of the college application process. It’s a marathon of critical reading, grammar rules, and mathematical problem-solving. After the pencils are down and the scores are released, every student and parent asks the same looming question: What is a good SAT score?

The answer, frustratingly, isn't a single number. A 'good' score is entirely relative—it depends on your personal goals, the colleges you're targeting, and how you stack up against other test-takers. This guide will demystify the SAT scoring system, break down what the numbers really mean, and help you set a target score that aligns with your ambitions.

Deconstructing the SAT: The 1600-Point Scale

First, let's cover the basics. Your total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600 and is the sum of two main section scores:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): This section combines your performance on the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test. It's scored on a scale of 200 to 800.
• Math: This section covers algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced math concepts. It is also scored on a scale of 200 to 800.

The formula is simple: EBRW Score + Math Score = Total Score. There is no penalty for guessing, so your raw score is based solely on the number of questions you answer correctly. This raw score is then converted to the familiar 200-800 scaled score for each section.

If you already have your section scores from a practice test or an official exam, you can see how they combine instantly. Try plugging them into our easy-to-use SAT Score Calculator to get your total score.

The Power of Percentiles: How Your Score Compares

A score of 1200 might sound good, but it's meaningless without context. This is where percentiles come in. A percentile rank tells you what percentage of students you scored higher than. If you're in the 75th percentile, it means you scored better than 75% of other test-takers.

According to the College Board's 2023 report, the average total SAT score for the graduating class of 2023 was 1028. This score is roughly the 50th percentile, meaning if you score a 1030, you're slightly above average.

Here’s a general breakdown of scores and their approximate national percentiles, based on recent College Board data:

• 1400-1600 (Excellent): 94th to 99th percentile. A score in this range is exceptional and makes you a highly competitive applicant at even the most elite universities like those in the Ivy League.
• 1200-1390 (Very Good): 74th to 93rd percentile. These scores are considered very strong and will make you a competitive candidate at most selective colleges and universities.
• 1050-1190 (Good/Above Average): 51st to 73rd percentile. This is the range where students are considered solidly prepared for college-level work. A score here is good for admission to a wide variety of state universities and private colleges.
• Below 1050 (Below Average): 50th percentile and below. While a score in this range may be sufficient for some local colleges or open-enrollment universities, it may be below the typical range for more selective schools.

How Colleges *Really* View Your Score

Admissions officers don't just look at one number. They analyze your scores in the context of your entire application and their own institutional benchmarks.

The 'Middle 50%' Range

One of the most important pieces of data to research is a college's 'middle 50%' or 'interquartile range' for SAT scores. This is the range in which the middle 50% of their admitted students scored. For example, a university's admissions website might state their middle 50% SAT range is 1250-1420. This means:

• 25% of admitted students scored below a 1250.
• 50% of admitted students scored between 1250 and 1420.
• 25% of admitted students scored above a 1420.

Your goal should be to score within or, ideally, above the middle 50% range of your target schools. This signals to the admissions committee that you are academically prepared to succeed at their institution.

Test-Optional vs. Test-Blind Policies

In recent years, many colleges have shifted their testing policies. It's crucial to understand the difference:

• Test-Optional: This means you can choose whether or not to submit your SAT scores. If you have a strong score that falls within or above their middle 50% range, submitting it can strengthen your application. If your score is below their range, you can opt not to send it, and your application will be evaluated on other factors like your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars.
• Test-Blind: A small number of schools are test-blind, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores at all, even if you submit them. The University of California system is a prominent example.

According to organizations like FairTest, the majority of four-year colleges in the U.S. are currently test-optional.

The Digital SAT: What's New?

Starting in 2024, the SAT has transitioned to a fully digital format. While the test experience has changed, the scoring fundamentals have not. According to the College Board, key changes include:

• The test is shorter, now about two hours instead of three.
• It's section-adaptive. Your performance on the first module of a section determines the difficulty of the second module.
• Scores are still on the 400-1600 scale, so all the percentile and college data from the paper-and-pencil era remains relevant.

Find Your Baseline and Set Your Goals

The best way to start your SAT journey is to understand where you currently stand. Take a full-length official practice test under timed conditions. Once you have your raw scores, you can determine your scaled section scores.

Ready to see how your section scores add up? Use our free and easy SAT Score Calculator to get your total score instantly. It’s the perfect tool to help you set realistic goals and track your progress as you study.

Ultimately, a 'good' SAT score is one that helps you get into a college where you will thrive. It’s a tool in your application toolkit—an important one, but still just one piece of the puzzle. By understanding the numbers, setting realistic goals, and preparing effectively, you can turn the SAT from a source of stress into a stepping stone toward your future.