It is not easy to determine what is a "Good SAT score." The answer will vary based on the colleges you are applying to. Still, knowing benchmarks is important: the average SAT score is around 1024 as per the College Board SAT Suite Assessments Report, and any score above that is above average. A score of 1350 or more puts you in the top 10% of test-takers, significantly increasing your chances for college admission. Many colleges have since adopted test-optional policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a strong SAT exam score can still strengthen your application and point out your academic strengths. Continue reading to find out more about what is a good SAT score.

What Is a Good SAT Score?

A good SAT score is one that aligns with the requirements of your target colleges. The average score is around 1024, while a 1350 places you in the top 10%, making you competitive for selective schools. To set a target score, research colleges that fit your academic, financial, and extracurricular preferences, then check their average admitted SAT scores. Remember, your SAT score is just one part of your application—grades, essays, GPA expectations and extracurriculars also play key roles in admissions decisions.

Good SAT Scores for 15 Popular Colleges

Below is a table showing the middle 50% of students' SAT scores for 15 popular colleges and universities. All information is for class of 2026 or 2027.

You need to be aware of these schools because many applicants may have chosen not to submit their test results, and it is optional for them to administer. Read the contents of the table below for more information.

Top Strategies for Good SAT Score

Scoring well on the SAT exam isn’t just about cramming or repetitive practice tests—it’s about smart strategies that set you apart. Here are some lesser-known but highly effective approaches to excel on SAT test date:

1. Master Question Triage

Not all SAT questions are created equal. Start by tackling questions you’re confident in, and skip the ones that stump you initially. Return to tougher problems after securing easier points. This ensures you maximize your score within the time limit.

2. Develop Calculator Efficiency

While the Math section allows calculators, overusing them can waste time. Practice solving simpler problems mentally or on paper to avoid relying on your calculator for every calculation.

3. Use “Active Guessing”

When you don’t know the answer, eliminate wrong choices to narrow it down. Educated guessing increases your chances of getting points instead of leaving questions blank.

4. Create a Pre-Test Warm-Up Routine

On test morning, do a few easy math problems and read a short article to activate your brain. Starting your test “cold” can slow your performance initially.

5. Train for the Digital SAT’s Adaptive Nature

For the digital SAT, question difficulty adapts based on your performance. Prioritize answering early questions correctly, as they influence the subsequent ones.

6. Reframe the SAT as a Game

Treat the SAT like a strategy game. Learning its rules, patterns, and traps is as important as mastering the content itself. This mindset reduces stress and helps you approach the test with focus and determination. By integrating these unconventional strategies into your SAT prep, you’ll not only improve your score but also gain an edge over competitors relying solely on traditional methods.

SAT Score Percentiles and Good SAT Scores

SAT percentiles show how your performance compares to other test-takers, and they are key in determining what counts as a "good" SAT score. Nearly 1,973,891 students from the Class of 2024 took the SAT. Here's how SAT score percentiles were linked to the overall performance for class of 2024:

• 75th Percentile: For example, the 75th percentile corresponds to a score of 1190 (better than 75% of test-takers) as per the College Board SAT Suite Assessment Report. 
• 25th Percentile: The 25th percentile corresponds to a score of 840.
• 50th Percentile: The 50th percentile corresponds to a score of 1010.
• Section-Wise SAT Scores: In ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) section, 149,505 students scored between 700-800 and 175,440 students achieved a score between 700-800 in Math. 

SAT Score vs. Typical Scores at Your Target Schools

When considering SAT scores, it’s less about national rankings and more about how you perform relative to your target schools. Selective colleges tend to have higher average SAT scores, so aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range for your desired schools.

• Research: Check college profiles for the middle 50% SAT score range to understand where you stand.
• Target Schools: If your scores fall at the lower end of a school’s range, it could be a stretch; if they’re within the middle range, you’re a strong contender.
• Merit Aid: Higher scores can increase your eligibility for merit-based scholarships.

Use your target scores as goals, and aim to exceed them for the best chances of admission and financial aid.

Conclusion

Unless you received a perfect score on the SAT, you can always improve. Find your benchmark, then compare it to common scores at the colleges to which you are applying. When considering an admission decision, colleges take into account a lot, but standardized test scores form part of an important component of your college application. The better score, the more choices you will have.