Being ranked 1480 on the SAT is an impressive academic achievement. With a possible score of 1600, a 1480 would place you in the national top 1–2%. This score would make you eligible to get into some of the most distinguished colleges in America, both state and private. Here, you'll discover an extensive list of colleges where a 1480 SAT score places you in a competitive range, and tips on scholarships, score comparison, and whether or not taking the SAT again could help increase your chances at top schools.

Is 1480 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Absolutely. A score of 1480 is an elite score—particularly on a first try. It's extremely competitive for several high-end universities such as Boston College, University of Southern California (USC), and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While some Ivy League and top-tier schools use average SAT scores of 1500–1550, a 1480 puts you comfortably within reach—especially if you also possess a high GPA, outstanding recommendation letters, and a compelling personal essay.

Tip: With a 1480 already achieved, focus on polishing your college application: showcase leadership roles, unique extracurriculars, and thoughtful essays that tell your story.

What Colleges Accept a 1480 SAT Score?

A 1480 SAT score is above the middle 50% range for many top universities. Here are some competitive schools where this score gives you a solid shot:

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
• Boston College
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
• Tufts University
• New York University (NYU)
• University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

These institutions conduct holistic admissions, meaning they look at GPA, course rigor, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation alongside SAT scores. Your 1480 makes you a standout applicant at many of them.

How Does a 1480 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

The national average SAT score for the Class of 2024 is 1024. A 1480 is over 450 points higher, putting you in the 98th to 99th percentile. This score shows your academic strength and preparedness for challenging college-level coursework.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1480?

While a 1480 is excellent, consider retaking only if:

• You’re aiming for Ivy League or ultra-selective schools like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, or Princeton (where average SAT scores are around 1510–1560).
• You believe you can realistically improve your score by 30–50 points with targeted prep.
• You’re seeking top-tier merit scholarships that require a 1500+ SAT score.

Otherwise, it’s best to focus on other application components like essays, recommendations, and extracurricular impact.

1480 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1480 SAT score equates to a 33–34 ACT score, also putting you in the top 2% of test-takers. Most schools take either, and some even superscore on both SAT and ACT—so it might strengthen your profile to send both.

College Scholarships That Accept a 1480 SAT Score

A 1480 SAT score qualifies you for competitive merit scholarships at several top universities. Some institutions automatically consider you for scholarships, while others may require separate applications. Here are a few notable opportunities:

• University of Alabama – Generous merit aid for students scoring 1360+.
• Baylor University – Offers competitive scholarships starting around 1400 SAT.
• University of Arizona – Wildcat Excellence Awards kick in at 1400+ SAT.
• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Provides merit aid from 1360+ SAT.
• Oklahoma State University – Offers tuition waivers starting at 1440 SAT.
• Temple University – Awards automatic merit scholarships for 1400+ SAT scorers.

Tip: Always verify the latest scholarship criteria on each college’s official website. Deadlines and eligibility requirements may change annually.

Top Colleges That Accept a 1480 SAT Score

Whether your goal is to get into a top public research university or a highly selective private university, a 1480 is a score that will draw the eye of admissions officers. These institutions evaluate applications holistically, meaning they consider not just test scores, but also GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and recommendation letters. A 1480 SAT score will place you in a strong competitive position, but a well-rounded application can significantly boost your chances of admission. Here's a closer examination of leading universities where a 1480 SAT score is within or above the middle 50% of accepted students:

A 1480 SAT is a strong credential that makes you a strong candidate at most of the country's top universities. Although you are just outside the Ivy League median, this score puts you well within the reach of top programs and competitive scholarships. With solid application materials and strategic college choice, a 1480 will get you far.