What is a good SAT score?

What Is a Good SAT Score?

When students ask, “What is a good SAT score?” the answer isn’t quite black and white—it depends on the context. But generally, a score above 1350 is considered excellent. This puts you in the top 20% of test-takers nationwide and makes you a competitive applicant at most selective colleges.

The SAT is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW), and Math, each scored on a scale of 200 to 800. A strong score in Reading and Writing is typically 680 or higher, while a top Math score falls between 690 and 800. If you're aiming for highly selective schools—like Ivy League institutions or top-tier universities—scoring above 700 in each section is ideal.

That said, a competitive SAT score doesn’t always mean perfection. Scores between 1190 and 1340 are solid and make you a strong candidate at many reputable colleges. Even scores in the 1000–1180 range can be sufficient depending on your target schools, especially if other parts of your application—like extracurriculars, essays, and GPA—shine.

It’s also worth noting that average scores vary by state and demographic, but the national average hovers around 1050. So, anything above that is already above average. And if you're scoring above 520 in either section, you're doing better than the midpoint of all test-takers.

Ultimately, a “good” SAT score is one that aligns with your college goals. Research the average scores of admitted students at the schools you’re interested in. That way, you’ll have a clear target—and a realistic sense of what counts as a strong performance for you.