What Is a Good SAT Score in 2026? Complete Guide to Understanding Your Results
"What's a good SAT score?" is one of the most common questions students and parents ask. The answer depends entirely on your college goals, target schools, and personal circumstances. This comprehensive guide from SATHELP24x7.com explains what constitutes a good SAT score in 2026, how scores are distributed nationally, what different colleges expect, and how to evaluate your own performance strategically. Whether you're aiming for community college, state universities, or Ivy League schools, understanding what makes a score "good" is essential for realistic college planning.
You'll learn: Specific score benchmarks for different college tiers, national percentile rankings, how to determine if your score is competitive for your target schools, section-by-section score interpretation, and actionable strategies for improving scores that fall short of your goals.
Quick Answer: What's a Good SAT Score?
A score of 1200 or higher (out of 1600) is generally considered "good" because it places you above the national average and makes you competitive for admission to most four-year colleges and universities in the United States.
However, "good" is relative to your goals:
- State Universities: 1100-1250
- Selective Colleges: 1300-1400
- Highly Selective: 1450-1550
- Elite/Ivy League: 1500-1600
Understanding SAT Score Scale and Structure
How the SAT Is Scored
Before determining what's "good," you need to understand how SAT scoring works:
SAT Score Components
- Total Score Range: 400-1600 (combining Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math)
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW): 200-800
- Math: 200-800
- Section Subscores: Reading (10-40), Writing and Language (10-40), Math (subscores vary)
- Cross-Test Scores: Analysis in History/Social Studies and Science (10-40 each)
Most colleges focus primarily on your total score (the sum of ERW and Math), though some programs look closely at individual section scores, particularly STEM programs examining Math scores.
National SAT Score Averages and Percentiles (2026)
Where Do You Stand Nationally?
| SAT Total Score | Percentile Rank | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 1600 | 99th+ | Perfect score; extremely rare |
| 1550-1590 | 99th | Top 1% of test-takers |
| 1500-1540 | 98-99th | Top 2% of test-takers |
| 1450-1490 | 96-98th | Top 4% of test-takers |
| 1400-1440 | 93-95th | Top 7% of test-takers |
| 1350-1390 | 89-92nd | Top 11% of test-takers |
| 1300-1340 | 85-88th | Top 15% of test-takers |
| 1250-1290 | 79-84th | Top 21% of test-takers |
| 1200-1240 | 72-78th | Better than 3 out of 4 test-takers |
| 1150-1190 | 63-71st | Above average |
| 1100-1140 | 54-62nd | Slightly above average |
| 1050-1090 | 45-53rd | Average range |
| 1000-1040 | 37-44th | Slightly below average |
| 950-990 | 29-36th | Below average |
| 900-940 | 22-28th | Significantly below average |
| Below 900 | Below 22nd | Bottom quartile |
What Is a Good SAT Score Based on Your College Goals?
Score Tiers by College Selectivity
The definition of a "good" SAT score varies dramatically based on where you're applying. Here's how to think about scores relative to different college tiers:
Community Colleges & Open Admission
Good Score: Any score typically accepted; many don't require SAT at all
- Most community colleges have open enrollment policies
- SAT scores rarely factor into admission decisions
- May be used for course placement rather than admission
- Excellent starting point for college education
Regional State Universities
Good Score: 1050-1150 makes you competitive
- Many state universities accept majority of applicants
- Average admitted student scores: 1000-1200 range
- Strong GPA can offset moderate SAT scores
- Examples: Regional state schools, many directional universities
Flagship State Universities
Good Score: 1250-1350 is competitive
- Major state universities with strong reputations
- Moderate selectivity (30-60% acceptance rates)
- 1300+ makes you highly competitive
- Examples: Penn State, Ohio State, University of Washington, Texas A&M
Selective Private & Top Public
Good Score: 1350-1420 makes you competitive
- Well-regarded private universities and top state flagships
- Acceptance rates typically 15-40%
- 1400+ puts you above average for admitted students
- Examples: Boston University, NYU, University of Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill
Highly Selective Universities
Good Score: 1450+ is competitive
- Top 30-50 national universities and liberal arts colleges
- Acceptance rates typically 10-25%
- 1500+ gives you strong positioning
- Examples: Northwestern, Vanderbilt, USC, Georgetown, Emory
Elite/Ivy League
Good Score: 1500-1550+ required
- Ivy League and equivalently selective schools
- Acceptance rates below 10%
- 25th percentile typically 1450-1500
- Examples: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, Columbia
Breaking Down Section Scores: ERW vs. Math
What Are Good Individual Section Scores?
Understanding section scores helps you identify strengths and weaknesses:
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW)
- 750-800: Excellent (99th percentile) - Top tier competitive
- 700-740: Very Good (95-98th percentile) - Highly selective schools
- 650-690: Good (88-94th percentile) - Selective colleges
- 600-640: Above Average (76-87th percentile) - Most four-year colleges
- 550-590: Average (60-75th percentile) - Many state schools
- 500-540: Below Average (42-59th percentile) - Less selective schools
- Below 500: Needs improvement - Consider retaking
Math
- 750-800: Excellent (98-99th percentile) - STEM programs at top schools
- 700-740: Very Good (93-97th percentile) - Engineering/science majors
- 650-690: Good (85-92nd percentile) - Most STEM programs
- 600-640: Above Average (73-84th percentile) - Non-STEM at selective schools
- 550-590: Average (58-72nd percentile) - Many colleges accept
- 500-540: Below Average (40-57th percentile) - Limited STEM options
- Below 500: Needs improvement - Retake recommended
How to Determine If Your Score Is Good for YOUR Target Schools
The Middle 50% Range Strategy
The best way to evaluate whether your score is "good" is comparing it to the middle 50% range (25th-75th percentile) of admitted students at your target colleges:
Score Positioning Strategy
- Above 75th percentile: Your scores are excellent for this school. You're academically competitive, and scores won't hold you back. Focus on other application components.
- Within middle 50% (25th-75th): Your scores are good and competitive. Half of admitted students fall in this range. You have a realistic chance based on scores alone.
- At or near 25th percentile: Your scores are at the lower end of admitted students. You're not automatically excluded, but other parts of your application must be very strong.
- Below 25th percentile: Your scores are below typical admits. Consider retaking, applying test-optional if available, or focusing on schools where your scores are more competitive.
How to Find Middle 50% Ranges
Research your target schools' score ranges using these resources:
- Common Data Set: Search "[College Name] Common Data Set" to find Section C9 with exact score ranges
- College Board BigFuture: Each college profile shows 25th-75th percentile SAT scores
- University Admissions Websites: Most publish admitted student profiles with score ranges
- Prepscholar/Niche: Aggregated data showing score ranges for thousands of schools
Context Matters: When "Lower" Scores Can Be Good Enough
Holistic Admissions Factors
Colleges evaluate applications holistically, meaning test scores are just one component. A "lower" score might still result in admission when accompanied by:
Academic Factors
- High GPA with rigorous coursework: 4.0 GPA with AP/IB courses can offset moderate scores
- Class rank: Top 5-10% of class demonstrates consistent performance
- Strong recommendations: Teachers emphasizing intellectual curiosity and work ethic
- Academic awards: Science olympiad, debate championships, etc.
Personal Factors
- Compelling essays: Authentic, well-written personal statements
- Unique background: First-generation, underrepresented minority, low-income
- Geographic diversity: From underrepresented states
- Overcoming adversity: Personal challenges that affected testing
Achievement Factors
- Exceptional extracurriculars: National-level achievements in activities
- Leadership positions: Significant impact in school/community
- Specialized talents: Recruited athlete, performing arts, unique skills
- Work/family responsibilities: Significant contributions to family
Test-Optional Policies and What They Mean for "Good" Scores
Should You Submit Your Score?
With many colleges test-optional in 2026, deciding whether your score is "good enough" to submit requires strategy:
Submit Your Score When:
- Your score is at or above the school's 25th percentile (within middle 50% range)
- Your score is higher than your GPA would suggest
- You're applying to programs that value quantitative skills (STEM) and have strong math scores
- You're a first-generation or low-income student (research suggests scores can help these applicants)
- The college states or implies that most admitted students submit scores
Consider Test-Optional When:
- Your score is below the school's 25th percentile
- Your GPA and course rigor are stronger indicators of your ability
- Test anxiety or learning differences significantly affected your performance
- Limited preparation opportunities resulted in lower scores
- Your other achievements (activities, essays, recommendations) are exceptional
Improving Your SAT Score: What's Realistic?
Score Improvement Expectations
If your current score isn't "good" for your goals, understanding realistic improvement helps set expectations:
Typical Score Improvements with Preparation
- First attempt to second attempt: Average improvement of 50-70 points with minimal prep
- With 40-60 hours of study: 100-150 point improvement typical
- With 100+ hours of focused prep: 150-250 point improvement possible
- With professional tutoring (6+ months): 200-300+ point improvement achievable
- Diminishing returns at high scores: Improving from 1400 to 1500 harder than 1100 to 1200
Special Considerations for Different Student Populations
What's "Good" Can Vary by Background
First-Generation and Low-Income Students
Colleges consider context when evaluating scores:
- Limited access to test prep doesn't reflect your potential
- A 1200 with no prep may be viewed differently than 1200 with extensive tutoring
- Many selective schools actively recruit talented first-gen students
- QuestBridge and similar programs help high-achieving, low-income students access top schools
Students with Learning Differences
Accommodations and context matter:
- Extended time accommodations can significantly improve scores
- Disclose learning differences in application to provide context
- Test-optional policies specifically benefit students whose scores don't reflect abilities
- Strong GPA with challenging coursework demonstrates capability
International Students
Higher score expectations for competitive admission:
- International applicants face more competition; higher scores often required
- Many international students score 1450+ due to strong math preparation
- English section scores evaluated alongside TOEFL/IELTS when applicable
- "Good" for international students often means 1400+ at selective schools
Major-Specific Score Considerations
Does Your Intended Major Affect Score Expectations?
Different academic programs may emphasize different scores:
STEM Majors
Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Math
- Math scores matter more: 700+ Math often expected at selective programs
- ERW can be lower: 650+ typically acceptable if Math is strong
- Top programs: 750+ Math for MIT, Caltech, Harvey Mudd
Humanities Majors
English, History, Philosophy, Languages
- ERW scores emphasized: 700+ ERW strengthens applications
- Math can be moderate: 650+ acceptable at many schools
- Writing ability paramount: Essays and writing samples crucial
Business Programs
Business, Economics, Finance
- Balanced scores preferred: Both sections matter
- Quantitative emphasis: Strong Math scores expected (680+)
- Top programs like Wharton: 1500+ total typically needed
Frequently Asked Questions About Good SAT Scores
Is 1200 a good SAT score?
Yes, 1200 is a good SAT score. It places you in approximately the 74th percentile nationally, meaning you scored better than about 3 out of 4 test-takers. A 1200 makes you competitive for admission to many state universities, regional colleges, and less selective private schools. However, it's below the competitive range for highly selective universities.
Is 1300 a good SAT score?
Yes, 1300 is a very good SAT score. It places you in approximately the 87th percentile, better than about 7 out of 8 test-takers. A 1300 makes you competitive for many selective colleges and strong state flagship universities. It's within the middle 50% range for schools like Boston University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and similar institutions.
Is 1400 a good SAT score?
Yes, 1400 is an excellent SAT score. It places you in the 94th percentile nationally, better than 19 out of 20 test-takers. A 1400 makes you competitive for highly selective universities outside the very top tier. You'd be competitive at schools like USC, NYU, Georgetown, and many top-30 universities. It's at or slightly below the competitive range for Ivy League schools.
What SAT score do I need for scholarships?
Scholarship requirements vary widely, but general guidelines:
- Institutional merit scholarships: Often require 1300+ to qualify, 1400+ for larger awards
- Automatic scholarships: Some state schools offer automatic merit aid for 1200-1300+
- National Merit: PSAT scores matter; SAT doesn't directly factor into National Merit qualification
- Full-ride scholarships: Typically require 1450-1500+ along with other exceptional achievements
Should I retake the SAT if I got 1450?
It depends on your goals:
- Applying to Ivy League/Elite schools: Consider retaking to reach 1500+ if you believe you can improve
- Applying to other selective schools: 1450 is already excellent; time may be better spent on essays and activities
- Scholarship requirements: If specific scholarships require higher scores, retaking may be worthwhile
- Improvement potential: Only retake if practice tests consistently show you scoring 1500+
Want to Achieve a Good SAT Score for YOUR Goals?
Whether "good" means 1200, 1400, or 1550 for your target colleges, SATHELP24x7.com provides personalized SAT preparation that helps you reach your specific score goals. Our expert tutors create customized study plans based on your starting point, target schools, and timeline, ensuring you achieve the scores that open doors to your dream colleges.
Achieve your target SAT score with confidence! Book a free consultation to receive a personalized diagnostic assessment, realistic score projections, and a strategic preparation plan tailored to your college goals. We'll help you understand exactly what "good" means for YOUR applications and create a roadmap to get there.