What is a Good SAT Score, Average SAT Score & SAT Score Range?

What is a Good SAT Score, Average SAT Score & SAT Score Range?

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Anna Lenon | Author
What is a Good SAT Score, Average SAT Score & SAT Score Range?

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) was first administered in 1926 by the College Board to assess a student's potential to succeed in college based on their aptitude and intelligence. Over the years, the test has undergone several revisions to better reflect the skills and knowledge necessary for success in college. The test was renamed several times and has added and modified sections. Throughout its history, the SAT has played an important role in the college admissions process.

The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. It consists of two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing & Math.

The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors, and scores are used by colleges and universities to evaluate a student's readiness for college-level coursework. The test is administered several times a year at various test centers around the world.

SAT Scores

SAT Scores are the results of the SAT exam, which is a standardized test used by colleges and universities in the United States and other countries to assess a student's readiness for college-level work. The SAT exam consists of two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the total score ranges from 400 to 1600.

The SAT scores are used by colleges and universities as a factor in determining admission, and many scholarship programs also use SAT scores as part of their selection criteria.

SAT Scores Release Dates

SAT scores are now accessible to students who took the SAT test in March 2023 or earlier, you can now access your SAT scores through your online score report or learn about sending them to your desired colleges and universities.

SAT Scores Release Dates after March 2023
SAT Test Date Paper/Pencil SAT Scores Release Date
Mar 11, 2023Mar 24, 2023
May 6, 2023May 19, 2023
June 3, 2023June 16, 2023
SAT Scores Release Dates for School-based SAT Test Takers on a Weekday
SAT Test Date SAT Scores Release Date
Mar 1, 2023Mar 23, 2023
Mar 22, 2023Apr 14, 2023
Apr 12, 2023May 3, 2023
Apr 25, 2023May 18, 2023

Good SAT Scores Range

Type Evidence-Based Reading and Writing SAT Math Ranking
Good SAT Scores670 - 800690 - 800Top 10% of all SAT test takers.
Competitive SAT Scores610 - 660600 - 680Top 25% of all SAT test takers.
Above Average SAT Scores540 - 600530 - 590Top 50% of all SAT test takers but less useful for competitive programs.
Below Average SAT Scores530 or Lower520 or LowerGood for many graduation programs, but will be below average compared to the applicants.

35 Free Full-Length SAT Practice Tests PDF - Click Here

Good SAT Scores & TOEFL Scores for U.S. Universities

University Name SAT Score Range TOEFL Score
Harvard University1500-1570100+
Stanford University1440-1570100+
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)1500-1570100+
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)1530-1570100+
Princeton University1460-1570100+
Yale University1460-1570100+
Columbia University1460-1570100+
University of Chicago1500-1570100+
Brown University1430-157090+
Duke University1450-157090+
Dartmouth College1420-1560100+
Johns Hopkins University1490-1560100+
Northwestern University1450-1560100+
University of Pennsylvania1450-1570100+
Rice University1460-156090+
Vanderbilt University1460-1560100+
Washington University in St. Louis1470-1560100+
Cornell University1390-1540100+
Emory University1370-1530100+
University of Notre Dame1400-1540100+
Georgetown University1370-153090+
University of California, Berkeley1330-153090+
Carnegie Mellon University1460-1550100+
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)1310-152085+
University of Southern California (USC)1360-153090+
University of Virginia1380-154090+
University of Michigan1350-153090+
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill1330-150090+
Tufts University1410-1540100+
Boston College1380-1500100+
Brandeis University1340-150090+
Case Western Reserve University1380-151090+
College of William and Mary1380-1520100+
Georgia Institute of Technology1370-153090+
Lehigh University1300-146090+
New York University (NYU)1360-1510100+
Northeastern University1370-1510100+
Pennsylvania State University1200-141080+
Purdue University1160-137080+
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute1350-150090+
Rutgers University1250-146079+
Syracuse University1180-138080+
Texas A&M University1180-139080+
Tulane University1320-146090+
University of Connecticut1230-141079+
University of Delaware1210-141079+
University of Florida1280-143080+
University of Georgia1240-141080+
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign1360-1500100+
University of Maryland1290-146090+

Upcoming SAT Test Dates & Fees - Click Here

SAT New Exam Syllabus & Topics - Click Here

Getting Your SAT Scores

Here are the main points for getting your SAT scores after taking the SAT test:

1. You can access your SAT scores online within two to three weeks of the SAT test date.

2. Log in to your College Board account to view and go to the Student Score Report home page.

3. Now, click on a score to see your detailed score report.

SAT Test Center

The SAT Test Center is a physical location where the SAT exam is administered to students. These centers are usually located in schools or other educational institutions, and students can register for the exam and choose a nearby center to take the SAT test. The view the SAT Test Center, students are urged to visit the College Board website. College Board provides a search tool to find SAT Test Centers in your area.

Visit College Board SAT Test Center Search Tool - Click Here

What is the Highest SAT Score?

The highest possible SAT score is 1600, which is obtained by achieving a perfect score of 800 on both the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections of the test.

What's a Good SAT Score?

A Good SAT score is subjective and depends on the individual's goals and the colleges or universities they are applying to. However, it's important to keep in mind that college admissions officers consider a variety of factors beyond standardized SAT test scores, including your high school GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

When do SAT Scores Come Out?

SAT scores are typically released about 10 days after the test date for the multiple-choice sections. The exact date when scores become available depends on the specific test date and may vary slightly from year to year.

What is the Average SAT Score?

According to the College Board, for the 2020 graduating class, the average total SAT score was 1051 out of 1600. However, it's important to note that this is just an average and that SAT scores vary widely depending on factors such as the student's academic background, preparation, and the colleges or universities they are interested in attending.

Harvard SAT Scores

Harvard University does not have a specific minimum SAT score requirement for admission. However, the average SAT score range for admitted students is typically between 1460-1570 out of 1600. Keep in mind that SAT scores are just one factor among many considered in the admissions process, and a high SAT score alone does not guarantee admission to Harvard or any other highly selective university. Admissions decisions also take into account a student's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and other factors.

400 SAT Words You Must Prepare - Click Here

Ensuring SAT Test Security And Fairness

Here are some key points regarding the testing policies of the SAT exam:

• Bring proper ID and comply with SAT ID Requirements.

• Impersonation for College Board tests is forbidden.

• Your scores and registration info, along with your photo, may be shared with your high school and colleges to verify validity.

• Sharing test questions or answers in any form (means via email, text message, exchange via the internet, etc) is not allowed.

• Don't share questions/answers or use resources during the test or breaks.

• Using phones and some electronics is forbidden in SAT test centers.

• Calculators only allowed for math and can't be shared.

• Leaving before test ends cancels your scores.

SAT Terms & Conditions: Exam Day

Here are some key points regarding the terms and conditions of the SAT exam:

• SAT Test takers must follow all rules and instructions given by the test center staff.

• SAT Test takers must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID to the test center.

• SAT Test takers must comply with all test security measures.

• SAT Test takers must follow all instructions given by the test administrator.

• SAT Test takers must follow the SAT cancellation and rescheduling policies.

• SAT Test takers must agree to the release of their scores to colleges and universities.

• Scores may be canceled if any test security violations are found.

SAT Scores: FAQs

Apart from Will, the only two famous personalities who have achieved a flawless score of 1600 in the SAT exam are Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, and Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook.

Yes, Harvard University accepts SAT scores as part of their admissions process.

Harvard does not have a specific minimum SAT score requirement for admission. The university considers many factors when reviewing applications, including SAT scores, but also looks at other factors such as grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. It is important to note that competition for admission to Harvard is very high, and the average SAT score of admitted students is typically in the range of 1460-1570 out of a maximum of 1600.

The highest SAT score you can possibly earn is 1600. The lowest SAT score is 400.

Yes, a score of 1350 on the SAT is generally considered a good score. It is above the national average, which was 1051 for the class of 2020, and falls within the range of scores that many selective colleges and universities look for in applicants. However, the competitiveness of your score depends on the specific colleges or universities you are applying to and their admissions standards.