Identifying a Good SAT Score

Hey everyone, any idea what score on the SAT is considered 'good'? I'm trying to set a goal for my next test.

The answer to what constitutes a 'good' SAT score can vary quite a bit, depending on your personal objectives such as which schools you intend to apply to. However, the benchmark set by College Board (the organization that administers the SAT) can serve as a useful general guideline.

An SAT score above 1200 is generally considered 'good', as it places you above the average (which hovers around 1050-1060). But let's dive a little bit deeper:

- If you're aiming for schools that are less selective, a score around the average will usually suffice. However, having a score above this threshold always provides a competitive edge.

- For more selective or reputed schools, often the competitive score is much higher. The more competitive the school, the higher the SAT score typically required to be a competitive applicant. For instance, at Ivy League and similar elite institutions, many successful applicants score above 1450. Keep in mind, though, that at such institutions, a high SAT score isn't enough on its own and other factors of your application — like coursework, grades, and extracurriculars — will also play large roles.

Remember, as you set goals for the SAT and go about achieving them, the test score is only one piece of your college application. You also want to be thinking about the rest of your academic profile and extracurricular involvement at the same time. Also, don't forget to study the testing formats, terms, and guidelines; the SAT underwent changes in 2024 so be sure to prepare according to the current format.