What's considered a good score on the SAT?

Hello everyone, my SATs are coming up and I'm trying to set a target score for myself. Can you guys help me out? What's generally considered a 'good score' on the SAT?

A "good" SAT score can be subjective and often depends on the schools you are interested in. For instance, selective colleges might expect higher SAT scores compared to less competitive schools. However, you should consider your score "good" if it is at or above the average or median scores of the schools you're looking to apply to.

Having said that, if you're looking for a general idea, the SAT is evaluated out of 1600 with two sections, Math and Evidence Based Reading and Writing (EBRW), each offering up to 800 points. An overall score above 1200 is generally considered above average, with scores above 1400 deemed to be excellent.

A perfect score of 1600 on the SAT is very rare, obtained by less than 1% of test-takers. So while that might be the maximum possible, it's not a realistic aim for most students.

For reference, according to the College Board, the average SAT score in 2020 was around 1051, with an average Math score of 528 and an average EBRW score of 523. So scores above these averages are generally considered "good."

Keep in mind that most colleges now look at a more holistic view of the student, so your SAT score is just part of your application. Grades, extracurriculars, and essays are also factored into admissions decisions. Best of luck in your SAT preparation!