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I was recently asked by a student what a good SAT score was. The answer depends on the student and the colleges to which they are applying. From the perspective of many colleges, a somewhat lower score for a student from a small rural public school might be similar to a higher score from a student at a top private high school. This sort of approach is more common with private colleges than public ones. Public colleges tend to use more guidelines of grades and test scores in forming a freshman class.
But the real answer to what is a good SAT score really depends on the colleges to which you apply. Find the middle 50% of test scores for the colleges to which you are applying. If your SAT scores fall into that middle range you are generally going to be competitive for admission. To find the middle range of test scores you can look at the College Navigator web site. Find the college you are considering and click on the admissions tab. This will give you information about acceptances and rejections as well as average SAT and ACT test scores. Note that I said you would be competitive for admissions. If you are looking at some of the very selective colleges, test scores alone won’t tell you your chances of admission.
For most colleges, if your SAT scores put you in the top 25% of their average test scores, you will have a good chance of admission. Similarly, if your test scores put you in the bottom 25% of the average SAT scores, admissions will be more difficult. But remember, very few colleges will make a decision for acceptance or rejection based solely on your SAT scores.
If you would like help finding the best college for you or your student, I offer a FREE 1/2 hour consultation to discuss your needs for college admissions counseling. Give me a call now at 952-449-5245 or drop me an email.
what is a good ACT score? the highest i’ve gotten is a 30, but i don’t know where that is in relation to other students.
Comment by Jessica — November 30, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Jessica,
Whether a particular score is good depends on the colleges to which you are thinking of applying. Generally a 30 composite on the ACT is considered a good score. Nationally, a 30 puts you in the 96% of all students taking the test. This score would make you competitive at almost every college in the country.
Congratulations.
Todd Johnson
Comment by Todd Johnson — November 30, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
A selection index of 174 on the PSAT’s as a sophomore.. How is that?
Comment by Celina — December 18, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
Celina,
As I mentioned in the previous comment, the question of what is a good score depends on what particular colleges you might be considering. A 174 is a good score, particularly as a sophomore. However, it would most likely not be high enough to qualify you as a National Merit semi-finalist next year when you take the PSAT as the qualifying exam for National Merit.
How much higher your score would need to be for National Merit depends on your state of residence.
Take some practice SAT and ACT tests to see on which test you do the best and then concentrate your efforts on improving your score on that test. All colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT so you want to focus on your best test.
Comment by Todd Johnson — December 18, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
A selection index of 200 on the PSAT’s as a junior… How is that?
Comment by Brandon — January 15, 2009 @ 11:05 am
Brandon,
A 200 on the PSAT is very good. You don’t say where you live but it is probably not high enough for National Merit Semi Finalist status but it is close in several states.
Congratulations on a good score.
Comment by Todd Johnson — January 15, 2009 @ 11:15 am
A 208 as a sophomore in Virginia. Would that be good enough for a college such as…say, UVA or William and Mary?
Comment by Yunan — February 3, 2009 @ 7:15 pm
Yunan,
A 208 as a sophomore is an excellent score. However, there is no way to say whether such a score is good for any particular selective college because there are so many other factors that are considered for admission. Very selective colleges consider many factors for admissions including what your grades are, the classes you took to get those grades, how well you write and your involvement in extracurricular activities.
If you have very good grades in a fairly difficult curriculum then you would probably be competitive for the colleges you mention.
Comment by Todd Johnson — February 3, 2009 @ 7:36 pm
Hi, I’m a junior in my high school and I just come from a small town, so I don’t know exactly what is a good score to get on a SAT, but here’s what I got (essay not included):
Critical Reading-420
Math-440
Writing-520
Comment by Lexie J — May 23, 2009 @ 11:33 pm
Lexie,
Nationally the average score on each of the sections is about 500. I don’t really like the term “good” score because as I said in the article, it really depends on you and the type of college you are interested in.
Your scores may be good for you and the colleges in which you might have an interest. If you would like to get higher scores then I would suggest you look at this post from my blog on preparing for standardized tests. http://www.collegeadmissionspartners.com/college-testing/prepare-for-sat-act/
Otherwise, if you are satisfied with your scores just look at colleges where your scores are similar to other students who attend that college.
Comment by Todd Johnson — May 25, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
SAT test scores as a Junior are:
CR 580
Math 680
Writing 560 (Mult. choice 59) (Essay 7)
Would this be ok to get into a top public school?
Comment by BC — June 25, 2009 @ 10:35 am
BC,
SAT test scores alone can’t determine whether you are going to get into a particular college. Although test scores are important for most public colleges, your grades and the classes you took to get those grades are more important at most colleges.
The other issue with your question is what is a top public school. “Top” based on what criteria. Rankings in US News or other rankings? “Top” based on what people around you think?
Public colleges favor students who are residents of their own state. So your scores may be fine for a public college in your state but not high enough for a public college in another state. There is no way to say with just the scores.
I would suggest you take a look at the College Navigator website, http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ and look at the middle range of test scores of the colleges you have an interest in. If you are in the middle with your scores, you will be competitive if you also have strong grades.
Comment by Todd Johnson — June 25, 2009 @ 10:47 am
Hello, I am a sophmore in California and I received a 23 on my composite ACT score. Is this good or bad?
Comment by Chobbs — July 6, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
Chobbs,
A 23 on the ACT is fine. The national average is about 21 and the California average is 22. Typically, most students will go up several points between sophomore and junior year on the ACT. If you want to prepare for the junior year ACT I would recommend you look at this posting on preparing for the SAT/ACT.
http://www.collegeadmissionspartners.com/college-testing/prepare-for-sat-act/
Don’t worry about whether your test is good or bad. Just do the best you can and then look at colleges with scores similar to yours. And remember that there are over 700 colleges in the US that are test optional.
Comment by Todd Johnson — July 6, 2009 @ 7:36 pm
Todd-
My son scored a 1520 on his PSAT, a 1550 on his last SAT (Math and Reading), a 35 on his ACT, and a 780 and 770 on his SAT 2’s. He is taking a full IB diploma, and has a weighted average over 100%. He is in the top ten of his class, President of the History and Math Honor Societies, and a bench player on Varsity football. My wife is freaking out about safe schools, but is he a realistic Ivy Leaguer in your professional opinion. Iknow it is ultra-competitive now-a-days, but I am leading him in the right direction?
Comment by Jon — July 7, 2009 @ 12:39 am
Your son’s test scores and grades make him competitive for the Ivy League schools. That being said, it is generally understood that over 80% of applicants to these schools are competitive. It takes much more than grades and test scores to get into the Ivy League colleges. The activities you list are fine but generally these schools will be looking for something more to distinguish your son from the rest of the crowd.
I wouldn’t be freaking out about safety schools but your wife is right that your son needs to have several good safety schools that he would like to attend if he is looking at applying to the most competitive colleges. It is not at all unusual to see students with your son’s qualifications rejected by the most competitive colleges.
Comment by Todd Johnson — July 7, 2009 @ 8:25 am
Tha
Comment by Jon — July 11, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
Thank you for the advice. We appreciate it.
Comment by Jon — July 11, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
Mr. Todd Johnson.
I am impressed with the care and diplomacy which you extend students and families asking about good s.a.t. scores. Pointing out the differences caused by where you go to high school as well as where you want to go to college etc. must be very helpful.
Long story short, I left school when I was 13 to work for my fathers rock hauling business and did not make it to college. Life comes first, he used to say. However, now in my 40’s I am writing a screenplay, and I wonder if you could humor me, take off the kid gloves, and give me some s.a.t. scores that would make ANYBODY sit up and take notice. For that matter, what is perfect?
Your help would be appreciated,y quien sabe? maybe I can get you a screen credit. All in good fun, thank you in advance Mr. Johnson.
Sincerely,
Gabriel Martinez
Comment by Gabriel Q Martinez — July 16, 2009 @ 1:56 am
Gabriel,
There are three sections to the SAT. A perfect score on each section is 800. Therefore, a “perfect” SAT score is 2400.
This score will make anyone take notice. However, that doesn’t mean that a perfect SAT score will necessarily get a student into any college. The most selective colleges in the US regularly reject students with perfect SAT scores because scores alone are not what the colleges are looking for.
Rather,colleges are looking for students that are likely to make a contribution to the campus. Yes, students need good grades and good test scores at the most competitive colleges but they also need to have a strong resume of extracurricular activities and strong writing skills.
I hope that helps.
Comment by Todd Johnson — July 16, 2009 @ 8:55 am
I got scores of 33 on the ACT and 2120 on the SAT, but my GPA, even weighted, is only 3.86. I’m pretty good in most other areas, and I’m taking three more AP courses my senior year. I’m not concerned with getting into a good enough school, but I know that there’s no way that I can easily pay for one of those lovely expensive liberal-arts schools I’m interested in. I also won’t qualify for need-based financial aid.
Would my reach-like schools, like Lewis & Clark and Pitzer, be willing to provide merit-based financial aid with these scores?
Comment by Tara — July 17, 2009 @ 9:49 pm
Tara,
Your ACT score is above the 75% of both Lewis & Clark and Pitzer so you would be competitive for merit based aid. There is of course no way to tell for sure at these schools whether you would get merit aid. Average merit aid is a little higher at Lewis & Clark than Pitzer and Lewis & Clark is much less selective than Pitzer.
I would recommend calling the financial aid office at each school and asking for the typical grades and test scores of students receiving merit aid this past year. They will emphasize that this is not an indication of what might happen this year but in most cases it will tell you how competitive you are likely to be for merit aid.
Comment by Todd Johnson — July 18, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
Hi im a sophomore and i recently took the practice SAT test.I got my scores back and I had
MAth:590
Reading:610
Writing:570
Grammer: 57
Essay: 6
Compared to other students my age, are these good scores. I live in New York City and would like to go to John Jay college
Comment by Renoka — October 13, 2009 @ 5:52 pm
Renoka,
Your scores are above the 75% range for students currently at John Jay college so I would say they are good scores. Of course SAT scores are just one part of the admission considerations but it looks like your SAT scores should be good for John Jay.
Comment by Todd Johnson — October 13, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
Hi, I am a senior and my SAT score is an 1820. Is this score competitive enough to get me into the University of Florida (I live in Florida)? I feel I can do better and I am taking the test again next week.I’ll list some information that would help you answer my question.
My father is an alumni
I am heavily involved in extracurricular activities and community service
My GPA is a 3.8
Thanks
Comment by Greg — October 30, 2009 @ 12:13 am
Greg,
While there are no guarantees in college admissions it sounds as if you will be competitive for admissions at the University of Florida. The middle 50% of their SAT critical reading scores is 570 to 680. The middle 50% of their SAT math scores is 590 to 700.
The extracurricular activities and community service are good to have but most large public colleges rely heavily on your GPA and test scores.
Just make sure you have some other colleges that you are applying to that might be somewhat easier to get into.
Good luck.
Comment by Todd Johnson — October 30, 2009 @ 9:25 am
I am junior. My SAT score is 2070. Is it a good score for scholarship and admission in a good school? I like to major in Bioscience.
Comment by Roy Smith — October 31, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
Roy,
A 2070 would be considered a good score at most colleges. Whether it is sufficient for merit scholarship money or admissions depends on the colleges you are considering.
For merit scholarship money you should focus on colleges where your SAT score is above the 75% of their average test scores. However, also keep in mind that, depending on your financial circumstances, you may qualify for need based aid. Look at the webpage for basic financial aid to understand how financial aid works. http://www.collegeadmissionspartners.com/resources/info-to-know/financial-aid-basics/
Comment by Todd Johnson — October 31, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Todd,
My scores for the SAT were
Math: 750
Reading: 670
Writing: 660
Are they good enough for schools like Johns Hopkins, Emory, and Northwestern?
I am also taking SAT II subject tests. I’m not sure if I should send them in, because it appears that anything less than a 700 is not helpful to your application…
Comment by Jenny — November 6, 2009 @ 8:05 pm
Jenny,
Your SAT scores are generally in the mid range of test scores for the three colleges you mention so yes they are fine. Of course, test scores are just one part of the application process for highly selective colleges.
Northwestern and Johns Hopkins both recommend that you submit SAT subject test. Generally, when colleges say they recommend something, I tell students that they may be at a disadvantage if they fail to submit the scores particularly if you have taken the SAT. If you have taken the ACT then I think you have a stronger argument for not sending the Subject Tests.
Comment by Todd Johnson — November 6, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
Hi, I’m currently a junior and I’ve gotten a 2110 on the SAT
(Reading- 680
Math-760
Writing-670
Essay-8)
and a 33 on the ACT.
Also, I currently have a 4.6 GPA, or 4.0 unweighted, and don’t have excessive extracurricular activities, but I am greatly involved in and contributive to all the activities that I AM involved in.
Considering these factors, do I stand a good chance at getting in to Northwestern, U of Chicago, or the ivy leagues?
Comment by Anna — November 24, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
Anna,
Your grades and test scores are very strong and they will make you competitive for the colleges you mentioned. Colleges like these that are very selective generally require a certain level of grades and test scores to be competitive. But they are looking for much more than just grades and test scores. They will also evaluate the courses you have taken and whether you have challenged yourself with your classes.
They will also want to see your activities and your level of involvement. They will closely evaluate the essays you write for your applications. These are just a few of the other issues that may come into play with selective college admissions.
The other thing I would mention is that while you mention some very good schools they are also very different. Northwestern and the University of Chicago are both great colleges in Chicago but they are very different schools. Most students who would be happy at one of these colleges would not be as happy at the other. And the 8 colleges of the Ivy League are also all very different colleges.
You need to determine what you are looking for in a college and then find colleges that meet your needs.
Comment by Todd Johnson — November 24, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
Hello! I’m a junior in Virginia and I just found out that I got a 220 on the PSAT. I was wondering if I had a chance of making Semifinalist status? Thanks!
Comment by Alice — December 9, 2009 @ 8:47 pm
Alice,
I did a quick check and it looks like the cutoff score for Virginia this year is 218 so you should be in the running. I have not confirmed this with National Merit but you could do so by calling them to confirm the cutoff score for Virginia.
Congratulations on a great PSAT score.
Comment by Todd Johnson — December 9, 2009 @ 10:09 pm
Hi, I’m in eighth grade in Virginia. I am in a gifted program and was given the opportunity to take the PSAT. It was such a good opportunity, I couldn’t resist. I have talked to my guidance counselor and I was told that my scores are good for my lack of knowledge. My scores are;
Critical Reading 470
Mathematics 440
Writing Skills 460
I am wondering where I stand with juniors and seniors. Thanks!
Comment by Leah — December 15, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
Leah,
Good for you for doing well in school. The middle 50% score for the SAT is about 500 for each section. Your scores are very solid for an 8th grader.
Comment by Todd Johnson — December 15, 2009 @ 9:07 pm
I’m looking at MIT (or a school of equal notoriaty). Here are my stats:
unweighted GPA – 3.80
Weighted – 4.61
Top 10% of my class
SAT – 2080
Math 770
CR – 650
Writing – 660
I have a number of extracuriculars (4 of which I hold or have held a presidential position)
I have many state/national level awards (gold presidential service award, National AP scholar, etc.) and many awards from my school (highest scorer on the AMC 11, Excellent band member, etc.)
In addition to this I will have between 1 1/2 and 2 years of college credit from AP courses when I graduate high school.
Honestly, what do you think my chance are?
By the way, what are the chances of becoming a national merit scholar (commended student)with a PSAT score of 198 in North Carolina?
Comment by Zach — December 17, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
Zach,
Congratulations on being a strong student. As I am sure you know, MIT is extremely competitive for admissions. Your critical reading score is slightly below their 25% level. Last year their admission rate was only about 13% and whenever the rate is that low, admissions is unlikely. While you certainly will be considered you should also have some other colleges that you are applying to that are a more likely choice.
The cutoff for North Carolina this year was 214. My guess is you will be close for commended students.
Comment by Todd Johnson — December 17, 2009 @ 9:40 pm
Hello.
So I’m a collegebound senior that has already taken the SAT three times and I already assured myself that would be enough. I’m very much interested in the University of Florida and it seems the only thing that could stop me would be my low sat scores. I have a 4.8 weighted GPA and I’m ranked in the top 10% in my graduating class of 900 seniors.
Here are my scores:
Critical Reading- 580
Math- 460
Writing- 620
Essay- 10
I know my math scores don’t add up to my others and my essay score really surprised me but I’m not so sure if that will help. I guess my question is, how much will my low scores affect my chances of getting into the University of Florida?
Thank you in advance.
Comment by Brandon Agosto — December 22, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
Brandon,
Most state universities weight grades and test scores most importantly. Your grades are good but your math score is low. No one other than the admissions staff at the University of Florida can say what your chances of acceptance are. To be safe you should make sure you are also applying to some colleges where your chances are more likely.
Comment by Todd Johnson — December 22, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
How’s this as an 8th grader?
SAT scores:
critical reading: 670
math: 700
writing:640
Comment by Cassidy — December 23, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Cassidy,
Those would be considered very good scores for an 8th grader. Congratulations.
Comment by Todd Johnson — December 23, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Hello again, Todd.
I just submitted my applications for Northwestern and Johns Hopkins, and I’m feeling TERRIBLE about the supplement essays. Sadly I’ve been looking around at other essays (not for ideas, it’s too late) and realize how short mine are, or that they are not as in-depth as other people’s are. How much do these supplement essays weigh in? Everything else, like my main essay, ACT/SAT II scores,grades,and teachers’ recommendations, I feel confident.
Comment by Jenny — December 28, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
How good is the score of a 1300 on the sat
Comment by Shanel — January 26, 2010 @ 3:48 pm
Shanel,
Whether an SAT score is good depends on many factors including the colleges you are considering. Just for reference, the average score on all 3 sections of the SAT is 1,500. If only two tests, critical reading and math, are considered, the average is 1,000.
I hope that helps.
Comment by Todd Johnson — January 26, 2010 @ 4:03 pm
Hi, I just got my SAT scores back and was wondering about them:
720 Reading
600 Math
560 Writing
Comment by Ann — February 17, 2010 @ 3:17 am
Ann,
Your scores are all above average. But the issue is how they compare to the colleges in which you might have an interest. If you know some colleges in which you have an interest you can go to http://www.collegeboard.com and search for that college. The information on each college includes the middle range of test scores for that particular college. If you are in the middle range of test scores, assuming you have strong grades, you will be competitive for admissions to that college. Of course, the more selective the college, the more difficult admissions will be since they consider much more than grades and test scores.
Comment by Todd Johnson — February 17, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
Oh, I forgot to add my age. I’m thirteen. I’m in eighth grade, and had to take these for summer camp, not college. I don’t know at all what colleges I have interests in, I’m saving that for after I know what high school I’m going to next fall. Are they “good” scores for a thirteen year old?
Comment by Ann — February 20, 2010 @ 5:02 am
Hello, I got my SAT scores back. I’m in 8th grade, 13, but I took the SAT when I was 12. Are these good scores? Because I did terrible in Critical Reading and Writing, but do you think they can improve over time?
570 Critical Reading
720 Mathematics
560 Writing
Thanks
Comment by Raymond — February 26, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
Raymond,
Most students do score higher as they get older, particularly when the test is taken early as you did. As you continue to read and write it is likely that these scores will go up. Many students can also improve their test scores on the SAT through practice tests, and other test prep.
Comment by Todd Johnson — February 26, 2010 @ 5:44 pm
Raymond, I think I know you. :p
I also took the test right before I turned 13. I’ve decided to keep my scores and not retake when I get to high school. If I do keep them as my only scores, will colleges care that it was in eighth grade?
They were 800 math, 800 CR, 720 writing. There’s not much in the way of improvement to be had there except the essay.
So hopefully colleges disregard test dates? Or if they don’t, will this be viewed in a positive light?
Whee~ Thank you.
Comment by Lina — March 4, 2010 @ 10:28 pm
Lina,
Congratulations on very good test scores. Whether a college will accept those scores differs depending on the college. Some colleges don’t care when you took the SAT or ACT while some will want a score within the past 2 years.
My guess is that most colleges will not care when you took the test. However, keep in mind that at the most selective colleges, test scores and grades alone are not enough for admissions. They are also looking at other items such as your extracurricular activities, your essays, any volunteer activities, those sorts of things.
Get good grades in high school and get involved in some activities in which you have an interest and you should be a strong candidate for college in a few years.
Comment by Todd Johnson — March 5, 2010 @ 9:37 am