What Is a Good SAT Score in 2025? Understanding SAT Score Ranges and How to Improve

The SAT is one of the most crucial tests in the college admissions process, influencing not only your chances of acceptance but also potential scholarship opportunities. But how do you know if your SAT score is "good"? While every student aims to score as high as possible, what's considered a good score can vary depending on factors like the colleges you're applying to and your intended program.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes a good SAT score in 2025, discuss what score ranges are competitive for different universities, and provide tips on how to improve your SAT score. Whether you’re targeting top Ivy League schools or looking for a solid score to meet basic admissions requirements, understanding your score is key to navigating the college application process successfully.

How the SAT is Scored

To understand what constitutes a “good” SAT score, it is important to first know how the test is scored. The SAT is divided into 2 sections: Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math. Each section is designed to assess specific academic skills, with a score range of 200-800 for both EBRW and Math, giving you a total SAT score of 400-1600.

SAT Sections

• SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW): This section is divided into 2 parts: Reading and Writing & Language. The Reading portion tests your ability to analyze texts and understand main ideas, while the Writing & Language section evaluates your grammar, punctuation, and writing skills.
• SAT Math: This section is also split into 2 parts: one that allows the use of a calculator and one that doesn’t. Topics covered range from algebra and problem-solving to more advanced concepts like data analysis and trigonometry.

SAT Score Calculation and Percentiles

Each of the above SAT sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and your total SAT score is the sum of your EBRW and Math scores, with the highest SAT score of 1600. In addition to the raw scores, your results will also be represented as percentiles, which show how your score compares to others. For instance, a score of 1200 might place you in the 75th percentile, meaning you scored better than 75% of test-takers.

While knowing your total score is important, it is equally essential to understand how your score compares to others through percentiles, as this shows how competitive your score really is.

What is Considered a Good SAT Score?

A "good" SAT score can vary depending on the universities you are applying to and the competitiveness of the applications. However, there are some general benchmarks you can use to understand where your score stands.

Average SAT Score

In 2024, the average SAT score was 1024. This means that a score above 1024 could be considered above average. However, it is important to note that this number is just a general guideline and may not be sufficient for more competitive colleges.

Good SAT Score by Percentile

The SAT is designed to rank students on a scale, so percentiles provide a clear picture of where your score places you relative to other candidates. Here’s a breakdown of SAT scores by percentiles:

• 1300-1400: This range places you in the 80th-90th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 80-90% of all test-takers.
• 1400-1500: A score in this range puts you in the 90th-95th percentile, which is competitive for many selective universities.
• 1500+: Scoring above 1500 puts you in the 95th percentile or higher, making you a top contender for highly competitive colleges, including Ivy League universities.

Good SAT Score for Your University

While a 1300 may be a good score for some colleges, it might not be enough for others, especially elite universities. For example, universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT look for scores above 1500, while other well-regarded universities (University of Texas, QS Rank 68, 1230 SAT score requirement) accept scores in the 1300-1400 range.

It is crucial to check the average SAT scores of admitted students at the universities you're interested in to get a better understanding of what score you should aim for.

Average SAT Scores for Top US Universities

Below is a list of top US universities that accept SAT scores for undergraduate admissions in 2025. Achieving scores within the ranges provided can be considered competitive for these institutions.

How to Improve Your SAT Score?

If your goal is to boost your SAT score, the good news is that with focused effort and the right strategies, improvement is definitely possible. Here are some methods to help you increase your SAT score:

• Seek Professional Tutoring: While self-study is an option, working with a tutor can be beneficial. A tutor provides personalized guidance, helping you target areas of improvement and increase your chances of scoring higher.
• Prepare Well in Advance: Start your preparation well ahead of the SAT dates. This ensures you have ample time to focus on each section and master the material before exam day.
• Join an Online SAT Community: Becoming part of an online SAT group or community can provide valuable insights from previous test-takers. You can exchange tips and strategies that can help you perform better on the exam.
• Take Mock Tests: Regularly taking practice tests under timed conditions helps develop essential time-management skills and familiarizes you with the test format.
• Take Regular Breaks: Don’t forget to take short breaks during your study sessions. This helps maintain focus and allows your brain to recharge, ensuring better retention and concentration.

A good SAT score aligns with the requirements of your target universities and enhances your overall application. While top universities demand scores above 1500, a strong score for you depends on the universities you are applying to and your academic goals. You must check out the university requirements and plan accordingly based on your key areas of strength and weakness, and then prepare for the SAT.