The SAT is a critical step for Indian students aiming to study abroad, particularly in the USA. With a global average score of 1050, you may find yourself asking—what is a good SAT score? The truth is, it depends on the universities you’re targeting.
Top schools like MIT, Stanford, and Ivy League universities often look for scores above 1500. On the other hand, mid-tier institutions may accept lower scores. For Indian students, excelling in Maths (a score of 750 or more) can give you a strong advantage, especially if you’re considering STEM programs.
So, what is a good SAT score for you? It’s the one that matches your dream university’s requirements. As you plan your preparation, keep these benchmarks in mind to improve your chances of admission. Read on to know more.
SAT Score Ranges & Percentiles
Your SAT exam results include a total score between 400 and 1600. This total score is the sum of two section scores: Reading & Writing and Math, each ranging from 200 to 800.
Percentiles indicate how you performed compared to others. For example, if you score in the 90th percentile, you did better than 90% of test-takers. Anything above 1350 places you in the top 10% and scores above 1500, securing a top 1-2% spot.
Knowing these ranges helps you figure out what is a good SAT score for your college applications.
Here’s an overview of the SAT score range and their respective rankings.
| SAT Score | Interpretation | Top Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1250 | Above average | Top 19% |
| 1350 | Strong score | Top 10% |
| 1400 | Outstanding | Top 7% |
| 1500+ | Excellent | Top 1-2% |
SAT Raw Score Vs. SAT Scaled Score
SAT raw scores reflect how many questions you answered correctly, with no penalties for incorrect answers. Scaled scores adjust for the difficulty of the test, ensuring that scores are comparable across different versions of the SAT.
These scores range from 200 to 800 for each section (Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) and the overall SAT score. For example, if you answer 50 questions correctly, you might receive a scaled score of 800, while 40 correct answers could result in a scaled score of around 700.
While the exact conversion can vary slightly depending on the test version, this general process helps determine what is a good SAT score for your college applications.
Here’s an example of how a raw score in the Math section of the SAT is converted to a scaled score.
| Raw Score | Scaled Score |
|---|---|
| 50 | 800 |
| 47 | 770 |
| 44 | 740 |
| 40 | 700 |
| 35 | 650 |
How to Find Your SAT Scores?
After taking the SAT, you will receive your results in 2 to 4 weeks. For example, if you take the SAT in Spring 2025, you can expect your results after testing ends on April 30, 2025.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to check and understand your SAT scores, helping you assess what is a good SAT score for your college application.
- Log In to Your College Board Account: To view your SAT scores, visit the College Board website and log into your account.
- Go to Your SAT Scores Section: Once logged in, click on the “My SAT” tab to access your SAT scores.
- Select Your Test Date: Choose the test date for which you want to view the results. Your scores will be available under the “Scores” tab after they are released.
- Review Your SAT Score Report: Your score report will display your raw and scaled scores for each section (Math, Reading, & Writing). It also includes percentiles, which show how you compared to other test-takers.
- Send Your Scores to Colleges: You can send your scores to colleges directly from your College Board account. Typically, you can send your scores for free to up to four schools.
Colleges/Universities Accepting SAT Scores
Over 4,000 universities worldwide recognise the SAT, including more than 40 prestigious institutions in India alone. This widespread acceptance opens doors to countless educational opportunities for students.
To maximise your chances, it’s essential to understand what is a good SAT score. Aiming for a score that meets or exceeds the average for your target schools can significantly improve your chances.
Here is a list of the top 10 universities accepting SAT scores.
| Name of the University | QS Ranking 2025 | SAT Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | 1520 to 1580 |
| University of Oxford | 3 | 1400 to 1600 |
| Harvard University | 4 | 1460 to 1580 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | 1450 to 1550 |
| Stanford University | 6 | 1550 to 1560 |
| National University of Singapore | 8 | 1250 to 1520 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | 1500 to 1600 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 | 1480 to 1570 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 12 | Avg 1415 |
| University of Melbourne | 13 | 1190 to 1440 |
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What if your SAT Score is Too Low?
If your SAT score is too low, don’t worry – it’s not the end of the road. What is a good SAT score varies by school, but anything below 1000 might be considered below average for top universities.
But with the right strategies, you can achieve better SAT exam results and improve your overall score. Here are some tips to improve your SAT score.
- Take Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to become familiar with the test format and improve time management.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Use your practice SAT exam results to pinpoint weak sections like math, reading, or writing, and devote extra time to mastering them.
- Develop a Study Plan: Structure a study schedule with clear goals for each session, ensuring consistent progress and comprehensive coverage of the SAT syllabus.
- Learn Test-Taking Strategies: Apply strategies like eliminating incorrect answers, smart guessing, and pacing yourself to complete the test on time.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Consider private tutoring or enrolling in SAT prep courses for personalised strategies and expert insights to enhance your performance.
SAT Leap Coaching
Preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to be difficult. With Leap Scholar’s expert coaching, you can confidently work towards a 1500+ score.
Here’s how Leap’s SAT coaching can help you achieve your target score:
- 1:1 Personalised Classes: Get lessons tailored to your specific needs by expert tutors.
- 100+ Mock Tests: Take practice exams that closely mirror the real SAT experience.
- Exclusive Study Materials: Access comprehensive resources to ensure effective preparation.
- Detailed Performance Feedback: Receive insightful feedback to improve your performance in every section.
The program offers flexibility, allowing you to structure your study schedule over 3 to 8 weeks. Start preparing with Leap today and get closer to your dream score!
A good SAT score can be the key to opening doors at your dream universities. So, what is a good SAT score for you? If you’re aiming for top-tier schools like MIT or Stanford, anything above 1500 will make you a strong contender.
For other universities, a score in the 1300-1400 range can still get you noticed. Focus on mastering your weak areas, practising consistently, and aligning your score with the requirements of the schools you’re targeting. Remember, what is a good SAT score? It’s the one that puts you in the best position to succeed in the admissions process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Is 1200 a good score on the SAT?
Ans. A score of 1200 on the SAT is considered average, but it may need to be competitive for top-tier universities. What is a good SAT score depends on your target schools, so aim for a score above 1300 if you’re aiming for more competitive institutions.
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Q. What is a good SAT test score for Indian students?
Ans. For Indian students, a good SAT test score depends on the universities you’re targeting. Generally, a score above 1350 is competitive for mid-tier universities, while top institutions like MIT or Ivy League schools typically expect scores above 1500. When considering what is a good SAT test score, aim for a score that aligns with the average for your desired schools.
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Q. What is a good SAT score for Harvard?
Ans. A good SAT score for Harvard typically falls between 1460 and 1570, with many admitted students scoring closer to 1500 or higher. When considering what is a good SAT score for Ivy League schools, aiming for a score in this range can significantly increase your chances of admission.
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Q. What is the hardest college to get into?
Ans. The hardest college to get into is typically considered to be Harvard University, followed by other Ivy League schools like Stanford and MIT. To improve your chances of admission, it’s essential to know what is a good SAT score for these top-tier universities, as their average SAT scores tend to be above 1500.
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Q. Can I get into MIT with a 1200 SAT?
Ans. A score of 1200 on the SAT may need to be more competitive for top universities like MIT. MIT typically expects a score well above 1500. When considering what is a good SAT score, aim for a score that aligns with the average for your target school to increase your chances of admission.
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Q. Can I get into Princeton with a 1200 SAT score?
Ans. A 1200 SAT score is below the average for highly competitive schools like Princeton, where successful applicants typically have scores above 1500. While what is a good SAT score varies by school, aiming for a higher score is recommended to improve your chances at top-tier universities like Princeton.
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Q. How important are SAT scores for university admissions?
Ans. SAT scores play a significant role in the admissions process, particularly for universities in the USA. While they are essential, other factors such as your academic record, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations also influence your application. Achieving a good SAT score can strengthen your overall profile.
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Q. Can I retake the SAT if I am not satisfied with my score?
Ans. Yes, you can retake the SAT if you are unhappy with your score. Many students take the test more than once to improve their performance. Universities usually consider your highest score, so preparing thoroughly before your retake is essential.
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Q. What SAT score do I need for scholarships?
Ans. Scholarship requirements vary, but a score above 1400 can make you eligible for merit-based scholarships at many universities. Higher scores, particularly above 1500, can improve your chances of securing more competitive scholarships.
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Q. Is it possible to study abroad without an SAT score?
Ans. Yes, several universities, especially in Europe, Australia, and some in the USA, offer admissions without requiring SAT scores. However, competitive institutions like Ivy League universities and MIT still consider SAT scores as a critical factor in the admissions process.
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Q. Does the SAT include negative marking for wrong answers?
Ans. No, the SAT does not include negative marking for incorrect answers. This means you can attempt all questions without fear of losing marks, making it advantageous to guess if you are unsure of an answer.
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