What is a Good SAT or ACT Score?

When determining a "good" SAT or ACT score, context matters. Your goals should align with the schools you’re applying to and where you want to position yourself in their applicant pool.

What is a Good SAT Score?

• General Benchmarks:
• Average SAT Score in the U.S.: ~1060 (out of 1600).
• Competitive Score: Aim for at least the 50th percentile or higher for your target schools.

• Top-Tier Schools: Scores in the 75th percentile or higher (~1350–1540) make you stand out.

• Section Scores:

• Math: Scores range from 200–800. A good score is ~500+; higher scores make you more competitive.

• EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing): Scores range from 200–800. The average score is ~550.

• Composite SAT Score:

• A total of Math + EBRW (1600 max).
• Example: Ivy League schools often have mid-ranges like 1450–1560, while mid-tier schools range from 1150–1350.

What is a Good ACT Score?

• General Benchmarks:
• Average ACT Score in the U.S.: ~20 (out of 36).
• Good ACT Score: A score of 24 or higher places you in the top 25% of test-takers.

• Top-Tier Schools: Scores in the 30s are expected for the Ivy League or highly selective institutions.

• Section Scores:

• Four sections: Math, Science, Reading, and English. Each section scores 1–36.
• Composite score is the average of the four sections.

• Aiming for 24 per section is a strong goal for competitive schools.

• ACT Writing:

• Optional and scored on a scale of 2–12. Does not impact the composite score.

Setting Your Goal Score

• Research Your Colleges:
• Use resources like the Common Data Set or tools like BigFuture to find the score ranges for admitted students.

• Focus on scoring in the top 50–75% of the applicant pool.

• Build Your College List:

• Determine your target, reach, and safety schools.
• Match your scores to the score ranges of these schools.

Special Considerations

• Test Optional and Test Blind Schools:
• Test Optional: You can submit scores, but they are not required.
• Test Blind: Schools won’t consider test scores even if submitted.

• Many schools now adopt these policies—check individual admissions requirements.

• Superscoring:

• Some schools allow you to combine your best section scores from multiple test attempts to create a new composite score.
• Example: Use your best SAT Math from one test date and best EBRW from another.

How to Improve Your Scores

• SAT Prep Tips:
• Focus on high-yield content areas like algebra, grammar, and reading comprehension.

• Take practice tests to identify weaknesses and track progress.

• ACT Prep Tips:

• Emphasize time management, especially for Science and Reading sections.

• Familiarize yourself with ACT-style questions and pacing.

• Resources to Consider:

• Free tools: Khan Academy for SAT or ACT.org’s resources.
• Prep books, online courses, or tutoring can help for targeted improvement.

Final Thoughts

• You Are More Than a Number: While SAT and ACT scores are important, they’re only part of your overall application. Essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations also carry weight.
• Focus on What You Can Control: Do your best with the resources and time you have. Scores are just one piece of the puzzle.
• Celebrate Progress: Each point you improve represents growth—be proud of that!

With thoughtful preparation and a strategic approach, you’ll reach your personal best and strengthen your college application.

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