What is a good SAT score?
5 min read · updated 2026-08-31
A 'good' SAT score has no single number: it is good relative to where you want to go. But there are useful anchors, the national average and percentile bands, that turn the 400-1600 scale into targets you can plan around.
The anchors
- ✓ The scale runs 400-1600 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing plus Math, each 200-800)
- ✓ The national average sits a little above 1000, typically quoted around 1050
- ✓ Roughly: 1200+ puts you above most test-takers, 1350+ is competitive for many strong universities, 1400+ opens selective doors, 1500+ is the highly selective band
Set the target from the college list, not the average
The score that matters is the one your child's target colleges expect. Most university websites publish the middle 50% score range of admitted students: aim for the top of that range to be a comfortable admit on test scores. Building the list first, then setting the SAT target, is the order that keeps preparation focused.
Percentiles in plain English
A 1300 sits around the top 10% of test-takers nationally; a 1400 near the top 5%. Percentiles are published with every score report and they are the fairest comparison, because they translate your score into 'how did this student do against everyone who sat the same test'.
The realistic improvement frame
Diagnostic first, then 8-12 weeks of structured work, then a second sitting: improvements of 100-200 points are a common trajectory for students starting near the middle, and larger jumps happen with longer timelines. Beware anyone promising specific point gains upfront; honest programmes show you the plan and the practice data instead.
FAQs
Is 1200 a good SAT score?＋
Yes: 1200 sits well above the national average and is competitive for a wide range of state and private universities. Whether it is 'good' for your list depends on the colleges you are targeting.
How many times should we take the SAT?＋
Twice is the normal path: once at the end of a prep block, once after targeted follow-up. Most colleges superscore, using your best section scores across sittings.
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