If you’re preparing for college admissions in 2024, one of the most common questions you might have is, "What is a good SAT score?" As the SAT continues to play a role in the application process for many universities, understanding what counts as a strong score is essential. Whether you're aiming for a state college or an Ivy League school, your SAT score can make a difference. In this post, we'll help you understand what is a good sat score 2024 and how you can set a realistic goal based on your dream schools.
How is the SAT Scored in 2024?
The SAT is made up of two main sections:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW)
- Math
Each section is scored between 200 and 800 points. Your total SAT score is the combined total of these two sections, which means the highest possible SAT score is 1600.
In 2024, the SAT is fully digital, but the scoring system has remained the same. Colleges still use the total score and sometimes even “superscore” — meaning they take your best scores from multiple test dates.
Average SAT Score for 2024
The national average SAT score typically falls between 1050 and 1100. This is based on recent trends reported by the College Board. Specifically, most students score about 520–530 on each section.
If you score within this average range, you will have access to many colleges, especially schools with less selective admissions or those that have test-optional policies. However, if you want more choices or better scholarships, aiming above the average is a smart strategy.
What is a Good SAT Score for Most Students?
For most students applying to public universities and mid-tier private colleges, a score between 1200 and 1350 is considered good. This range will make you a competitive applicant at many well-known institutions.
Some examples of colleges where this score is seen as competitive include:
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Temple University
- University of Arizona
- San Diego State University
In addition, scoring in this range can make you eligible for merit-based financial aid or honors programs offered by many universities.
What is a Great SAT Score for Competitive Colleges?
If you're targeting highly selective colleges or top-ranked universities, you will need to aim for a much higher SAT score. Typically, students applying to these schools have scores between 1400 and 1570.
Here are some average SAT ranges for competitive colleges:
- Princeton University: 1460–1570
- Columbia University: 1450–1560
- University of California, Berkeley: 1340–1530
- Duke University: 1480–1570
These schools are competitive not only because of SAT scores but also because of strong academic records, extracurricular activities, and impressive essays. However, a high SAT score will definitely help strengthen your application.
How to Decide What SAT Score You Need?
Research the Schools on Your List
The most important step is to check the SAT ranges of the colleges you are interested in. Many colleges publish the middle 50% SAT scores of their admitted students. If you can score within or above this range, your application will stand out.
Think About Scholarships
A higher SAT score is not only useful for getting into your desired school but also for winning scholarships. Many schools automatically award merit scholarships to students with SAT scores above a certain threshold, typically starting around 1200 or higher.
Don't Ignore Test-Optional Trends
Many schools are still test-optional in 2024, which means you don’t have to submit SAT scores if you don't want to. However, if your SAT score is strong, it is still worth submitting it as it can boost your application and make you eligible for scholarships.
Final Advice on SAT Goals
A "good" SAT score really depends on your personal goals. For some students, a 1150 might be enough to attend their local university with scholarships, while for others, a 1450 is needed to be competitive at a top-tier school.
The key is to research your target schools, create a realistic but ambitious goal, and give yourself enough time to prepare. Remember, the SAT is just one part of your application. Schools will also look at your GPA, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and essays. But having a good SAT score in 2024 can still give you an extra edge.