What percentile is a 1200 SAT score?

A score of 1200 on the SAT is approximately the 74th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 74% of all SAT test takers nationally. This is a solid above-average score that is competitive at many four-year universities.

What percentile is a 1400 SAT score?

A score of 1400 on the SAT is approximately the 94th percentile, placing you in the top 6% of all SAT test takers. This is a strong score that demonstrates exceptional academic ability and is competitive at highly selective universities.

What percentile is a 1500 SAT score?

A score of 1500 on the SAT is approximately the 97th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 97% of all test takers. This is an excellent score that is competitive at the most selective universities, including Ivy League schools.

What percentile is a 1000 SAT score?

A score of 1000 on the SAT is approximately the 34th percentile, meaning about 34% of test takers scored at or below this level. This is a below-average score (national average is 1050), but it is sufficient for admission to many community colleges and less selective four-year schools.

How is the SAT scored?

The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600. It has two sections: Math (scored 200–800) and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, or EBRW (scored 200–800). The two section scores are added together to produce your composite score. There is no penalty for wrong answers on the current SAT format.

How many times can I take the SAT?

There is no official limit on how many times you can take the SAT. Most students take it 2–3 times. Many colleges consider your highest single-sitting score, and some use "superscoring" — taking the highest section scores from multiple test dates. The College Board offers the SAT multiple times per year, typically in March, May, August, October, November, and December.

What SAT score do I need for a scholarship?

Scholarship thresholds vary widely by institution and program. National Merit Scholarships typically require a selection index of 207–222 depending on your state, which corresponds to very high SAT scores (roughly 1400–1520+). Many universities offer merit scholarships starting at scores around 1200–1300.

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?

Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests accepted by virtually all US colleges. The SAT (400–1600 scale) focuses more on data analysis and has no Science section. The ACT (1–36 scale) includes a Science section and its Math is generally considered more straightforward. Most students perform similarly on both — try a practice test for each to see which suits you better.

What is the average SAT score?

The national average SAT composite score is approximately 1050 (roughly the 43rd percentile). The average Math section score is about 520 and the average EBRW score is about 530. Average scores vary significantly by demographic group, state, and intended major.

SAT · College Board · 400–1600

SAT Score Calculator (2025–2026)

Enter your SAT score to instantly see your national percentile ranking and exactly how you compare among all test takers. Updated for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle using official College Board data.

SAT composite score (400–1600)

avg 10501200

4001600

Score benchmarks

1600Perfect score

99th

1500Ivy-competitive

97th

1400Top 6%

91th

1300Top 18%

82th

1200Above average

69th

1050National average

43th

900Below average

19th

69thpercentile

Average

Better than 69% of test takers

1200

Your score

1050

National avg

69th

Percentile

SAT score percentile chart (2025–2026)

Official SAT percentile data from the College Board. The table below shows what percentile each SAT composite score corresponds to during the 2025–2026 admissions cycle.

SAT score	Percentile	Students beaten	Tier
1600	99th	Top 1% of test takers	Exceptional
1550	99th	Top 1% of test takers	Exceptional
1500	97th	Top 3% of test takers	Outstanding
1450	95th	Top 5% of test takers	Outstanding
1400	94th	Top 6% of test takers	Excellent
1350	87th	Top 13% of test takers	Excellent
1300	82th	Top 18% of test takers	Above average
1250	76th	Top 24% of test takers	Above average
1200your score	74th	Top 26% of test takers	Above average
1150	60th	Top 40% of test takers	Average
1100	52th	Top 48% of test takers	Average
1050	43th	Top 57% of test takers	Average
1000	34th	Top 66% of test takers	Below average
950	26th	Top 74% of test takers	Below average
900	19th	Top 81% of test takers	Below average
800	7th	Top 93% of test takers	Needs work
700	2th	Top 98% of test takers	Needs work

Source: College Board SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report. Data updated for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle.

What does your SAT score mean for college admissions?

1400–1600

Highly competitive

Top 6% nationally. Required for Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, and similarly selective schools. These scores qualify you for merit scholarships at most universities.

1200–1390

Above average

Top 26–18% nationally. Competitive at hundreds of excellent four-year universities. May qualify for merit aid at less selective schools.

Below 1200

Average to below

Sufficient for many community colleges and less selective four-year schools. Retaking the SAT is worth considering — most students improve 50–100 points with focused prep.

SAT score calculator — frequently asked questions

Common questions about SAT scoring, percentiles, and what your score means for college admissions.

A good SAT score depends on your target colleges. The national average SAT score is 1050. Scores above 1200 (74th percentile) are above average. A score of 1400 puts you in the top 6% nationally (94th percentile), which is competitive at selective universities. For Ivy League and highly selective schools, you typically need 1500 or above (97th+ percentile).

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