SAT Target Score Calculator
Enter your SAT section scores. See your total, percentile, and exactly how many points you need to reach your target schools.
How the SAT Score Calculator Works
The SAT has two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section scores between 200 and 800, and the two scores are added together to form the total.
Range: 400 (minimum) to 1600 (perfect)
Percentile = % of test takers who scored at or below your total
This tool uses College Board’s published percentile tables to map your score to a percentile rank among all SAT test takers. It also compares your score against the typical middle 50 percent range (25th to 75th percentile) of enrolled students at different selectivity tiers of US colleges and universities.
What Your SAT Score Means at Different Schools
Open and Less Selective Schools (SAT 900 to 1100)
These schools accept the majority of applicants and typically have a middle 50 percent range of 900 to 1100. This group includes many community colleges, regional universities, and open-access institutions. Scoring in this range means you are a strong applicant at these schools. These are not less valuable degrees; many offer excellent programs and stronger post-graduation outcomes than their acceptance rate might suggest.
Moderately Selective Schools (SAT 1100 to 1250)
Schools accepting roughly 40 to 70 percent of applicants, including many large state universities and well-regarded liberal arts colleges. This group includes schools like Arizona State, University of Arkansas, and many regional public universities. A score in the 1150 to 1200 range makes you a solid candidate.
Selective Schools (SAT 1250 to 1400)
Schools accepting roughly 20 to 40 percent of applicants, including flagship state universities and competitive private colleges. This includes schools like University of Florida, Ohio State, Penn State, and many strong liberal arts colleges. A score between 1300 and 1380 puts you in a competitive position.
Highly Selective Schools (SAT 1400 to 1520)
Schools accepting 10 to 20 percent of applicants. This tier includes schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, Georgetown, Tufts, and similar institutions. The middle 50 percent of admitted students typically score 1350 to 1530. A score of 1450 or above puts you solidly in range at most of these schools.
Elite / Ivy-Plus Schools (SAT 1500 to 1600)
Schools accepting under 10 percent of applicants: Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Penn, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, Duke, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and similar. The middle 50 percent at these schools is typically 1500 to 1580. A perfect 1600 does not guarantee admission; these schools evaluate the full application holistically.
Table of Truth: SAT Score Reference
| Total Score | Percentile | School Tier | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1550 to 1600 | 99th+ | Elite / Ivy+ | Top of the range; competitive at any school |
| 1500 to 1549 | 96th to 98th | Elite | In range for top-10 schools |
| 1450 to 1499 | 93rd to 95th | Highly selective | Strong at most highly selective schools |
| 1400 to 1449 | 88th to 92nd | Highly selective | Competitive at most highly selective schools |
| 1350 to 1399 | 83rd to 87th | Selective | Strong at selective schools |
| 1300 to 1349 | 75th to 82nd | Selective | Competitive at selective schools |
| 1200 to 1299 | 60th to 74th | Moderately selective | Above average nationally |
| 1100 to 1199 | 45th to 59th | Less selective | Around national average |
| 1000 to 1099 | 30th to 44th | Less selective | Below national average |
| Below 1000 | Below 30th | Open access | Strong at community colleges and open-access schools |
SAT Outside the USA: UK, Canada, Australia, and More
United Kingdom
Most UK universities do not require the SAT and do not list it as a standard entry requirement. However, some competitive UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, and UCL, may consider strong SAT scores as supplementary evidence for international applicants, particularly from countries where the local qualification system is less familiar to UK admissions officers. An SAT of 1400 or above is generally seen as meaningful evidence of academic ability for this purpose.
Canada
Canadian universities do not typically require the SAT for domestic applicants. However, international students applying to Canadian universities may submit SAT scores as supplementary evidence. Some Canadian universities, particularly those with close ties to the US system or those recruiting US students, actively consider SAT scores. A score of 1300 or above is generally competitive for most Canadian university programs.
Australia and New Zealand
Australian and New Zealand universities do not require the SAT for international student admissions. English proficiency tests such as IELTS or PTE Academic are the standard requirements for English language evidence. That said, a strong SAT score can be submitted as supplementary evidence at some Australian institutions, particularly for students from the US applying to competitive programs.
Common SAT Mistakes
Mistake 1: Focusing only on the total score without checking section balance. Many colleges care about your individual section scores, not just the total. A 1400 with 760 Math and 640 EBRW looks different to a STEM program than 700+700. Check the section score expectations for your specific major and school.
Mistake 2: Not taking the test early enough to retake it. Most students who retake the SAT improve their score. Plan your first sitting by junior year so you have time for at least one retake before application deadlines. Taking the SAT for the first time in October of senior year leaves no room for error.
Mistake 3: Assuming test-optional means SAT does not matter. Test-optional policies mean schools will not penalize you for not submitting a score. They do not mean a strong score does not help. At many test-optional schools, submitting a strong SAT score still strengthens your application significantly. The question to ask is: does my score fall above the 50th percentile of admitted students at this school? If yes, submit it.
Mistake 4: Using the wrong prep materials. The College Board offers free official SAT prep through Khan Academy. This is the best free preparation resource available because it uses official College Board content. Third-party prep books and apps vary enormously in quality. Start with the official materials before spending money on anything else.
Mistake 5: Not sending scores strategically. The College Board’s Score Choice lets you choose which SAT scores to send to colleges. You do not have to send all attempts. However, some schools require you to send all scores (check each school’s policy). Know the policy before you decide whether to retake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the SAT scored?
The SAT has two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each is scored from 200 to 800. The two scores are added for a total of 400 to 1600. There is no penalty for wrong answers on the current SAT. Each correct answer adds one point to your raw score. Raw scores are converted to scaled scores through a process called equating, which adjusts for slight differences in difficulty across test versions.
How many times can I take the SAT?
The College Board does not limit how many times you can take the SAT. Most students take it two to three times. Research shows that most students improve on a second sitting, with diminishing returns on the third and subsequent attempts. The test is offered approximately seven times per year, typically in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.
What is Superscore?
Superscore is the practice of combining your best EBRW score from one test sitting with your best Math score from another sitting to create the highest possible composite. Many colleges officially Superscore SAT results. If a school Superscores, it is almost always beneficial to take the test multiple times and focus on improving your weaker section each time.
Is the SAT harder than the ACT?
Neither test is objectively harder than the other, but individual students often perform better on one than the other based on their strengths. The SAT Math section goes deeper into algebra and data analysis. The ACT includes a Science section and has a faster pace. If you are undecided, take a full-length practice test for each and compare your results. Choose the test that plays to your strengths.
What is a perfect SAT score?
A perfect SAT score is 1600: 800 in EBRW and 800 in Math. Fewer than 1 percent of test takers achieve a perfect score. However, a score of 1550 is at approximately the 99th percentile, meaning it is functionally equivalent for admissions purposes at nearly every institution.
Percentile data is based on College Board published SAT score distributions. School tier benchmarks are approximate and based on publicly available admissions data. Individual college score ranges change annually. Always verify current data on each school’s Common Data Set or official admissions page. SabiCalculator is not affiliated with College Board or any university.
