What’s a Good SAT Score in 2025?

What’s a Good SAT Score in 2025?

 

If you're a high school student planning your college applications in 2025, one question you're probably asking is: "What’s a good SAT score?" With the SAT now fully digital and colleges continuing to evolve their admissions policies, understanding what makes a "good" score is more important—and more nuanced—than ever.

Let’s break down what a good SAT score looks like in 2025 and how you can set your personal target.

 


 

📊 Understanding the SAT Scoring Scale

The SAT is scored on a 1600-point scale, combining two sections:

  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW): 200–800

  • Math: 200–800

So your total score can range from 400 to 1600.

 


 

🎯 What Is a “Good” Score? It Depends.

The truth is, a good SAT score depends on your goals. Here’s how to look at it:

✅ Above-Average Scores

In general, the average SAT score hovers around 1050–1100. Scoring above this range means you're ahead of the curve compared to the typical test-taker.

🏫 Target Score Based on College Goals

Different colleges have different score expectations. Here’s a rough guide:

Type of School

Competitive SAT Score

Ivy League / Top 20

1450–1580+

Highly Selective

1350–1450

Mid-Range Selective

1150–1300

Less Selective

1000–1150

Use tools like College Board’s “Big Future” or a college’s official website to check the middle 50% SAT range for admitted students.

 


 

🧠 Test-Optional: Do You Still Need a Good Score?

Many colleges are still test-optional in 2025, but that doesn’t mean the SAT isn’t useful. A strong score can:

  • Boost your application at selective schools

  • Offset a lower GPA

  • Qualify you for merit scholarships

  • Help with placement in honors programs

So if you do well, submit it. If you don’t, you’re not required to—but a great score can only help.

 


 

🧮 How to Set Your Target Score

  1. Make a college list (dream, match, safety schools)

  2. Check their SAT score ranges

  3. Aim for the top 25% of those scores

Example: If your dream school’s middle 50% SAT range is 1380–1480, you should aim for 1480 or higher to be a competitive applicant.

 


 

📅 Prepare with the Digital Format in Mind

The SAT is now digital, adaptive, and shorter—just over 2 hours. That’s good news for many students, but it also means preparation strategies need to adapt. Practice using College Board’s Bluebook™ app to get used to the format and tools.

 


 

Final Thoughts

So, what’s a good SAT score in 2025? One that aligns with your college and scholarship goals. Whether that’s a 1200 or a 1500 depends on where you’re headed. Do your research, set a realistic target, and prepare with purpose.

Remember: a “good” score isn’t about perfection—it’s about positioning yourself for the future you want.

Back to blog