Jul 18, 2025
What Is A Good ACT / SAT Score?
What Is a Good ACT/SAT Score? How to Understand What You Really Need to Succeed
By Andrya DavisSATACT
In this article
When it comes to college admissions, one of the most common questions students and parents have is: What is a good ACT or Digital SAT score? It’s easy to get wrapped up in the numbers, but what does a “good” score actually mean? Is it the score that gets you into the Ivy League? The score that qualifies for scholarships? Or is it simply the one that reflects your personal best?
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes an ACT or SAT score “good” by looking at national averages, college expectations, and the context of your own goals. Whether you’re aiming for top-tier schools or looking for scholarships, we’ll help you understand how to interpret your score—and what to do if it’s not quite where you want it to be.
1. Understanding ACT and SAT Scores: What Do They Mean?
Before diving into what a "good" score is, let’s quickly review how these tests are scored.
**SAT**: The Digital SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with two main sections—Math and Reading and Writing—each scored between 200 to 800. The composite score is the sum of these two sections.
**ACT**: The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. It has four sections—English, Math, Reading, and Science—each scored between 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of these four.
Now, let’s look at what a “good” score means based on national averages and college expectations.
2. National Averages: How Does Your Score Stack Up?
A. SAT National Averages
As of 2023, the national average SAT score is around 1050. This means that if you scored above 1050, you’re scoring better than about half of all test-takers nationwide. However, what qualifies as a “good” score can vary significantly based on where you plan to apply.
- 50th percentile (average): ~1050
- 75th percentile (strong): ~1200-1250
- 90th percentile (excellent): ~1350 and above
B. ACT National Averages
Similarly, the average ACT score is around 20.6 out of 36. Scoring higher than the national average is certainly a good start, but as with the SAT, it all depends on your target schools.
- 50th percentile (average): ~20-21
- 75th percentile (strong): ~24-25
- 90th percentile (excellent): ~30 and above
3. What’s a Good Score for Your Target Schools?
A “good” ACT or SAT score can vary dramatically depending on the type of schools you're applying to. Let’s break it down:
A. Top-Tier (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.)
For the most competitive schools, a “good” score is typically in the top 1-2% of all test-takers.
- **SAT**: For Ivy League schools, a score of 1450-1600 is typically considered competitive. For example, Harvard’s middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is typically around 1470-1570.
- **ACT**: For top-tier schools, you’ll want an ACT score between 32-36. Schools like Princeton and Stanford typically admit students with an average ACT score in this range.
Pro Tip
If you’re aiming for these schools, remember that test scores are only one part of the application. A high score won’t guarantee admission, but it can significantly strengthen your overall profile.
B. Selective Schools (State Flagships, Mid-Tier Private Colleges)
For selective but not Ivy-level schools, you’re looking at a middle 50% range that’s slightly lower.
- **SAT**: Schools like University of Michigan or Boston College have middle 50% SAT ranges between 1300-1450.
- **ACT**: A score between 28-32 will make you competitive for many of these schools.
C. Less Selective Schools
For schools with higher acceptance rates, your “good” score can be closer to the national average, or slightly above.
- **SAT**: A score in the 1100-1250 range would be competitive at many state schools and smaller private colleges.
- **ACT**: A composite score between 22-27 would place you above the average at many less selective institutions.
Fun Fact: Some colleges have become test-optional, meaning you aren’t required to submit an SAT or ACT score for admission. However, submitting a strong score can still enhance your application, especially for scholarships or programs with competitive admissions.
4. Using Your Score for Scholarships
Beyond admissions, a good ACT or SAT score can also help you qualify for scholarships, both at your school of choice and through external organizations.
A. Merit-Based Scholarships
Many universities offer merit-based scholarships for students who score in the top percentile on standardized tests. For instance, a score of 1400+ on the SAT or 30+ on the ACT might make you eligible for significant merit awards, even at schools that aren’t as selective in admissions.
**State-Specific Programs**: Some states offer scholarship programs for residents with strong test scores. For example, in Georgia, students with high SAT or ACT scores can qualify for the HOPE Scholarship, which provides funding for in-state tuition.
B. Private Scholarships
Organizations like National Merit Scholarship Corporation use PSAT and SAT scores to award scholarships to top-performing students. Typically, National Merit Scholars score in the top 1% of test-takers.
Pro Tip
Even if your score isn’t Ivy League-level, check with your target schools to see what score thresholds might make you eligible for scholarships. You’d be surprised how many schools offer awards for strong academic performance!
Placeholder for image: A graphic showing potential scholarship opportunities based on ACT/SAT scores.
5. How to Know if Your Score Is “Good” for You
At the end of the day, a good score is one that aligns with your goals. The scores you need will depend on several factors, such as:
- **Where you want to apply**: Do your target schools publish average ACT/SAT scores for admitted students? Check out their middle 50% ranges and aim for a score at or above that level.
- **Your personal baseline**: Consider your own strengths and weaknesses. If you started with a 20 on the ACT and improved to a 27 after months of hard work, that’s a great score for you—even if you’re not aiming for Harvard.
- **Your intended major**: Some programs (like STEM fields) may expect higher math scores, while others (like humanities) may put more weight on reading and writing. Research the expectations for your intended major to make sure your scores reflect your strengths.
6. What If My Score Isn’t What I Hoped?
If your score falls short of your expectations, don’t panic! Here are some steps you can take:
A. Retake the Test
Many students take the SAT or ACT more than once, and colleges typically consider your highest score. Use your initial results to identify areas for improvement—whether it’s brushing up on math, focusing on time management, or improving your reading comprehension.
B. Consider Test-Optional Schools
With more colleges going test-optional, you may not need to submit an SAT or ACT score at all. If you feel that your score doesn’t reflect your academic abilities, consider applying to schools where test scores are optional.
Stat: As of 2024, more than 1,900 U.S. colleges and universities have test-optional or test-flexible admissions policies【https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/the-short-list-college/articles/top-colleges-that-still-require-test-scores】.
C. Highlight Other Strengths
If your test score isn’t as high as you’d like, be sure to emphasize other aspects of your application—such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, or essays. Admissions officers look at the whole student, not just a number.
Placeholder for image: A student studying with a stack of test prep books, visualizing the journey to retake the test and improve scores.
7. When Should You Submit Your Score?
One important factor to consider is when to submit your score. Some schools allow you to submit scores after your application, while others require it upfront. Here are a few scenarios:
- **Early Decision/Early Action**: If you’re applying early, make sure to take the SAT or ACT with enough time to send your scores before the deadline.
- **Superscoring**: Many schools will “superscore” your results, meaning they take the highest section scores from multiple test dates. This can work to your advantage, so be sure to check if your target schools have this policy.
Conclusion: A Good Score Is Personal, Not Just a Number
When it comes to standardized tests, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what makes a good ACT or SAT score. It depends on your personal goals, the colleges you’re applying to, and how your score fits into the broader context of your application. The key is to use your score strategically—whether for admissions, scholarships, or just as a reflection of your hard work and progress.
Call to Action: Need help figuring out what score you should aim for? Our incubator program offers personalized test prep strategies to help you reach your goals. Contact us today to find out how we can help you succeed!
Ultimately, remember that your ACT or SAT score is just one part of your college journey. While it’s important, it’s not the only thing that defines your potential or your future.
