Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What's a recommended SAT score for top colleges?

Hello! I recently took the SAT and I'm trying to figure out if my score is competitive enough for top colleges. Does anyone know what the recommended SAT score range is for schools like Ivies or other top-tier universities?

2 years ago

Hi there! While there isn't a strict SAT score cutoff for top colleges like the Ivies, there is a general range that most successful applicants tend to fall into. Typically, applicants to these competitive institutions should aim for an SAT score in the 1450-1600 range. The average SAT scores for admitted students at Ivy League institutions are usually between 1460 and 1570, depending on the specific school.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and having a score within this range does not guarantee admission. Likewise, having a score slightly below this range doesn't necessarily disqualify you. Admissions at these top institutions are holistic and consider numerous factors beyond test scores, such as your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

That being said, having a strong SAT score does help demonstrate your academic preparedness. If you believe your score could be improved, it might be worth considering a retake. However, it's essential to balance your time and energy between all aspects of your application, as a high test score alone is not enough to secure admission to these highly competitive schools.

If you have already taken the test multiple times or are happy with your current score, focus on refining the other aspects of your application to make it truly stand out. Best of luck!

2 years ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.