What does a 1390 SAT score signify?

Hey everyone! So recently, my SAT scores came in, and my score was a 1390. I know it's not a 'perfect' score, but I'm still not sure where I fit in the grand scale of things. Can anyone tell me what percentile a 1390 would be in, or how it compares to the average SAT scores of students accepted by top colleges?

A 1390 is a solid SAT score--well done! Now, in terms of percentiles, a 1390 generally places you in about the 94th percentile. So, you scored better than 94% of all test takers, which is pretty impressive!

When looking at top colleges, the average SAT scores of accepted students tend to be higher, usually in the 1400s or 1500s. For instance, the middle 50% SAT score range (i.e., the 25th to 75th percentile) for universities like Yale and Stanford is typically around 1470-1570. So while your score may be slightly below the average for these elite institutions, remember, test scores are just one part of your application. Many factors, like your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation are also critically important.

For instance, if you have a “spike,” or a highly-developed specialty, in a certain field, this can make you a more competitive applicant, even if your SAT score is slightly below the average for a top school. Moreover, several colleges have remained test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle (like Columbia, Stanford, and UChicago), meaning that SAT scores are not required for these schools, and students can choose whether or not to submit scores.

Keep in mind that schools also look at your SAT score in the context of your school and geographic region. To get a sense of how you stack up against other applicants, you may also want to compare your SAT score to the average scores at the specific colleges on your list. The CollegeVine chancing engine does a great job of this, and I recommend checking it out if you haven't already. Good luck!