Average SAT Score | Universities list and their criteria!

What is an average SAT score? | SAT exam

Candidates can improve their chances of acceptance to elite colleges and institutions by attaining an average SAT score. To achieve a perfect score on the SAT, candidates must strive for 1600. However, an average SAT score range of 1060 or higher can be achieved. On the other hand, colleges and universities frequently base admissions requirements on student averages, and a strong understanding of these averages might help you attain your goals. Continue reading to learn more about the average SAT score and how to create a target number that is appropriate for you.

Overview of the SAT score range

Candidates must understand the SAT score range to apply to top universities abroad. The table below provides an overview of the SAT scoring range so that candidates can better prepare for the exam.

Percentile	Math Score	Evidence-Based Reading Writing Score	Total SAT score
50 (Median)	520	530	1040-1050
75 (Good)	600	610	1200-1210
85	660	650	1290
95	740-750	710	1430-1440
99+	–	780-800	1560-1600

What exactly is the average SAT score?

Candidates with high SAT scores have a better chance of admission to schools or universities. Candidates with an average SAT score have a better probability of admission to top institutions and universities. Candidates must aim for 1600 on the SAT to earn a perfect score. 

The College Board, the SAT’s governing body, has designated 1088 as the SAT average score as the United States national average score for 2021. The average SAT score for evidence-based writing and reading was 541, and the average SAT score for math was 538. Candidates must know the SAT score range and average SAT score before applying to top institutions or universities abroad.

Universities that accept average SAT scores

There are certain prominent universities with average cutoffs, which students should be aware of while applying for higher education. Candidates interested in further education should be aware of the foreign universities requiring high SAT scores to gain admission. The following sections will focus on top colleges, their average SAT scores for each section, and the composite SAT average score.

• Harvard’s average SAT score

Candidates interested in Harvard University should know the SAT score requirements. Its average SAT score is 1520. The table below contains information on the SAT score at Harvard University-

Sections	Average	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
Math	770	740	800
Reading + Writing	750	720	780
Composite	1520	1460	1580

• MIT’s SAT score

The SAT is required for admission to MIT. Candidates must ensure they meet the MIT SAT condition in obtaining the SAT average score listed in the table below-

Section	Average	25th percentile	75th percentile
Math	790	780	800
Reading + Writing	745	720	770
Composite	1535	1500	1570

• Stanford University SAT score

The Stanford University SAT score, on average, is 1505. The average SAT score at Stanford University is provided below-

Section	Average	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
Math	770	740	800
Reading+Writing	735	700	770
Composite	1505	1440	1570

• UC Berkeley SAT score

University of California Berkeley test scores require candidates to have an average SAT score of 1415. UC Berkeley has a lower SAT score requirement than other universities but offers candidates an effective education. Candidates interested in furthering their education can consider applying to UC Berkeley. The table below compares the average score needed for each section at UC Berkeley-

Sections	Average	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
SAT Math	725	660	790
SAT Reading & Writing	690	640	740
Total	1415	1300	1530

• Yale University SAT score

The average SAT score for Yale University is 1515, as seen in the table below. The detailed assessments are as follows-

Section	Average	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
Math	770	740	800
Reading + Writing	745	720	770
Composite	1515	1470	1560

• University of Pennsylvania SAT Score

The average SAT score for the University of Pennsylvania is 1500, as seen in the table below. The detailed assessments are as follows-

Section	Average	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
Math	770	740	800
Reading + Writing	730	700	760
Composite	1500	1440	1560

SAT exam preparation 

The following advice can be deemed helpful to make sure that applicants are capable of engaging in efficient SAT preparation–

• While applicants may be able to prepare at home, it is recommended that they get tutor assistance to get high SAT results. They would be able to receive additional assistance from experts, which would help them get better grades.
• Candidates should always study in advance of the state’s SAT exam dates to enable them to pay close attention to each exam section.
• Candidates can attempt to join the SAT online community, which contains students from prior years who may be able to offer them advice on how to ace the SAT exam.
• Taking mock examinations to learn time management skills relevant to the exam is important. 
• Candidates should take minor breaks in between exam preparation to allow them to focus on their subject areas.

Key takeaways

• While universities take various things into account when making admissions choices, standardized test scores are a significant component of your college application. 
• Higher scores imply that you will have more college and university options.
• Candidates must know the SAT score range and average SAT score before applying to top institutions or universities abroad.

Like this blog? Read next- SAT score | What is a good score, target scores, and more!

FAQs

Question 1. What is India’s average SAT score?

Answer. Any score above 1060 or 1200 is excellent because it places them above the national average.

Question 2. Is 1200 considered an acceptable average SAT score for colleges?

Answer. Yes, 1200 is a good number to submit when applying to colleges/universities with the typical SAT scores for colleges listed.

Question 3. What is an acceptable state average SAT score?

Answer. 1060 is a good SAT score to have in your state. However, go to the university’s website to get the specific SAT score range.