Average SAT Scores by College: How to Read the Ranges
How to use middle-50% SAT ranges from the Common Data Set to set realistic targets for any college on your list.
Where to Find Real Numbers
Every college publishes its middle-50% SAT range in the Common Data Set or admissions statistics page. Those are authoritative — don't trust third-party rankings for SAT data.
Aim Above the 50th
If your score is below a school's 25th percentile, your SAT is a weakness in the application. If it's above the 75th, your SAT is a strength. Aim for the 75th percentile at every school on your list.
What to do after reading this
- Record your latest Reading and Writing score, Math score, and total score.
- Identify the section that is furthest from your target.
- Run one targeted drill in that section before taking another full module.
Related SAT guides
- What SAT Score Do You Need for the Ivy League?
The middle-50% SAT score ranges for every Ivy League school, plus how to think about the bar if you're aiming for admission.
- SAT Superscore Explained: How to Use It
Most colleges superscore the SAT. Here is exactly what superscoring means, which schools do it, and how to plan retakes around it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Chasing a total-score goal without knowing which section is holding it down.
- Comparing scores without checking whether they are from timed, realistic practice.
- Taking another practice test before reviewing every missed question.
Use this in practice
Practice on 1600.now
Apply what you just read. Run the numbers in the SAT score calculator, take a full Digital SAT module, or drill targeted skills in the question bank.
Post 49 of 52 in the 1600.now Digital SAT blog.