If you’re preparing for the SAT in 2025, you’re probably wondering, “What score should I aim for?” While the SAT scoring scale hasn’t changed, defining what’s “good” depends on several factors—percentiles, averages, and, most importantly, your college goals. In this guide, we’ll explore how to define a strong SAT score in 2025 and how to identify your ideal target score.
What Is a Good SAT Score in 2025 Overall?
Generally, a good SAT score is one that places you above average among test-takers. According to recent College Board data, the average SAT score in 2024 was 1024 (with 519 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 505 in Math).
So, anything above that—say 1100+—can be considered good in a general sense. But averages only tell part of the story.
SAT Percentiles help you understand where your score falls relative to other students. Here’s a quick breakdown based on 2024 data:
| Percentile | Reading & Writing | Math | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99th | 760+ | 790+ | 1530+ |
| 90th | 680 | 690 | 1360 |
| 75th | 610 | 590 | 1200 |
| 50th | 520 | 510 | 1030 |
| 25th | 440 | 430 | 870 |
| 10th | 390 | 370 | 770 |
From this table, a score around 1360 puts you in the top 10%—an excellent result. Meanwhile, scores at or below 870 fall into the bottom 25%.
What’s a Good SAT Score For You?
While national averages and percentiles give context, the most meaningful SAT score is one that aligns with your college admissions goals. Your personal “good score” is the one that matches or exceeds what your top-choice colleges expect from applicants.
For example:
- Top-tier universities like MIT or Stanford may expect 1500+
- Mid-tier schools might look for 1200–1350
- Less competitive colleges might admit students with scores around 1050–1150
Your goal is to reach (or exceed) the 75th percentile score of your chosen schools to boost your admission odds.
How to Set Your SAT Goal Score for 2025 in 3 Steps
Step 1: Create a School List Chart
Make a table listing each school you plan to apply to. Add columns for:
- 25th percentile SAT score
- 75th percentile SAT score
Here’s an example format:
| School Name | 25th %ile | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|
| Penn State | 1230 | 1390 |
| Juniata College | 1070 | 1280 |
| Villanova University | 1380 | 1500 |
| Univ. of Pittsburgh | 1270 | 1450 |
Step 2: Find SAT Score Ranges
Search each school’s admissions website to find up-to-date SAT score ranges.
Step 3: Set Your Target Score
Identify the highest 75th percentile score in your list—that’s your target. In the chart above, Villanova’s 1500 is the benchmark. If that feels out of reach, you can aim for the second-highest, like 1450 for the University of Pittsburgh.
Once you have a goal total, divide it by 2 to estimate your section targets. For example, a 1500 target would mean aiming for 750 in both Math and Reading/Writing.
How Test-Optional Policies Impact SAT Goals
More colleges are adopting test-optional policies, meaning SAT scores are no longer mandatory. While this gives flexibility, many schools still consider scores if submitted—and strong results can tip admissions decisions in your favor.
However, finding accurate SAT data for test-optional schools may be harder, so do thorough research.
SAT Score Trends: Has “Good” Changed Over Time?
Here’s a quick look at average SAT scores over the years:
| Year | ERW | Math | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 519 | 505 | 1024 |
| 2023 | 520 | 508 | 1028 |
| 2022 | 529 | 521 | 1050 |
| 2021 | 533 | 528 | 1060 |
| 2020 | 528 | 523 | 1051 |
SAT scores dipped slightly post-2021, possibly due to COVID-19 impacts and the rollout of the Digital SAT. However, “good” scores haven’t changed much—percentile thresholds remain consistent.
Final Thoughts: What Is a Good SAT Score in 2025?
You can define a good SAT score in three main ways:
- Above-Average Nationally: Anything over 1024 is better than the average 2024 score.
- High Percentile: A score in the 75th (1200) or 90th percentile (1360+) is strong.
- Competitive for Your Colleges: Your real target is based on what your dream schools expect.
Once you know your goal score, you can build a study plan that gets you there—and start taking full-length SAT practice tests to track your progress.
What’s Next?
To maximize your prep:
- Use free SAT practice tests
- Focus on weak areas first
- Consider enrolling in a structured SAT online course for guided improvement
With clear goals and consistent effort, you’ll boost your chances of landing a score that opens college doors in 2025.
