Is 1500 a good SAT score?
Yes, 1500 is an excellent SAT score. It sits at the 97th percentile of SAT takers and the 99th among all US 11th and 12th graders, so only about 3 in 100 test takers score higher. It is about 470 points above the 1029 average of the class of 2025. It is competitive almost everywhere, though at the most selective colleges it can fall in the lower half of the middle 50% range.
In more detail
College Board publishes two percentiles. Among actual SAT takers of the last three graduating classes, a 1500 is the 97th percentile. Against all US juniors and seniors it is the 99th. A balanced 1500 is 750 in Reading and Writing and 750 in Math. The scale flattens at the top: a 1520 is the 98th percentile, a 1550 the 99th, and a perfect 1600 is above 99. The gap between 1500 and 1600 is only a couple of percentile points.
Where 1500 stops setting you apart is the most selective tier. At many of those colleges the middle 50% of admitted students starts around 1500 or higher, so a 1500 meets the bar without standing out, and grades, essays and activities carry more of the load. At many state universities and private colleges, a 1500 sits above the 75th percentile and can help with merit aid and honors programs. Test policies differ by college and change, so check each college's current rules.
Retaking a 1500 rarely pays. Going from 1500 to 1520 moves you up one percentile point among SAT takers. Retake only if a top-choice range or a scholarship cutoff sits above 1500, or if one section is clearly weaker and your colleges superscore. Otherwise put the time into the rest of your application.
1500 next to other SAT total scores (College Board)
| Total score | Percentile (SAT takers) | Percentile (all US 11th and 12th graders) |
|---|---|---|
| 1300 | 85 | 91 |
| 1400 | 93 | 97 |
| 1450 | 95 | 99 |
| 1500 | 97 | 99 |
| 1520 | 98 | 99+ |
| 1550 | 99 | 99+ |
| 1600 | 99+ | 99+ |
Step by step
- 1
Write down the middle 50% SAT range of every college on your list.
- 2
If 1500 is at or above the 75th percentile for most of them, stop testing and put the time into grades, essays and activities.
- 3
If a top choice has a range that starts above 1500, plan one more attempt, not several.
- 4
Look at your section split. If one section is clearly lower and your colleges superscore, aim the retake at that section.
- 5
Check the scholarship pages of your colleges for score cutoffs before you decide.
- 6
If you retake, review every miss from your recent practice tests and sit at least one full timed test first.
How StudyPDF helps
StudyPDF does not predict your SAT score. If a retake makes sense, put your prep book pages, notes and the skills from your score report into a course, and it builds flashcards, quizzes and timed practice exams on those skills, then tracks per concept what still costs you points. Set the retake date in the Plan tab for dated sessions. The free plan covers about 4 materials a week, no card needed.
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More questions
How rare is a 1500 on the SAT?
About 3 in 100 recent test takers scored higher. A 1500 is the 97th percentile among SAT takers and the 99th among all US 11th and 12th graders, according to College Board.
Is it worth retaking a 1500?
Usually not. A 1520 is only one percentile point higher. Retake for a specific target, such as a top-choice range or scholarship cutoff above 1500, or to lift a weaker section if your colleges superscore.