Is 1200 a good SAT score?
Updated October 5, 2026
It's well above the national average. On the College Board's percentile table a 1200 sits at the 81st nationally representative percentile and the 75th user percentile. That means 75% of recent test takers scored 1200 or lower.
Source: College Board: understanding SAT scores (percentiles)
How it compares
It is 155 points above the class of 2026 mean of 1045.
Source: College Board: 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report (total group)
The College Board's benchmarks are set per section (480 for Reading and Writing, 530 for Math), so check your two section scores to see whether a 1200 total meets both.
Source: College Board: Understanding Scores (Fall 2026, students and families)
Is it good for your colleges?
That depends on the schools on your list. Each school has its own score expectations. At schools where admitted students average 1200 or less, you're at or above the typical score. At more selective schools, a 1200 can be below average.
Your score is one part of your application. Your grades, your essay and your activities count too.
Nearby scores
- Is 1100 a good SAT score? (67th / 62nd)
- Is 1300 a good SAT score? (91st / 85th)
- What is a good SAT score?
Not sure where you stand? Lyceon's free diagnostic shows your strengths by section.
Start with the free diagnostic. No credit card required.
Start the free diagnostic