Is 1500 a good SAT score?
Updated October 5, 2026
Yes. It's near the top of the scale. On the College Board's percentile table a 1500 sits at the 99th nationally representative percentile and the 97th user percentile. That means 97% of recent test takers scored 1500 or lower.
Source: College Board: understanding SAT scores (percentiles)
How it compares
It is 455 points above the class of 2026 mean of 1045.
Source: College Board: 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report (total group)
It is well above both section benchmarks (480 for Reading and Writing, 530 for Math): even the lowest possible section score in a 1500 total clears them.
Sources: College Board: Understanding Scores (Fall 2026, students and families); College Board: understanding SAT scores
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 1500 or less, you're at or above the typical score. At more selective schools, a 1500 can be below average.
Your score is one part of your application. Your grades, your essay and your activities count too.
Nearby scores
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