What is a perfect SAT score? Does it really exist? And if it does, is it really attainable? Perhaps you’re preparing for your first SAT, and you’re wondering, what is the perfect score? What should I aim for? What is the highest SAT score for Harvard?
With many students asking the same question, you are not alone. This article will dive into the SAT score range, the truth about a perfect score, and good SAT scores for ivy league schools, including Harvard.
Ready? Let’s get your SAT scorecard prepped!
Table of Contents
What Is a Perfect SAT Score?
The perfect SAT score is 1600/1600.
But of course, this score is rarely attainable. Scoring a perfect 1600 in your SAT means scoring 800/800 in each section.
Also read: How Many Times Can You Take the SAT?
Data from the SAT Suite of Assessments report 2024 revealed that of the students who wrote the SAT in 2024, only 7% scored between 1400 and 1600. The exact percentage of candidates who attained 1600 was not specified, but we speculate a minor 1-2%.
Based on the same report, a majority of candidates scored between 800 – 990 (30%), closely followed by scores between 1000-1190 (28%).
SAT score distribution 2024: SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report
From these reports, we can deduce that obtaining a perfect SAT score is extremely rare. But that’s not to say it’s impossible; we encourage you to aim for the best, particularly if you’re looking to gain admission into an ivy league school.
So in this section, we’re going to uncover exceptional SAT scores that boost your chances of gaining admission into prestigious universities, including ivy league schools.
Also read: 10 Cheapest Universities in Finland for International Students
What Is a Good SAT Score?
The SAT score range is between 400 and 1600, with most candidates leaning between 1000 and 1400.
A good SAT score is one that increases your chances of gaining admission into university. This usually ranges from 1400 to 1600.
Any score below 1400 may be considered an average score and is not likely to secure your admission.
For ivy league schools, the standards are higher. A good SAT score that is acceptable in other universities may not be considered equally good in ivy league schools like Harvard.
Want to know what a good SAT score is in ivy league schools? Keep reading!
What is a Good SAT Score for Ivy League Schools?
Ivy league schools are some of the most competitive and elite schools in the United States. These schools include:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Dartmouth University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Brown University
Admissions for these schools are extremely hard to secure. If you’re looking to school in one of the ivies, you would rightly be asking, what is a perfect SAT score? This is because academic excellence in any ivy league school is the barest minimum, as most candidates are highly brilliant. So to give yourself an edge and stand a higher chance against other applicants, your SAT and other requirements must be exceptional.
So what is a good SAT score for ivy league schools? A good SAT score for the ivy league schools therefore range between 1500 and 1570. Exceptional scores are 1580 – 1600.
Some ivy league colleges like Cornell and Columbia may consider candidates who score between 1480 and 1490.
Also read: 15 Cheapest Schools in Canada for International Students
Did you know that not all ivy league schools mandate applicants to take the SATs? Read more in our article, What is a Good SAT Score for the Ivy League?
What is the Highest SAT Score for Harvard?
Founded in 1636 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States.
U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and other world leaders have attended Harvard, making it a school of high and elite academic standard.
Harvard University has recently revoked its test-optional policy, meaning applicants are required to submit either SAT or ACT results to be considered for admission.
So considering all these remarkable track records, what is the highest SAT score for Harvard? The highest possible SAT score for Harvard or any other university is 1600, being the highest SAT score range.
According to Harvard’s Common Data Set, most Harvard applicants (roughly 75%) typically score between 1500 and 1570. 25% score above 1570, and only 25% score less than 1500.
While a perfect 1600 SAT score is impressive, it does not guarantee admission, as there are other Harvard application requirements, such as essays, recommendation letters, leadership skills, etc.
Also read: How to Write SSP Essay | Full Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 2400 SAT Score?
A 2400 SAT score was the highest score on the old SAT format. It was the perfect SAT score, placing candidates in the 99th percentile, before the board changed its scoring format in 2016.
So if candidates back then asked, “What is the perfect SAT score?” the answer would have been 2400. If you’re still used to the old SAT scoring system, you can use a conversion tool to determine what your current SAT score would look like on the old 2400-point scale, or vice versa.
Is 1500 a Good SAT Score?
Considering that the maximum SAT score range is 1600, 1500 can be considered a good SAT score. This score is acceptable even for Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and Princeton.
Is 1000 a Good SAT Score?
1000 is an average SAT score. It’s not a good score, as it may not be accepted in most institutions.
Also read: How to Study in the USA without IELTS
Conclusion: What is a Perfect SAT Score—The Truth About the Perfect Score?
A perfect SAT score does exist. And like we mentioned in an earlier section of this article, that score can very well be attained. Just set your mind on what you want, prepare hard and go for it! You never know; you might be among the 1% who attain the perfect 1600-point score!
So when next you and your colleagues are discussing and someone asks, “What is a perfect SAT score?” or “What is the highest SAT score for Harvard?” you can provide answers easily or simply refer them to this article!
Stay connected for more informative guides.
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References
- www.blog.prepscholar.com—What is the Highest Possible SAT Score?
- www.reports.collegeboard.org – SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report
- www.nextadmit.com – Harvard SAT Scores: Full Breakdown
