The national picture
The average SAT total score is a little above 1000 out of 1600. Each section is scored 200–800. The average ACT composite is around 19 or 20 out of 36.
Rough SAT score ranges
- 1050–1200: above average. Competitive at many state universities.
- 1200–1350: strong. Competitive at many selective schools.
- 1350–1450: very strong. In range for highly selective colleges.
- 1450+: top tier. In the range of the most selective colleges.
Look up each college's middle 50% range. Aiming at or above the middle of that range is a good target.
How to raise an SAT score
- Start with a timed, adaptive diagnostic test, so you know the real starting point.
- Focus on the 2–3 weakest skills, not everything at once.
- Fix pacing: rushed misses and blank answers are often the quickest points to win back.
- Retest every 2–3 weeks and adjust the plan.
Mighty Minds does all four automatically. Its AI study plan updates after every session.