What’s a ‘Good’ SAT Score vs. the ‘Right’ Score for Your Student?"

I hear these two questions all the time.

• “What score should my child aim for?”

• “What’s a good SAT score for college admissions?”

Parents often use them interchangeably, but they’re two distinct questions—and answering them depends on a student’s goals.

The first one is about setting a personal goal that fits their college dreams. The second is much broader and subject to interpretation.

Focusing on your child’s individual goals is the key to unlocking a clear, achievable SAT strategy. 

What should my child’s goal score be?

This question depends on your child! It’s specific to their goals, abilities, and the colleges they’re interested in. Here's how to help them figure out their ideal score:

Step 1: Have them define their college goals

Start by having them research the schools they’d love to attend. 

Have them investigate the schools' SAT score ranges—these are usually listed as the 25th to 75th percentile of admitted students.

• If you want them to feel confident about their application, have them aim for a score near or above the 75th percentile.

• Use the highest ranges as the guide when applying to multiple schools.

Step 2: Think about scholarships

Will they need financial aid? Many colleges use SAT scores to award merit-based scholarships. For example, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship awards students tuition to Florida public universities with a score of 1340+. In addition, a score of 1300 or higher could open doors to thousands of dollars in aid at many schools.

Step 3: Consider where they’re starting

Their target score needs to challenge them without feeling impossible. If their first practice test score is 1050, aiming for 1200–1300 is a realistic next step. Breaking this goal into smaller chunks, like improving by 50–100 points at a time, makes their progress feel more manageable.

What’s a good SAT score?

This question focuses on general standards rather than personal goals.A “good” SAT score depends on how competitive the schools are.

National averages

The national average SAT score is around 1050–1100. If students score above this, they’re performing better than most test-takers—but that might not be enough for to gain acceptance to a top-choice school.

Selective Schools

Highly competitive colleges often look for scores in the 1400–1600 range. For schools with slightly less competition, a score between 1200–1400 might be considered “good.”

Test-Optional Schools

Some colleges don’t require SAT scores at all, but a strong score can still boost an application. Even at test-optional schools, having a competitive SAT score can make a strong student stand out.

Focus on personal goals

While knowing what’s “good” is helpful for context, a target score should always come back to individual goals. Ask your student:

• What schools are you aiming for?

• Do you need a specific score for scholarships?

• How much time do you have to study and improve?

Your child’s SAT goal should feel realistic yet motivating while giving them a clear purpose for studying.

How to help your student stay on track

• Set milestones - Break the target score into smaller increments to avoid overwhelm.

• Use practice tests - Regular tests help them measure progress and adjust their goals as needed.

• Celebrate all the wins -  Every improvement—whether it’s 10 points or 100—is a step closer to your dream score.

Remember, the question isn’t just “What’s a good SAT score?”—it’s “What’s the right score for my child?” Focus on their aspirations, take it step by step, and help them aim for a score that helps them achieve their goals.

Need help creating a personalized study plan? Let me know, and we’ll tackle this journey together!