What Is the Average SAT Score?

If you're reading this article, you're probably wondering how your SAT score stacks up against the competition, or at least how your score relates to the average SAT score. Of the 1.7 million SAT test-takers in 2017, the average student scored 1060 . That means half of all test-takers scored 1060 or below and half scored above 1060.

Within the average SAT score of 1060, the average score on the SAT Math section is 527 and the average score on the Evidence-based Reading & Writing section is also 533.

Average SAT Scores

  • Total: 1060
  • Math: 527
  • Evidence-based Reading & Writing: 533
  • Essay :
    • Reading: 5
    • Analysis: 4
    • Writing: 5

Learn more about the SAT essay.

If you're curious about how your SAT score stacks up against other test-takers with a similar GPA range, follow this table from the College Board.

Grade Point Average Average SAT Score
A+ (97-100) 1254
A (93-96) 1187
A- (90-92) 1122
B (80-89) 1005
C (70-79) 899
D, E or F (below 70) 850

Furthermore, if you're curious about how your SAT score stacks up against other test-takers pursuing the same college major as you, follow this table from the College Board.

Intended College Major Average EBRW Score Average Math Score Average Total Score
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences 508 495 1003
Architecture and Related Services Area 524 531 1056
Ethnic, Cultural, and Gender Studies 561 523 1084
Biological and Biomedical Sciences 571 561 1132
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Servic.. 536 537 1072
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 552 519 1071
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services 568 575 1143
Military Technologies 498 488 986
Construction Trades, General 479 479 958
Education 525 507 1032
Engineering 560 580 1140
Engineering Technologies/Technicians 516 532 1047
English Language and Literature/Letters 591 533 1124
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences 493 476 969
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General 575 541 1116
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences 529 516 1045
History, General 562 524 1086
Legal Studies, General 555 530 1084
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 575 541 1116
Library Science/ Librarianship 585 533 1118
Mathematics and Statistics 592 636 1228
Mechanic and Repair Technologies/ Technicians 466 470 937
Multi/ Interdisciplinary Studies 586 575 1160
Natural Resources and Conservation 558 537 1095
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies 484 482 966
Personal And Culinary Services, General 485 468 953
Philosophy and Religious Studies 566 535 1102
Physical Sciences 591 595 1186
Precision Production 488 486 975
Psychology, General 542 513 1055
Public Administration and Social Service Professions 511 485 996
Security and Protective Services 493 480 973
Theology and Religious Vocations 568 535 1104
Transportation and Materials Moving 513 512 1025
Visual and Performing Arts, General 537 509 1046
Other 487 476 963
Undecided 542 531 1073

So, where does that leave you? Whether you scored above or below 1060, you're probably wondering, so what?

To figure out how good your SAT score is, or how much you should aim to improve, it's important to consider your goals. One way to set a goal score is to look at the average SAT score of students admitted to your target colleges.

Read more about how to land on a target SAT score.

Compare your SAT score to the average SAT score of admitted students to your target college.

By taking the average SAT score of students admitted to your target college or colleges, you'll land on a target SAT score. This score, or score range, can serve as your ultimate goal for the SAT. Scoring above it means the SAT is helping your chances of getting in; scoring below is hurting your chances of getting in.

For example, let's say you've been dreaming of attending Auburn University your entire life. (Go Tigers!) This past March you took the SAT and scored a 1100. Now, how does the SAT impact your chances of getting into your dream school? As it turns out, the average SAT score of admitted students at Auburn is a 1255. That means, by raising your score around 150 points, the SAT is a check in the plus column.

To find the average SAT score of your target college or colleges, use the tool below.

Find the average SAT score of admitted students.

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