Is 1200, 1300, or 1400 a Good SAT Score? (2026 Percentiles)
What SAT scores of 1200, 1300, and 1400 mean in 2026: national percentiles, competitive college ranges, and whether you should retake.
"Is my SAT score good?" is one of the highest-volume search queries every testing season. The honest answer: it depends on your target colleges — but national percentiles give you a useful baseline.
This guide breaks down what 1200, 1300, and 1400 mean in 2026, with percentile context and retake guidance.
Related: Score percentiles 2026 · Superscore guide · Score calculator
Quick Reference Table
| Total Score | Approx. Percentile | General Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1200 | ~75th | Above average |
| 1300 | ~87th | Strong |
| 1400 | ~95th | Excellent |
Percentiles shift slightly each year. See our full percentile breakdown for updated data.
Is 1200 a Good SAT Score?
National context: 1200 (600 R&W + 600 Math) places you around the 75th percentile — you scored higher than about three-quarters of test takers.
College context:
- Competitive for: Many state universities, regional colleges, test-optional schools that still consider scores
- Below median at: Most top-50 national universities and selective liberal arts colleges
- Merit aid: May qualify at some schools; unlikely at the most selective
Should you retake? If your target schools have a middle 50% starting at 1250+, a focused retake is worthwhile. See improve 100 points.
Is 1300 a Good SAT Score?
National context: 1300 is approximately the 87th percentile — a genuinely strong score.
College context:
- Competitive for: Many top-50 universities, strong liberal arts colleges, honors programs at state flagships
- Below median at: Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, and similarly selective schools (middle 50% often 1500+)
- Merit aid: Strong candidate at many schools
Should you retake? If your dream school’s middle 50% is 1400–1500, retaking your weaker section with superscore strategy can help. If 1300 exceeds your targets, move on to essays and activities.
Is 1400 a Good SAT Score?
National context: 1400 is roughly the 95th percentile — top 5% nationally.
College context:
- Competitive for: Most selective universities outside the very top tier
- Below median at: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford (middle 50% often 1500–1570)
- Merit aid: Excellent position at most schools
Should you retake? Only if specific target schools have medians above 1450+ and you have a clear weakness to fix. Diminishing returns set in above 1400 for most students.
Section Balance Matters
Colleges see both section scores. A 1400 from 800 Math + 600 R&W raises different flags than 700 + 700:
- Highly imbalanced scores may affect placement in some programs
- Superscoring can help if you retake the weaker section
What to Do Next
- Look up middle 50% SAT ranges at your target colleges on BigFuture.
- Calculate your score with the SAT calculator.
- If retaking, follow the one-month study plan.
- Practice with free official resources.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1200 a good SAT score?
1200 is above average — roughly the 75th percentile nationally. It is competitive for many state universities but below the median at selective schools.
Is 1300 a good SAT score?
1300 is a strong score — approximately the 87th percentile. It meets or exceeds the middle 50% at many good universities.
Is 1400 a good SAT score?
1400 is excellent — roughly the 95th percentile. It is competitive at most selective universities.
Should I retake with a 1300?
Depends on your target colleges. If 1300 is below their middle 50%, a focused retake on your weaker section can help — especially with superscoring.