The average SAT score for the high school class of 2024 was 1028 out of 1600, based on College Board data. The average Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score was 526, and the average Math score was 502. This is a slight increase from the class of 2023 average of 1028. What matters more than the national average is how your score compares to admitted students at your target schools.
Your SAT score means nothing in isolation. A 1200 is excellent if you're applying to universities with average admitted scores around 1050-1100. That same 1200 puts you below the 25th percentile at MIT. Context is everything, and the "average SAT score" only becomes useful once you compare it to the specific schools on your list.
That said, understanding where the national averages sit helps you gauge where you fall in the broader population and whether your test prep efforts are paying off.
Key Statistics at a Glance
The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, combining the two section scores. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800.
More than 1.9 million students in the class of 2024 took the SAT at least once. This makes it one of the largest standardized assessments in the country, though the number of test-takers has shifted as more states adopt the SAT as their state-mandated test and as test-optional policies continue at many colleges.
Score Distribution and Percentiles
Understanding where your score falls relative to other test-takers helps set realistic expectations.
Approximate SAT score percentiles based on College Board data for the class of 2024:
- 1400+: 93rd percentile and above — highly competitive for selective schools
- 1200-1390: 74th to 92nd percentile — competitive for most four-year universities
- 1000-1190: 40th to 73rd percentile — meets requirements for many state universities
- 800-990: 12th to 39th percentile — may limit four-year options; community college transfer is a strong path
- Below 800: Below the 12th percentile — consider retaking after targeted preparation
The median score (50th percentile) falls close to the 1030-1050 range, meaning roughly half of all test-takers score above and half below this point.
The SAT transitioned to a fully digital format in 2024 for US test-takers. The digital SAT is shorter (about 2 hours and 14 minutes vs. 3 hours for the paper test), uses adaptive testing within each section, and allows a calculator on both math modules. Early data suggests the digital format has not significantly changed average score distributions, though individual experiences vary.
Scores by Section
The gap between Reading/Writing and Math scores reveals a consistent pattern in national data.
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW): The average score of 526 has remained relatively stable over recent years. This section tests reading comprehension, command of evidence, expression of ideas, and standard English conventions.
Math: The average score of 502 runs consistently below the ERW average. The Math section covers algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, advanced math, and some geometry and trigonometry. The persistent Math gap reflects the fact that math performance correlates more strongly with course-taking patterns — students who complete Algebra II and above tend to score significantly higher.
For students looking to understand what specific colleges expect, our admissions guides provide school-by-school score ranges.
Scores by Gender
College Board data for the class of 2024 shows persistent score differences by gender:
- Male students: Average total score of approximately 1041, with a higher average Math score
- Female students: Average total score of approximately 1016, with a higher average ERW score
These gaps have been consistent for decades. Male students tend to score higher on the Math section, while female students tend to score higher on Reading and Writing. The total score gap is narrow but persistent.
Researchers continue to debate whether these differences reflect genuine aptitude differences, differential course-taking patterns, stereotype threat, or test design factors. What's clear from the data is that the gaps are smaller than many people assume and don't predict college success — female students consistently earn higher college GPAs than male students with the same SAT scores.
Scores by Race and Ethnicity
SAT scores show significant disparities by racial and ethnic group. College Board data for the class of 2024:
- Asian students: Consistently score the highest average across both sections
- White students: Score above the national average
- Hispanic/Latino students: Score below the national average
- Black students: Score below the national average
These gaps reflect systemic differences in educational opportunity, school funding, access to test preparation, and socioeconomic factors rather than inherent ability. Schools in higher-income areas with more resources consistently produce higher average scores regardless of demographics, which points to an access problem rather than an aptitude problem.
If your SAT score is below where you want it to be, don't assume it's fixed. The average score improvement from first test to second test is about 40-60 points with no additional preparation, and students who do targeted practice see gains of 100-200 points. Our guide on SAT vs ACT can help you determine whether the ACT might be a better fit for your testing strengths.
Score Trends Over Time
SAT scores have fluctuated over the past decade, influenced by test redesigns, policy changes, and the pandemic.
The College Board redesigned the SAT in 2016, dropping the essay requirement and the 2400-point scale in favor of the current 1600-point format. This makes direct year-over-year comparisons before and after 2016 unreliable.
Since the 2016 redesign, average scores have generally remained within a narrow range of 1020-1060. The dip during 2020-2021 coincided with pandemic-related disruptions in test access and preparation. Scores have stabilized in recent years as testing access has normalized.
The shift to digital SAT in 2024 represents the most recent structural change. Early data suggests the transition has been smooth in terms of score distribution, though individual test-taker experiences vary with the new adaptive format.
What This Means for Students
If your score is above the national average: You have options at a wide range of four-year universities. Focus your college search on schools where your score falls within or above the middle 50% of admitted students. Check individual school data using our admissions guides.
If your score is near the national average: You're competitive at many state universities and regional schools. Consider retaking the test with targeted preparation if your target schools have higher averages. Also research test-optional policies — many colleges still don't require SAT scores.
If your score is below the national average: You have several good options. Retake after focused study on your weakest areas. Try the ACT as an alternative. Apply to test-optional schools where your GPA and extracurriculars carry more weight. Start at a community college and transfer.
The most important thing to remember: SAT scores are one factor in college admissions, not the only factor. GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations all play significant roles. A strong application with a moderate SAT score often beats a weak application with a high score.
For students weighing whether to send their scores at all, see our analysis of whether you should submit SAT scores.
FAQ
What is a good SAT score?
"Good" depends entirely on your target schools. For highly selective schools (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT), you typically need 1450+. For competitive state universities, 1200-1400 puts you in strong range. For many four-year colleges, anything above the 1028 national average is competitive. Research the middle 50% score range for each school on your list.
How many times can I take the SAT?
There's no limit. Most students take it 2-3 times. Many colleges practice "superscoring" — taking your highest section scores from different test dates to create your best composite. Diminishing returns set in after 3-4 attempts for most students.
Is the SAT harder than the ACT?
Neither is objectively harder — they test different things in different formats. Some students score significantly higher on one than the other due to differences in timing, content emphasis, and question style. Taking a practice test of each is the best way to determine which fits your strengths.
Do colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?
No US college prefers one over the other. Both are equally accepted everywhere that requires standardized test scores. Choose the test you perform better on.
How has the digital SAT changed scores?
The digital SAT uses adaptive testing (the second module adjusts based on your first module performance), is shorter, and allows a calculator throughout. Early data suggests no significant shift in overall score distributions, though the adaptive format means your specific experience may feel harder or easier depending on your first module performance.
What's the average SAT score for Ivy League schools?
Middle 50% ranges for admitted students at Ivy League schools typically fall between 1450 and 1570. This means 25% of admitted students scored below this range, proving that scores alone don't determine admission at these schools.
Footnotes
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National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). Digest of Education Statistics: SAT Scores. NCES, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/ ↩