1590 SAT to ACT Score: Conversion + Test Tips

Got a 1590 SAT score? That’s equivalent to a top-tier 36 on the ACT—the highest possible score on the ACT. If you’re deciding which score to submit, trying to evaluate your performance across both exams, or simply curious how your near-perfect SAT stacks up, this 1590 SAT to ACT guide is for you.

We’ll walk you through the SAT-to-ACT conversion process and break down what an elite score like 1590 SAT or 36 ACT really means in the competitive world of college admissions.

• 1590 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?
• How Good Is Your 1590 SAT/36 ACT Score?
• SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?
• How to Ace the SAT/ACT
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

1590 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?

According to official SAT-ACT concordance tables, a 1590 SAT score translates to a flawless 36 on the ACT.

This kind of score places you among the top fraction of test-takers nationwide and is sure to stand out to even the most selective colleges. Admissions officers use SAT-to-ACT conversions to level the playing field between applicants who took different tests, so understanding how your 1590 SAT score stacks up can help you make smarter choices about which score to submit.

Curious to see how your score compares across the board? Check out the full SAT-to-ACT conversion chart below:

This chart offers a quick and easy way to compare SAT scores with their ACT equivalents. Asterisks (*) highlight the suggested SAT scores to use when only one score needs to be matched. For example, if you got a 24 ACT score, and you want to convert it, it would be an 1180 on the SAT.

How Good Is Your 1590 SAT/36 ACT Score?

Scoring a 1590 on the SAT or a perfect 36 on the ACT places you in an elite academic tier—the top 1% of all test-takers nationwide. But what do these near-perfect scores actually mean for your college admissions chances, especially at highly selective schools? Let’s break it down:

1590 SAT percentile

A 1590 SAT score lands you firmly in the 99th+ percentile. That means you’ve outperformed nearly every other high school student in the country—and even within the SAT’s User Group (students who typically apply to college), you remain in the highest possible scoring bracket.

36 ACT percentile

A 36 on the ACT puts you in approximately the 99th+ percentile, meaning you scored higher than the vast majority of test-takers nationwide.

Is 1590 SAT/36 ACT enough for top schools?

In short, absolutely. These scores are well above the national averages (around 1050 for the SAT and 20 for the ACT) and put you in serious contention for Ivy League universities and other top-tier institutions. While admissions at elite schools consider more than just test scores, a 1590 SAT or 36 ACT is a clear signal that you’re academically prepared for the rigor ahead.

Want to see how your 1590 lines up with score expectations at top colleges? Let’s take a look at what Ivy League schools are really looking for when it comes to standardized tests:

Scoring a 1590 on the SAT—or a perfect 36 on the ACT—is an extraordinary academic achievement that places you well above the typical range for Ivy League admissions. Most admitted students to top-tier schools have scores starting around 1440 on the SAT or 32 on the ACT, so your 1590 SAT to ACT equivalent not only meets but exceeds what these institutions generally look for.

However, while such a high score gives you a strong advantage, it’s not a guaranteed ticket in. Ivy League schools take a holistic approach to admissions, evaluating your academic rigor, GPA, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and overall character. Your 1590 SAT/36 ACT score is an outstanding foundation—but it’s what you build on top of that base that truly sets you apart.

If you’re aiming for the Ivies, you’re already in a fantastic position. Now’s the time to highlight your passions, leadership experience, unique contributions, and personal growth. Your test score can open the door—but it’s your story that gets you invited inside.

SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?

Scoring a 1590 on the SAT—or its 1590 SAT to ACT equivalent, a perfect 36—means you’re already performing at the highest academic level. But even with such an outstanding score, you might still be wondering whether you chose the test that plays best to your strengths, or if trying the other one could boost your profile even more.

When it comes to the SAT vs. ACT debate, it’s less about which test is “easier” and more about which one matches your test-taking style. Even top scorers sometimes perform better on one over the other depending on timing, content, and pacing preferences.

What’s the SAT like now?

The SAT is now fully digital and lasts about 2 hours and 14 minutes, divided into two sections:

• Reading & Writing: 54 questions in 64 minutes
• Math: 44 questions in 70 minutes

Key features:

• The digital SAT is adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on how you perform.
• You get more time per question compared to the ACT, which can benefit students who prefer a less rushed pace.
• No science section and no optional essay—just focused, streamlined testing.

If you’ve already hit a 1590 on the SAT, you’re in elite territory. But if you’re curious whether a different test format might suit you even better—or if you’re applying to schools that accept both—the ACT could be worth exploring. Let’s dig deeper into how the two tests compare to help you make the best strategic choice.

What’s the ACT like?

The ACT is currently a paper-based exam (though digital options are expanding) and takes 2 hours and 55 minutes, not counting breaks. It’s broken down into four main sections, plus an optional essay:

• English: 75 questions in 45 minutes
• Math: 60 questions in 60 minutes
• Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes
• Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes
• Writing (Optional): 1 essay in 40 minutes

Why some top scorers prefer the ACT:

• The ACT rewards fast-paced test-takers who can stay focused under pressure.
• The science section is less about memorized facts and more about interpreting charts, graphs, and experiments.
• The format stays consistent from test to test, making it easier to prep with predictable results.

Should you stick with the SAT or try the ACT?

Even with a 1590 SAT to ACT equivalent of 36, it’s worth knowing if your test-taking style might favor the ACT format or if the SAT is already your ideal match.

Stick with the SAT if you:

• Prefer having more time per question and dislike feeling rushed
• Excel at deep reading, critical thinking, and multi-step math problems
• Like the adaptive format of the digital SAT, which adjusts to your performance

Consider trying the ACT if you:

• Are a fast test-taker who thrives under timed pressure
• Prefer straightforward, concise questions and shorter reading passages
• Feel confident analyzing scientific visuals and data quickly

At the end of the day, both the SAT and ACT are valid paths to top colleges. With a 1590 SAT score, you’re already performing at the highest level—but if you think the ACT might be a better fit for your style, it could be worth exploring. Either way, focused practice, strategic prep, and understanding your strengths are what transform a great score into a competitive edge.

How to Ace the SAT/ACT

With a 1590 SAT score (or a 36 on the ACT, its near-perfect equivalent on the 1590 SAT to ACT scale), you’ve already proven you’re in the top 1% of test-takers nationwide. That’s a major accomplishment—one that elite colleges absolutely notice.

But whether you’re aiming for a perfect 1600, thinking about a retake to boost super scores, or simply want to help others reach their best, smart strategy still matters. Even top scorers have room to refine their test-day approach. Here’s how to take it to the next level:

1. Simulate real test conditions.

Even with a 1590 SAT, the way you practice can still make a difference. Do this when you run practice exams:

• Time each section exactly as the real test allows.
• Eliminate all distractions (no phone, no snacks, no breaks).
• Complete the entire test in one sitting.

College Board research shows that students who practiced at least 6 hours on Khan Academy under real testing conditions saw meaningful score improvements. Practicing this way helps you stay sharp, boost endurance, and reduce nerves on the actual test day.

2. Target your weak spots.

At this level, you’re not trying to relearn the basics—you’re optimizing. Here’s what to do:

• Review your practice tests and pinpoint where you lost points.
• Notice patterns. Are there specific types of math problems or tricky grammar rules that trip you up?
• Focus your prep on those challenging areas.

Even a few point improvements can matter, especially if you’re trying to hit a perfect 1600 or increase consistency. ACT data shows that targeted review is the fastest way to make noticeable progress.

3. Master the clock.

Even the highest scorers can lose points by mismanaging time. The ACT especially is a race; you’ll often have less than a minute per question.

Train yourself to:

• Recognize when to move on and come back to tough questions later.
• Pace each section, leaving time to check answers.
• Keep a steady rhythm so you don’t rush near the end.

Effective time management ensures you don’t miss out on easy points and helps avoid the panic that leads to careless errors.

4. Prioritize easy and average questions.

Here’s a secret: even top scorers sometimes get tripped up by questions that should be simple. And since the majority of your score is made up of these lower- to mid-difficulty items, accuracy here is key. Strategies:

• Focus on locking in every point you should get before spending extra time on the hardest questions.
• Save the time-draining puzzles for last—if there’s time left over.

That consistency can be the difference between a 1590 and a perfect 1600.

5. Start early and build a smart study schedule.

Even if you’re taking the test “just one more time,” steady, low-pressure studying beats cramming every time. Here’s a winning study rhythm:

• Study for 30–45 minutes per session, 4–5 times a week.
• Take a full-length practice test every 2–3 weeks.
• Use results to guide what you focus on next.

Spaced-out study improves retention, minimizes burnout, and keeps your brain sharp—especially when your goal is excellence, not just improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 1590 a good SAT score?

A 1590 on the SAT is an outstanding score, placing you in the 99th percentile of all test-takers. That means you outperformed 99% of students who take the exam nationwide, making it one of the highest scores possible—just 10 points away from a perfect 1600. 

2. What are the top schools I can apply to with a 1590 SAT/ 36 ACT score?

Your score makes you a highly competitive candidate for all Ivy League schools. Beyond the Ivy League, you’re also in a great position for other elite universities like Stanford, MIT, and Duke.

Many top liberal arts colleges such as Williams and Amherst would consider your score exceptional. Public Ivy schools and top state flagships like UC Berkeley and UCLA are also within reach.

3. How many times can you take the SAT/ACT?

You can take the SAT and ACT as many times as you want, but we recommend taking them for 2-3 times max. Colleges usually don’t penalize you for multiple attempts and often consider your highest score or use superscoring (taking your best section scores across multiple test dates).

After a few tries, admissions officers may start to wonder why you’re retesting so much—especially if there’s little improvement. Instead, focus on targeted preparation between attempts to get meaningful score increases.

Takeaways

• A 1590 on the SAT is equivalent to a 36 on the ACT, which places you in the 99th+ percentile.
• A 1590 SAT score or 36 ACT score gives you a shot at top-tier universities like the Ivy League and other elite universities.
• Test scores are just one part of your application. Schools look at your GPA, coursework rigor, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and more.
• Want to improve your overall college application and increase your chances of getting into the Ivies? Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring services for personalized and expert guidance.