You’ve just received your SAT results, and you’re feeling a mix of nerves, excitement, and maybe even a little stress as you look at your score. Before you start planning your next move, you might be wondering—what does a 1410 SAT score really mean? Should you consider retaking the test, or is this score strong enough to get you into your dream school?
Your SAT results play an important role in shaping your college application process. They’re a big factor in determining your chances of getting into top schools, and your score will influence which colleges you should seriously consider applying to.
Of course, it’s not just about the SAT. Admissions teams will also look at your academic performance and high school transcripts. While the SAT is important, remember that college admissions are holistic in nature. In this article, we’ll break down what a 1410 SAT score means for you and how it might impact your chances of getting into the schools you’ve got your eye on.
- Is 1410 a Good SAT Score?
- Should You Retake the SAT with a 1410 Score?
- Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1410 SAT Score
- How to Improve Your 1410 SAT Score
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Preparing for College Admissions: Is 1410 a Good SAT Score?
Yes, a 1410 SAT score is definitely a good score! Since the SAT is scored out of 1600, with 400 being the lowest possible, a 1410 SAT score shows that you’ve got a strong grasp of the material and are well-prepared for college-level coursework.
In fact, with a 1410, you’re in the top 5% of all test-takers. That means you’ve scored higher than 95% of other students, which can really help you stand out during the college admissions process. Let’s put that into perspective: more than 1.9 million students took the SAT in 2023, so with your score, you’re among the top 104,000 test-takers. Not only that, but you’ve outperformed more than 2 million other applicants! That’s a huge achievement.
Should You Retake the SAT with a 1410 Score?
A 1410 SAT score is really good, but you might still be wondering if it’s worth giving the test another shot. After all, there’s room for improvement with up to 200 more points possible. So, should you stick with your 1410 and focus on other parts of your application, or retake the SAT to aim even higher?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Generally, if you score around 1500 or higher, most students wouldn’t bother retaking it. On the flip side, if you score 1300 or lower, a retest is usually recommended. With your 1410 SAT score, you’re in that middle zone. If you feel like you can improve and want to give it another try, there’s no downside to retaking the SAT. You’re not penalized for taking it more than once, so it’s really just a matter of signing up for a new date and putting in a little extra study time.
The good news? Most students tend to improve their score when they retake the SAT. So, you might be able to bump up your 1410 SAT score the next time around. Of course, this depends on a few factors, but it’s definitely something to consider.
Here are a few other things to think about when deciding if you should retake the SAT after scoring a 1410.
1. Schools you want to attend.
A 1410 SAT score is strong and will make you competitive for a lot of top schools. But if you’ve got your heart set on some of the most selective colleges—those that accept less than 5% of applicants—you might want to think about retaking the SAT, especially if you’ve only taken it once. For example, Ivies like Harvard and Yale admit students who scored at least 1500. Every extra point you can add could help your application stand out more to admissions officers and boost your chances of getting into those elite schools.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to apply to less selective schools, there’s no need to retake the SAT. A 1410 SAT score is more than enough to qualify for admission at most colleges. The key is to do a bit of research on the schools you’re interested in and see what kind of SAT scores they typically expect from applicants. That can help you decide if retaking the test is necessary.
2. The strength of your application.
Your SAT score is just one part of the overall picture colleges will look at. Aside from your test scores, you’ll need to submit letters of recommendation, your GPA, transcripts, essays, extracurricular activities, and more. Admissions officers weigh all of these factors when deciding who to admit. So, if the rest of your application—like your essays and activities—could use some attention, it might be better to focus on strengthening those areas instead of retaking the SAT.
But if you feel like your application is already solid and you have the time, retaking the SAT might be worth considering. It’s all about managing your time and energy in the smartest way possible.
3. The amount of time you studied.
Think about how much you studied before taking the SAT. If you got a 1410 SAT score with minimal prep, there’s a good chance you could improve your score with more focused studying. In that case, retaking the test with some additional preparation could help you break past that 1410 SAT score.
However, if you studied a lot to get that 1410 SAT score, you might be reaching the upper limit of your score potential. Spending more time on SAT prep when you’ve already put in weeks of effort might not make a huge difference, and you could use that time to focus on other parts of your application. Sure, you might improve your score slightly, but it’s unlikely to be a huge jump.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1410 SAT Score
1. Northwestern University
Acceptance rate: 7%
Average tuition cost: $68,400
SAT range: 1410-1560
Northwestern University, a private school founded in 1851, has an undergraduate population of at least 8,900 students. Located in a suburban setting, its campus spans 231 acres, and it operates on a quarterly academic calendar. Northwestern consistently ranks among the top schools, coming in at #6 in the Best Colleges 2025 edition for National Universities.
2. University of California, Berkeley
Acceptance rate: 12%
Average tuition cost: $16,900 (in-state)
SAT range: 1330-1530
UC Berkeley, established in 1868, is a prestigious public research university with more than 33,000 undergrads. The campus, set in the heart of a city, covers a massive 1,232 acres and runs on a semester-based academic schedule. Berkeley is ranked #17 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2025 edition.
3. University of Notre Dame
Acceptance rate: 12%
Average tuition cost: $65,000
SAT range: 1410-1550
Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame is a private institution with at least 9,000 undergrads. Located in a suburban area on a 1,265-acre campus, Notre Dame follows a semester-based calendar. It holds the #18 spot in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2025 edition.
4. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Acceptance rate: 9%
Average tuition cost: $14,200 (in-state)
SAT range: 1300-1530
UCLA, founded in 1919, is another top public research university. It has more than 35,000 undergraduate students and sits on a 419-acre campus in an urban setting. With a quarterly academic calendar, UCLA ranks #15 among National Universities in the Best Colleges 2025 edition.
5. University of Southern California (USC)
Acceptance rate: 10%
Average tuition cost: $71,000
SAT range: 1360-1510
USC, a private university established in 1880, has more than 21,000 students. Its urban campus is 226 acres, and the school uses a semester-based calendar. USC ranks #27 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2025 edition.
6. Washington University in St. Louis
Acceptance rate: 12%
Average tuition cost: $65,800
SAT range: 1410-1570
Founded in 1853, Washington University is a private institution with 8,200 undergrads. Located in a city with a 169-acre campus, it operates on a semester system and is ranked #21 among National Universities in the Best Colleges 2025 edition.
7. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
Acceptance rate: 18%
Average tuition cost: $18,900 (in-state)
SAT range: 1340-1530
UMich, founded in 1817, is a public university with 33,800 undergraduates. Its city campus spans an impressive 3,207 acres, and the school follows a trimester academic calendar. Ranked #21 in National Universities for 2025, UMich is a top-tier public school.
8. Cornell University
Acceptance rate: 8%
Average tuition cost: $69,300
SAT range: 1410-1560
Cornell University, established in 1865, is a private institution with 16,000 undergrads. Located in a rural setting, its campus covers 745 acres and follows a semester-based academic calendar. Cornell ranks #11 among National Universities in the Best Colleges 2025 edition.
9. Rice University
Acceptance rate: 8%
Average tuition cost: $60,800
SAT range: 1410-1570
Founded in 1912, Rice University is a private school with an undergraduate enrollment of 4,500 students. Located in an urban setting, the campus spans 300 acres, and the school uses a semester-based calendar. Rice is ranked #18 in National Universities in the Best Colleges 2025 edition.
10. Johns Hopkins University
Acceptance rate: 8%
Average tuition cost: $65,200
SAT range: 1410-1570
Johns Hopkins University, a private institution founded in 1876, has an undergraduate enrollment of 6,090 students as of fall 2023. Located in an urban setting, the campus covers 140 acres and follows a 4-1-4 academic calendar. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Johns Hopkins is ranked #6 among National Universities.
How to Improve Your 1410 SAT Score
Want to improve your chances of getting into the top colleges and universities? Consider moving above the 1410 SAT percentile by doing the following:
1. Boost your vocabulary.
You may underestimate the importance of a strong vocabulary when it comes to achieving a high score on the SAT, such as a 1410 SAT score. A solid grasp of common terms used on the exam can make a big difference in your ability to understand questions and answers.
To enhance your vocabulary, look for word lists that are frequently used on the SAT. Studying these terms will help you tackle the questions more effectively and move beyond that 1410 SAT score.
2. Don’t leave any answers blank.
It’s a common misconception that leaving an answer blank is a better strategy than guessing. In reality, with multiple-choice questions on the SAT, even an incorrect answer can help improve your chances of reaching a 1410 SAT score.
If you can eliminate one or two options, you increase your likelihood of getting it right. So, don’t leave any questions unanswered—every guess counts toward achieving that coveted 1410 SAT score!
3. Stick to a practice schedule.
To get the most out of your SAT prep and aim for a 1410 SAT score and above, consistency is key. Creating a regular study schedule can keep you on track and prevent you from falling behind. Aim to dedicate at least a couple of hours each week to studying.
This way, you can balance your academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities without feeling overwhelmed, all while making progress toward that 1410 SAT score and beyond. Explore different study methods to find what works best for you.
4. Use official SAT material.
The College Board offers a range of resources to help you prepare for the exam and improve your chances of achieving a 1410 SAT score. Using materials produced by the organization that administers the SAT is crucial because they accurately reflect the types of questions you’ll encounter. Even if you’ve taken the SAT before, revisiting these official resources can help you hone your skills and boost your performance, bringing you closer to that 1410 SAT score.
5. Don’t worry about your past score.
Your previous score can weigh you down when you’re preparing for the SAT, especially if you didn’t reach a 1410 SAT score. It might discourage you from putting in the effort needed to improve.
Remember, retaking the test comes with no penalties, so don’t let past results hold you back. Instead, focus on what you can do to enhance your score moving forward and aim for that 1410 SAT score or even higher!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average SAT score in the US?
As of 2023, the average SAT score in the U.S. is approximately 1060 out of a maximum of 1600. This score represents a slight decline from the previous year, reflecting a continuing trend where average scores have been affected by factors such as changes in test-taking populations and varying levels of preparation among students.
2. What is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardized college admission test used in the United States. It assesses students’ readiness for college through sections on reading, writing, and math. The test score ranges from 400 to 1600, combining scores from the two main sections (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math).
The SAT is designed to measure high school students’ academic skills and predict their success in college
3. What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?
The SAT and ACT are both standardized tests used for college admissions, but they differ in structure and content. The SAT focuses more on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while the ACT includes a science reasoning section.
The SAT emphasizes evidence-based reading and writing, while the ACT covers English, math, reading, and science. Also, the SAT has no penalty for wrong answers, whereas the ACT has a guessing penalty.
Takeaways
- A 1410 SAT score is generally good—but you would want to improve it if you want to attend any of the Ivy League schools.
- Some of the top universities you can apply to with a 1410 SAT score are USC, UC Berkeley, and UCLA.
- One of the most effective ways to boost your SAT score, particularly if you’re targeting a 1410 SAT score and above—is to work with a professional tutor. They can help you pinpoint your weaknesses and provide strategies tailored to your needs.
- At AdmissionSight, we specialize in helping students increase their SAT scores, enhancing their chances of getting into top universities. We offer personalized, one-on-one sessions to develop a strategy that aligns with your goals.
Author
