Is 1450 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

So, you just got your SAT scores back, and you see that 1450 staring at you. Now, the big question pops into your head: Is 1450 a good SAT score? You’ve probably heard mixed opinions: some say it’s amazing, while others make it sound like you need a perfect 1600 to get into top colleges. The truth? 1450 is an excellent score, but its significance depends on your college goals.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a 1450 SAT score means, how it compares to other test-takers, which colleges you can get into with this score, and if you should consider retaking the SAT. Plus, if you’re aiming for an even higher score, we’ll give you tips to boost your performance on your next attempt. Let’s dive in!

• How Good Is a 1450 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1450 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1450 SAT Score?

Let’s get straight to it: a 1450 is a fantastic SAT score! Based on percentile rankings, your score places you well above the majority of test-takers. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Nationally Representative Percentile. 99th percentile (That means you scored higher than 99% of all U.S. students, including those who might not have even taken the SAT.)
• User Group Percentile. 96th percentile (Among students who took the SAT in the past three years, you still outperformed 96% of them.)

So, is 1450 a good SAT score? Absolutely! It’s considered elite-level and makes you a competitive applicant at many top-tier universities. However, if you’re aiming for the Ivy League or other ultra-selective schools, you might need to decide if retaking the test is worth it.

To give you a better idea of how your score measures up, here’s a quick look at the score ranges for Ivy League schools:

As you can see, a 1450 SAT score is a bit below the 25th percentile for most Ivy League schools, so it’s on the lower side for admitted students. That said, Dartmouth (1440) and Cornell (1470) are the closest, so while it’s not out of the question, it’s still on the lower end of the range.

Here’s the thing—SAT scores aren’t everything. If you have a strong GPA, impressive extracurriculars, and standout essays, you can still be a solid contender. Plus, with many schools going test-optional, you might not even need to submit your SAT score if other parts of your application shine.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 1450 SAT Score

Your 1450 SAT score puts you in a strong position for many top-tier schools. While admissions go beyond just test scores, having a high SAT score can be a major advantage especially if you’re applying to schools that still consider standardized testing.

Let’s break down a few universities where your 1450 makes you a competitive applicant and what makes each school unique:

1. Wesleyan University

Acceptance rate: 17%

SAT range: 1310-1505

If you love the idea of exploring different subjects and thinking outside the box, Wesleyan might be the perfect fit for you. This top liberal arts college is known for its open curriculum, which means you’re not tied down by strict general education requirements. You get the freedom to design your academic path, mixing and matching courses across disciplines.

Wesleyan is especially strong in film studies, government, and neuroscience, so if you’re into politics, the arts, or STEM, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here. Plus, Wesleyan has a reputation for being socially progressive and creative, so if you thrive in an environment that encourages innovation and self-expression, this could be a great place for you.

2. Wake Forest University

Acceptance rate: 22%

SAT range: 1410-1500

Wake Forest is often called a hidden Ivy because of its strong academics and small class sizes, giving you a mix of personalized education and high-level research opportunities. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors get to know you, which makes for a more engaging and interactive learning experience. Plus, 59% of classes have fewer than 20 students, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to participate, ask questions, and form connections with both your professors and classmates.

Academically, Wake Forest excels in business, law, and medicine, with its School of Business and pre-med programs standing out as some of the best in the country. If you’re interested in a career in finance, consulting, or healthcare, Wake Forest could give you a great head start.

3. Georgetown University

Acceptance rate: 12%

SAT range: 1410-1540

If you’re passionate about politics, international relations, or business, Georgetown is a dream school. Located in Washington, D.C., this school gives you unparalleled access to internships, networking, and real-world experiences especially if you see yourself working in government, law, or diplomacy.

Georgetown is best known for its Walsh School of Foreign Service, McDonough School of Business, and pre-law programs. If you’re interested in global affairs, finance, or policy-making, this is one of the best places to be. Plus, Georgetown values a holistic application, so if you have strong extracurriculars, leadership experience, and a compelling personal story, your 1450 SAT can be a solid part of a competitive application.

4. UC Berkeley

Acceptance rate: 11%

SAT range: 1300-1530

UC Berkeley is a powerhouse in STEM, business, and social sciences, and it’s consistently ranked among the best public universities in the world. If you’re looking for a challenging academic environment with a huge range of opportunities, Berkeley delivers. Some of Berkeley’s most well-known programs include computer science, engineering, economics, and environmental science. 

If you’re into tech and entrepreneurship, being in Silicon Valley’s backyard gives you access to top companies, internships, and cutting-edge research. The competition at UC Berkeley is intense, so having a strong GPA, extracurriculars, and essays will be just as important as your SAT score. If you’re a California resident, you’ll need at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible, while out-of-state students need a minimum 3.4 GPA.

5. UCLA

Acceptance rate: 9%

SAT range: 1290-1510

UCLA is a dream school for many students and good reason. It’s got top-ranked academics, a vibrant campus life, and amazing opportunities in Los Angeles. If you’re into entertainment, business, healthcare, or tech, UCLA offers strong programs and tons of career connections.

Some of UCLA’s standout majors include film and television, psychology, and economics. If you’re interested in breaking into Hollywood, or finance, UCLA is a fantastic place to start. The university also has a strong emphasis on athletics and student life, so if you want a big-school experience with lots of energy and school spirit, UCLA delivers.

Should You Retake the SAT?

This is a big question, and the answer depends on your goals. Here’s when you might consider retaking the SAT:

• Your dream school has a higher SAT range. If you’re aiming for Ivy League schools or places like MIT or Stanford, where the average SAT score is 1500+, retaking the SAT could be a smart move.
• You know you can improve. Did you take the test without much prep? Do you feel like you made some silly mistakes? If so, with some focused studying, you might be able to push your score even higher.
• Your ACT equivalent score is much lower. A 1450 SAT is roughly equivalent to a 33 on the ACT. If you think you could do better on the ACT, you might want to try that instead.

On the flip side, here are reasons not to retake the SAT:

• Your score is already in line with your target schools. If a 1450 puts you solidly in your top-choice colleges’ accepted range, you’re better off focusing on other parts of your application.
• You’d rather spend time improving other areas. If you’re already balancing a heavy workload with AP classes, sports, or leadership roles, it might be better to put your energy into those instead.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you’re thinking about retaking the SAT, there are some key strategies you can use to help boost your score. The goal is to approach it smartly and focus on what matters. Here’s how to get started:

1. Identify your weaknesses.

Start by looking at your section scores. Are you struggling more with Math or Reading & Writing? Once you figure out where you’re losing the most points, you’ll know where to focus your study time. Targeting your weak spots will help you make the biggest improvement.

2. Use high-quality practice tests.

Practice makes perfect, so you want to use the best resources available. Official College Board practice tests are the way to go. These tests are the closest thing you’ll get to the real SAT, so take them under timed conditions to get a feel for the actual exam.

You can also check out Khan Academy, which offers free, personalized SAT prep and practice tests. It’s a great tool to help you improve your skills and track your progress as you get ready for test day.

3. Master SAT strategies.

You don’t just want to study the material; you also want to study the test itself. Learn strategies like eliminating wrong answers, managing your time wisely, and recognizing common traps the SAT likes to use. These techniques can seriously boost your score by improving your accuracy and helping you work more efficiently.

4. Review your mistakes.

Every time you miss a question, don’t just move on. Take the time to review what went wrong and figure out why you got it wrong. Understanding your mistakes is one of the best ways to make sure you don’t repeat them in the future.

5. Consider tutoring or prep courses.

If studying on your own isn’t giving you the results you want, think about getting extra help. A SAT tutor can provide personalized guidance and strategies to help you get the score you’re aiming for. They’ll help you make the most out of your study time and give you that extra boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 1450 SAT score good enough for Ivy League schools?

A 1450 is a strong score, but if you’re aiming for Ivy League schools, you might want to consider retaking the SAT. Ivy League schools generally have higher average SAT scores, with 1500+ being the norm. While 1450 puts you in a good position at many top schools, for highly competitive colleges, you may need a higher score to stand out. Other factors like your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays also play a big role in your application.

2. Should I retake the SAT if I got a 1450?

Deciding to retake the SAT depends on your college goals. If your score is already in line with the schools you’re aiming for, you might want to focus on other parts of your application.

But if you’re aiming for super-competitive schools with higher score ranges, or if you feel like you can improve with some extra prep, retaking the SAT could be worth it. Just make sure it’s a strategic decision and not just for the sake of perfection!

3. Can I still get into a good college with a 1450 SAT score?

Absolutely! A 1450 SAT score is more than enough to get you into many great colleges. Schools like Wesleyan, Wake Forest, and Georgetown consider scores like yours competitive. Of course, it’s not all about the SAT. Your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays also count. But with 1450, you’re already a strong contender for a variety of top-tier universities.

4. How can I improve my SAT score from a 1450?

If you’re looking to improve your 1450 SAT score, it’s doable! Start by identifying your weak areas and focusing on them. Take high-quality practice tests, like those from the College Board or Khan Academy, to get a feel for the real exam.

Also, work on mastering test-taking strategies like time management and eliminating wrong answers. Reviewing your mistakes and seeking extra help through tutoring or prep courses can also help you push your score even higher.

Takeaways

• 1450 is a great SAT score, placing you in the 99th percentile nationally.
• You have a strong chance at top universities like Wesleyan, Wake Forest, Georgetown, UC Berkeley, and UCLA.
• Retaking the SAT depends on your goals. If your dream school’s average SAT is higher or you know you can improve, it might be worth another shot.
• If you’re aiming for a higher score, focus on targeted practice, strategy improvement, and reviewing mistakes.
• If you’re looking for personalized guidance to boost your SAT score or navigate the college application process, consider AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program.