Is a 1420 a strong SAT score?

A 1420 SAT score is indeed a strong score that puts you in an excellent position for college admissions. This score places you in approximately the 96th percentile of all test-takers, meaning you performed better than about 96% of students who took the SAT. For context, the average SAT score typically falls around 1050, so your score of 1420 is significantly above average.

Your 1420 makes you a competitive applicant for many prestigious universities and colleges. This score falls within or above the middle 50% range for many top-50 ranked universities, including schools like Boston University, University of Southern California, and New York University. However, for Ivy League institutions and other highly selective schools where the middle 50% range often starts at 1450 or higher, you're close to but slightly below their typical range.

Whether you should retake the SAT depends on your specific college goals. If you're targeting schools where your score falls comfortably within or above their middle 50% range, there's likely no need to retake the test. Focus instead on other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays. However, if you're aiming for the most selective institutions and feel you could score higher with additional preparation, a retake might be worth considering.

Remember that colleges take a holistic approach to admissions, and your SAT score is just one component of your application. Many universities also now have test-optional policies, meaning you can choose whether to submit your scores. With a 1420, you would benefit from submitting your scores to most institutions, as this score demonstrates strong academic capability and college readiness.