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A 1520 SAT score is undeniably excellent and places you in the 98th percentile of all test-takers. This means you scored higher than 98% of your peers, a significant accomplishment recognized by college admissions officers. Given that the national average SAT score hovers around 1010, a 1520 is an impressive 510 points above this benchmark. Additionally, a 1520 SAT score translates to an ACT score of approximately 34, underscoring your strong academic performance. This score signals not only your aptitude in math and evidence-based reading and writing but also your diligence and preparedness for college-level coursework.
With a 1520 SAT score, many prestigious, selective, and very selective institutions become achievable options. This score places you within the competitive range of elite colleges such as Harvard University and Stanford University, as well as highly selective public universities like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Michigan. Likewise, private institutions such as the University of Southern California (USC) and New York University (NYU) typically admit students with scores in this range. While these can be considered reach schools, a 1520 also opens doors at other respected institutions with slightly less selectivity, giving you a wide array of choices.
Deciding whether to retake the SAT after scoring a 1520 depends on your college goals and other aspects of your application. If aiming for ultra-selective schools like Harvard or Stanford, a marginally higher score could improve your chances, but the gains may be minimal. On average, students who retake the SAT may see an increase of about 40 points. Instead, focusing on enhancing your overall application?such as improving your GPA, engaging in extracurricular activities, and crafting a compelling personal statement?can be equally, if not more, beneficial. Admissions officers appreciate well-rounded applicants who excel beyond test scores.
A 1520 SAT score opens up substantial merit-based scholarship opportunities. Many universities offer significant financial awards to students with outstanding SAT scores. Public universities like the University of Florida and the University of Texas at Austin, as well as private institutions like the University of Miami, often provide merit scholarships that take a 1520 SAT score into account. Additionally, many national scholarship programs and private foundations offer grants and scholarships to high-achieving students. Leveraging your score in combination with strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement can enhance your eligibility for these opportunities.
If you're wondering which colleges you can gain admission to with a 1520 SAT score, you'll find a comprehensive list below featuring 166 popular institutions. This list includes top public universities such as the University of Florida, University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan, University of California Los Angeles, and University of Georgia. It also mentions prestigious private schools like Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Southern California, University of Miami, and New York University. Notably, Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA are examples of reach schools for students with a 1520 SAT score. Explore the full list to discover the perfect match for your academic aspirations and goals.
Displaying 166 colleges where your 1520 SAT score is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Search, filter and sort this list or view by admission chance for 309 target schools (good chance), 147 reach (harder) schools and 4,509 safety (easier) schools you can consider.
School | SAT Score Range | |
---|---|---|
Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA |
1490 to 1580 | |
Stanford UniversityStanford, CA |
1500 to 1580 | |
University of FloridaGainesville, FL |
1300 to 1490 | |
The University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX |
1230 to 1500 | |
University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI |
1350 to 1530 | |
University of California Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA |
1300 to 1530 | |
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA |
1450 to 1550 | |
University of MiamiCoral Gables, FL |
1310 to 1480 | |
University of GeorgiaAthens, GA |
1220 to 1420 | |
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC |
1350 to 1530 | |
Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA |
1240 to 1430 | |
New York UniversityNew York, NY |
1470 to 1570 | |
Duke UniversityDurham, NC |
1490 to 1570 | |
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN |
1490 to 1570 | |
Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ |
1490 to 1580 | |
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD |
1520 to 1570 | |
Boston UniversityBoston, MA |
1350 to 1500 | |
Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH |
1310 to 1480 | |
University of California IrvineIrvine, CA |
1230 to 1430 | |
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA |
1500 to 1570 | |
Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT |
1500 to 1580 | |
University of ChicagoChicago, IL |
1500 to 1580 | |
University of Maryland College ParkCollege Park, MD |
1360 to 1520 | |
University of Wisconsin MadisonMadison, WI |
1340 to 1510 | |
University of Washington Seattle CampusSeattle, WA |
1200 to 1453 | |
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC |
1280 to 1460 | |
Villanova UniversityVillanova, PA |
1378 to 1500 | |
University of California BerkeleyBerkeley, CA |
1310 to 1530 | |
Purdue University Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN |
1200 to 1470 | |
University of California Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA |
1230 to 1460 |
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