Colleges for a 1530 on the SAT

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• About a 1530 SAT score
• Colleges to consider with a 1530 SAT
• Search the full list of colleges

Is a 1530 SAT Score Good?

Absolutely, a 1530 SAT score is considered excellent. This score places you in the 98th percentile of all test-takers, indicating that you performed better than 98% of students who took the test. College admissions officers view a 1530 as a strong indicator of your academic capabilities and potential for success in rigorous college programs. Given that the national average SAT score is around 1010, a 1530 is significantly higher?520 points above the average, to be precise. This score is comparable to a 35 on the ACT, further underscoring your high academic achievement. A 1530 demonstrates not only your proficiency in core subjects but also your readiness for the demands of college-level work.

Colleges That Accept a 1530 SAT Score

With a 1530 SAT score, you have a wide array of prestigious colleges to consider. This score makes you a competitive candidate for elite and highly selective institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and the University of California, Los Angeles. Public universities like the University of Florida, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan, University of California Los Angeles, and the University of Georgia also typically admit students with scores in this range. Furthermore, private colleges like the University of Southern California, University of Miami, and New York University are known to admit students with a 1530 SAT score. You can explore the full list of 168 colleges below for a more comprehensive understanding of where your score can take you.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1530?

Deciding whether to retake the SAT after scoring a 1530 depends on your individual goals and the specific requirements of your target schools. For most students, a 1530 is more than sufficient. However, if you're aiming for ultra-competitive schools like Harvard or Stanford, where the middle 50% SAT range can be slightly higher, retaking might be worth considering?especially if you feel confident that you can achieve a higher score. Realistically, improving by even 30-40 points could open doors to additional reach schools. Aside from retaking the SAT, strengthening other aspects of your application, such as essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations, can also significantly enhance your admissions prospects.

Scholarship Opportunities with a 1530 SAT

A 1530 SAT score not only elevates your college application but also puts you in a strong position for various merit-based scholarships. Many universities offer substantial financial awards to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. With a 1530, you could be eligible for scholarships offered by both public and private institutions. These scholarships can significantly offset the cost of tuition and other expenses, making higher education more affordable. Be sure to research individual scholarship opportunities at each college you're interested in to maximize your financial aid potential.

Below, you can explore the full list of 168 colleges where a 1530 SAT score is within the typical range of accepted students, including both public and private institutions, as well as potential reach schools like Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA. This comprehensive list will help you identify the best-fit colleges for your academic profile and aspirations.