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A 1550 SAT score is indeed considered outstanding and places you in the 99th percentile of test-takers, which means you scored higher than 99% of students who took the test. College admissions officers regard this score highly, as it indicates a strong academic aptitude and readiness for the rigors of college coursework. To put things in perspective, the national average SAT score hovers around 1010, making a 1550 a full 540 points above the average. This score equates to a 35 on the ACT, further showcasing superior academic achievement. With such a competitive score, you are well-positioned for acceptance at many prestigious institutions.
With a 1550 SAT score, you are a strong candidate for a wide range of colleges, from highly selective Ivy League schools to prestigious public universities. Institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California Los Angeles are within reach, although they remain extremely competitive. Public universities such as the University of Michigan, The University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Florida also highly regard candidates with scores in this range. Private colleges like the University of Southern California and New York University value high SAT scores and offer excellent academic programs. Explore the full list of 168 colleges below to identify a variety of institutions where your score can open doors.
Deciding whether to retake the SAT after scoring a 1550 depends on your individual circumstances. Generally, a 1550 is a top-tier score, and the potential for significant improvement is relatively minimal. However, if your dream school has an average admitted SAT score of 1580 or higher, and you believe you could boost your score with more preparation, retaking the test might be worth considering. Realistically, improving by more than 50 points can be challenging. Instead, focus on enhancing other parts of your application, such as extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation, to increase your chances of admission at highly selective colleges.
A 1550 SAT score opens the door to a plethora of merit-based scholarship opportunities. Many universities offer substantial scholarships to students with high SAT scores as a way to attract top academic talent. For instance, public universities like the University of Georgia and University of California Los Angeles have competitive scholarship programs for high-achieving students. Additionally, private institutions often provide generous financial aid packages and merit-based scholarships for students who demonstrate exceptional academic prowess. Beyond university-specific scholarships, various national and private organizations also offer scholarships based on academic merit, and having a 1550 SAT score will make you a strong contender for these awards.
With a 1550 SAT score, you have a wide array of college options to consider, from elite Ivy League schools to reputable public institutions. The detailed list of 168 colleges below includes notable universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA among others. Each of these schools values high SAT scores as a significant component of their admissions criteria, making your 1550 a competitive advantage. Take your time to explore the full list to discover which colleges align best with your academic goals, interests, and career aspirations. With strategic planning and thoughtful application preparation, your impressive SAT score can pave the way for an exciting and rewarding college journey.
Displaying 168 colleges where your 1550 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 270 target schools (good chance), 147 reach (harder) schools and 4,602 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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