1570 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
MIT and Stanford both list a middle 50% that includes 1570. That's a 99th-percentile score, and you're in a good spot. Those schools stay reaches because they admit so few students, not because your SAT is short. You've got more than 130 selective colleges in range, plus a long backup group.
How 1570 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 99th - higher than about 99% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 1050 - you're above the typical score.
- ACT equivalent: ~36 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,570 schools (84 target, 53 reach, 1,433 safety).
Is a 1570 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1570 SAT is an outstanding score, on par with a 36 ACT. Harvard and Princeton both list a middle 50% of 1510-1580, so you overlap the top of those ranges. They stay reaches only because so few applicants get in.
Caltech's middle 50% is 1530-1580, so you are inside that band too. Low admit rates still make it tougher to get into. Michigan is a more realistic target, since 1570 is above its usual 1360-1530 range.
Colleges still weigh GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations alongside the SAT. The test will not be the weak spot in your application.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1570 SAT
Brown and UChicago both post a 1510-1580 middle 50%, so a 1570 lines up with their usual SAT range. Both are still harder to get into. UCLA is a reach for the same reason, even with 1570 above its 1300-1530 band. UT Austin and the University of Florida are more comfortable targets, and the tables sort the rest the same way.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 1570 is above the usual SAT band at Michigan (1360-1530) and Wisconsin (1380-1520). Both are still competitive publics, but this score gives you a good shot.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Even with a 1570, many top schools stay reaches. MIT (1520-1580) and Rice (1510-1570) include this score in their middle 50%, but tiny admit rates keep them tough.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
A 1570 is well above the middle 50% at Ohio State (1310-1480) and Penn State (1240-1420). Odds look strong at both, and this safer group is huge.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1570 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
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Local Options for a 1570 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1570?
A 1570 is already near the ceiling of the SAT, so another test is optional. If Caltech or MIT is the dream and you think 1600 is realistic, one more sitting can help. For almost every other college, this score is plenty.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May help at the most selective schools | Little room left near a 1600 |
| You already know the SAT format | Time away from grades and activities |
| A 1600 can stand out in a tight pool | A lower score is possible |
Serious prep often adds about 50-100 SAT points, though you have less room left at 1570. If you sit again, focus on the few questions you missed and take one or two timed practice tests. A full restart of prep is not worth it.
You can apply confidently with 1570, or take one more test if a perfect score is a real goal.
1570 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1570 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1510 | 34 |
| 1530 | 35 |
| 1550 | 35 |
| 1570 | 36 |
| 1590 | 36 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1570 SAT places you in about the 99th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 99% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1570 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1560 and 1580
- Browse the equivalent 36 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026