- The highest possible SAT score you can earn on the SAT is 1600, however, only around 7% of test takers earned higher than 1400 in 2023.
- The median score in 2023 was 1028.
- Getting the highest SAT score you can requires you to study, take practice tests, and understand the exam inside and out.
The highest SAT score any student can hope to earn is 1600. To get this, you have to score a perfect 800 points on both the Math and EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) sections.
It is possible to achieve this score, but it’s easier said than done! Only 7% of test takers actually earned higher than 1400 in 2023! The odds of earning the perfect SAT score are a bit daunting. However, it is a good idea to aim for the highest SAT score you can! A higher score on this test could very well result in an acceptance letter from your dream school. We provide some important tips to help you achieve the highest SAT score you can below.
The SAT Results: 2023
These are some of the highlights of the report for the year 2023:
- The average score of 1.9 million students who took the SAT in 2023 was 1028.
- The mean Math score was 508
- The mean ERW score was 520.
While College Board doesn’t specify exactly how many test-takers scored a perfect 1600, the report indicates that only 7% of the total test-takers in 2023 scored between 1400 and 1600. That translates to fewer than 133,962 test-takers.
The data shows how challenging it can be to earn the highest SAT score possible. Striving to earn 1600 could leave you with little or no time to complete all of the other college-related tasks that are just as important. It may be more realistic to set your own goals and aim to get the highest SAT to score that you think you can achieve.
Tips for Earning the Highest SAT Score You Can
These tips will help you reach your SAT score goal without compromising on all the other tasks that you need to attend to.
1. Take SAT Practice Tests
Taking SAT practice tests will help you get familiar with the format of the test so you are better prepared on test day. When taking SAT practice tests it’s important to simulate the environment on the actual test day. Keep everything you need ready the day before, shut off your phone, and set a timer when taking the test.
Timing is very important for the SAT. Answering timed practice tests will give you a good idea of how well you performed and how much more you need to prepare so you can score the highest SAT score possible.
If you’re serious about increasing your score, check out Method Learning. They have expert-taught classes, one-on-one tutoring sessions, and online courses to help prepare you for test day. Check out our in-depth review of Method Learning here!
2. Know What You’re Aiming For
Shooting for a “high SAT” score is great and all, but having a certain number in mind can help you create a SMART goal. Say you earned a 1350 on your last SAT. You might want to try aiming for a 1370 next time. Or 1420. Building on your previous successes is a great way to keep reaching for new heights. It’s important to be realistic about your expectations, too. This mindset will give you a strong foundation for aiming for a higher SAT score.
It’s also helpful to know what the percentiles of student SAT scores are for the colleges you are interested in. For example, if you want to go to Michigan State University, you’ll see that 50% of students who attend MSU score between a 1,180 and 1,280 combined on their SAT. Knowing those scores, you can set a goal that you think will give you a good shot at being accepted into your dream school.
To find out your admissions odds for schools you are interested in, sign up for a free College Raptor account.
3. Getting One-On-One Help
Some students perform better with one-on-one help. If you think this may help you, look for a SAT tutor in your neighborhood. This can be an expensive option. However, you might be able to bring down the cost by organizing group tuition with a few of your classmates. You could even join an SAT review class at school for free.
4. Master the Art of Taking the SAT
The SAT is different from other standard high school tests. It has a format unique to itself, an intricate scoring system, and plenty of regulations within the testing room. You need to know how the test will proceed. Along with taking a timed practice test, put some time aside on a weekend to take a full SAT practice test in complete silence, without your phone. That way, you can simulate what it’ll be like to take the actual SAT. You’ll end up feeling more prepared on your test day.
READ MORE >> The Top 10 SAT Test Taking Tips
5. Make a Study Schedule
You don’t have to spend hours upon hours cramming for the SAT the week before (not to mention that cramming doesn’t really work). Instead, make a study schedule that spans at least a month. Decide what you want to study each day (i.e., Monday is for reviewing math, Tuesday is for improving your reading abilities, etc.). Limit yourself to a few hours. Also, don’t forget to take breaks! Making a study schedule helps you pace out your studying, so you won’t find yourself cramming the night before.
Getting the highest SAT score you can takes some dedication. It’s very likely you won’t get your best score on your first exam either. Practice tests, goals, tutoring, and more can all help you reach for the highest SAT score you can get.
Knowing the average SAT scores of accepted students to your dream school can give you direction for your goals with this exam. Want to see how you stack up? Use our College Match tool today to find out!
