The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test administered to high school students preparing for college in the United States. The SAT is designed to measure a student’s college readiness in critical reading, writing and language, and mathematics. The test is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with each section receiving a score between 200-800.
So, is a 1290 a good SAT score? The answer is: it depends.
Average SAT Scores
According to the College Board, the average SAT score for the Class of 2021 was 1060, with a 53% of test takers scoring below the national average. This means that a score of 1290 is significantly higher than the average score and places you in the top 16th percentile of test takers.
Percentile Rankings
The following table shows the percentile rankings for different SAT scores:
| SAT Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 1290 | 84th percentile |
| 1200 | 76th percentile |
| 1150 | 68th percentile |
| 1100 | 60th percentile |
As you can see, a score of 1290 places you in the 84th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 84% of all test takers. This is a very good score and will likely qualify you for admission to most colleges and universities.
College Admissions
The SAT is an important factor in college admissions, but it is not the only factor. Colleges and universities also consider a student’s GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statement. However, a high SAT score can give you a significant advantage in the admissions process.
According to the College Board, the average SAT score for students admitted to the top 50 universities in the United States is 1390. This means that a score of 1290 is likely to be competitive at most colleges and universities.
What Does a 1290 SAT Score Mean?
A score of 1290 indicates that you have a good understanding of the skills and knowledge tested on the SAT. You are likely to be strong in reading comprehension, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking. This score indicates that you are prepared for the challenges of college-level coursework.
Tips for Improving Your SAT Score
If you are not satisfied with your SAT score, there are several things you can do to improve it. Here are a few tips:
- Take a practice test. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and will give you a better idea of what to expect on test day.
- Study the test format. Make sure you understand the different sections of the test and how they are scored.
- Focus on your weak areas. Spend more time studying the topics that you are not as strong in.
- Take a prep course. This can be a great way to improve your score in a short amount of time.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the test. This will help you stay focused and alert on test day.
Conclusion
A score of 1290 on the SAT is a good score. It places you in the top 16th percentile of test takers and makes you competitive for admission to most colleges and universities. However, if you are not satisfied with your score, there are several things you can do to improve it.
