A 1400 SAT score is exceptionally strong and places you in the top tier of test-takers. The SAT is scored on a 400–1600 scale, combining Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections (each 200–800). According to the College Board's most recent percentile data from the class of 2024, a 1400 corresponds to approximately the 96th percentile nationally among college-bound seniors. This means you outperform about 96% of the roughly 1.9 million students who take the SAT annually.
To put it in perspective:
- Average score: Around 1020–1050 (50th percentile).
- Good score for most colleges: 1200+ (75th–80th percentile).
- Elite threshold: 1400+ is competitive for top-50 universities (e.g., Ivy League, Stanford, MIT), where admitted students often average 1450–1550.
Rarity varies by demographics and test prep access. Among all U.S. high school juniors/seniors (not just test-takers), the percentile is even higher due to self-selection many capable students skip the SAT for ACT or test-optional policies. In 2024, only about 4% of test-takers scored 1400 or above, equating to roughly 76,000 students nationwide.
| Score Range | Percentile | Approx. % of Test-Takers |
|---|---|---|
| 1400–1600 | 96th–99th+ | ~4% |
| 1300–1390 | 89th–95th | ~7% |
| 1200–1290 | 78th–88th | ~13% |
A 1400 signals strong academic potential but isn't "rare" in absolute terms thousand achieve it yearly with preparation. Supers coring (combining best section scores across attempts) can boost you here. For context, perfect 1600s are under 0.1% (~1,900 students). Focus on holistic applications; scores are just one piece.