Is 1480 A Good Sat Score? [Answer + Tips To Prepare]

Many people believe a good SAT score is one that is above the average. Others believe a good SAT score is one that puts you in the 75th percentile.

The SAT is graded in two sections, the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing sections. Having a score of 1480 means you did well above average in each of these sections. So, yes, a score of 1480 on the SAT is a good score.

Are you aiming for such a score and want to know if it is good enough to get into college? This article is a complete guide to help you.

Is 1480 a good SAT score?

Yes, it is. A score of 1480 is a very competitive score for college aspirants. It shows how much effort you put into your studies and many colleges seek this characteristic from students.

Although the SAT score is not the only requirement for admission, schools look at other credentials. Your recommendation letter, grade point average, extracurricular activities, etc., also play a huge role during the admission process.

Nevertheless, 1480 is a good starting point. It means that only 2% of test takers have a score higher than you. It demonstrates academic excellence in each section of the test.

Schools that accept an SAT score of 1480

Wondering if a score of 1480 on the SAT is good enough for college or university? Well, the answer is yes. With an SAT score of 1480, you are eligible for various schools in the US.

1. Reach schools

Reach schools are schools that have a more competitive admission system. Their acceptance rate is low, and their educational standard is high. 

A score of 1480, along with a good GPA and a strong recommendation letter, should give your application a better chance. Some top reach schools that accept an SAT score of 1480 include;

  • Massachusetts Institution of Technology – Cambridge, MA
  • Harvey Mudd College – Claremont, CA
  • University of Chicago – Chicago, IL
  • Harvard University – Cambridge, MA
  • Washington University of St. Louis – St. Louis, MO
  • Dartmouth College – Hanover, NH
  • Yale University – New Haven, CT
  • Princeton University – Princeton, NJ
  • Vanderbilt University – Nashville, TN
  • Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD

2. Match schools 

Match schools are the perfect fit when it comes to admission, as a score of 1480 falls within their average admitted SAT score. Your SAT, along with a good GPA and recommendation letter, will give you a better chance of getting admitted.

Some of the top match schools that accept an SAT score of 1480 include; 

  • University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
  • Brown University – Providence, RI
  • Cornell University – Ithaca, NY
  • Tufts University – Medford, MA
  • Northeastern University – Boston, MA
  • Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, GA
  • New York University – New York, NY
  • Rice University – Houston, TX
  • Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, PA
  • University of Notre Dame – Notre Dame, IN

3. Safety schools

Generally, safety schools are schools with high acceptance rates. With a score of 1480 on the SAT, a good GPA, and a strong recommendation letter, admission is almost guaranteed.

Some top safety schools that accept an SAT score of 1480 include;

  • University of California, Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara, CA
  • Villanova University – Villanova, PA
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Troy, NY
  • Boston University – Boston, MA
  • Boston College – Chestnut Hill, MA
  • The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI
  • Stanford University – Stanford, CA
  • University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
  • Case Western Reserve University – Cleveland, OH
  • Pomona College – Claremont, CA

Tips on how to get a score of 1480 on the SAT

For potential SAT test takers, the following tips should help you score 1480 or higher on the next SAT.

1. Determine your dream school and set a target score 

As a potential test taker, one of the first things you should do is to determine the standard of school you wish to attend. Is it Harvard, Yale, or Ivy? 

Do some research about the school and find out the SAT score needed. Afterwards, set a target score higher than the SAT score needed. For Harvard, you will need an SAT score above 1480, so you can set a target score of 1500.

2. Prepare adequately for the SAT

study - lmshero

After setting your SAT target score, you must prepare adequately for the test. This includes studying daily, taking practice tests, and assessing your performance in order to be more consistent.

Ensure you study at least 2 hours a day and take practice tests once a week to assess your progress. If you come across any difficulties, you can reach out to your teachers for further help.

3. Understand rather than cram

One mistake many SAT students make is cramming answers before entering the exam hall, and this is wrong. It takes time and dedication to understand and eventually master complex concepts.

Most students who cram before taking the exam end up being confused. Mostly because SAT questions are restructured, and they often appear different each time.

FAQs

Should you retake the SAT if you scored 1480?

No, you shouldn’t.

A score of 1480 is competitive enough for various top schools in the US. Nevertheless, you can retake the SAT if you wish to have a score that is more competitive for the best schools, like Ivy and Yale.

Can you get into Stanford University with an SAT score of 1480?

Yes, you can.

A score of 1480 falls close to their average admitted SAT score. However, for your application to stand out, you must have a good high school GPA and a good recommendation letter.

What is the ACT equivalent for a score of 1480 on the SAT?

A score of 1480 is equivalent to a score of 33 on the ACT.

Conclusion: Is 1480 a good SAT score?

The SAT is an important factor in the admission process for many schools. It is weighed along with other credentials when screening students. 

Generally, a score of 1480 on the SAT is a very good score as it puts you in the top 2 percentile. However, getting this score isn’t really easy, you must ensure you prepare adequately for the SAT to earn such a score.

I hope you found this article helpful, if you did, you should also see what many don’t know about the scholastic aptitude test (SAT).

Thanks for reading.