What Is the Average SAT Score?
College Board reports a mean SAT score of 1029 for the class of 2025, split into 521 Reading and Writing and 508 Math. Use that dated national benchmark for context, then use each college's current range for admissions planning.
The current average
College Board's class of 2025 report gives a mean total of 1029, with a mean of 521 in Reading and Writing and 508 in Math. Those figures describe that graduating class, not a required college score.
Who takes the SAT
The SAT is taken by roughly 2 million US high school students each year. The population includes both students targeting selective universities and students at open-admission schools, which pulls the average lower than people familiar only with competitive-prep communities expect.
Setting a realistic target
Use the average as a floor, not a ceiling. Most selective universities expect scores well above 1050. A productive starting goal is 200 points above your baseline, which is reachable with 8–12 weeks of focused prep.
Set a realistic score target
How to turn this score target into a weekly plan
| Weekly check | What it tells you | Next move |
|---|---|---|
| Section split | Whether Math or Reading and Writing is limiting the total. | Drill the weaker section before another full module. |
| Miss pattern | Which skills repeat across practice sets. | Create a narrow bank set for the repeated skill. |
| Timed-module score | Whether drills are transferring under real pacing. | Keep the plan if timing improves; narrow it if misses repeat. |
FAQs
What is the current average SAT score?
For the class of 2025, College Board reported a mean SAT total of 1029: 521 in Reading and Writing and 508 in Math.
Is the average SAT score good enough for college?
For open-admission and many regional universities, yes. For selective private schools and top state flagships, the average is well below their admitted-student profile.
Does the average SAT score change year to year?
Yes. The mean changes with each graduating class and testing population, so always attach a data year to the number.
How much above average do I need to be competitive?
Do not derive a college target from the national mean. Compare your score with each college's current middle-50% range and testing policy.
Start practicing now
Run a timed Digital SAT module, drill targeted skills in the question bank, or estimate your current score with the SAT score calculator.