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Top Colleges That Accept a 1520 SAT Score | Ivy League & More

Last Updated on Jun 12, 2025

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A 1520 SAT Exam score is an impressive achievement and places you among the top-performing students across the nation. If you got a 1520 on the SAT, you’re in the top 3% of all test-takers. That’s a great score and can help you get into top colleges, including Ivy League schools and other highly ranked universities.

In this article, we’ll explore which colleges accept a 1520 SAT score and provide key details about each school. We'll also discuss how a 1520 compares to the national average and whether you should retake the SAT if you’ve earned this score.

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Is a 1520 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Yes, a 1520 is an excellent SAT score, especially for first-time test-takers. It’s well above the national average of 1024. This score shows that you have a strong grasp of the material covered on the SAT and gives you a competitive advantage when applying to top-tier schools.

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What Colleges Accept a 1520 SAT Score?

A 1520 SAT score is excellent and can open doors to many top colleges. Schools like the University of Southern California (USC), University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and Boston College accept scores in this range. Other prestigious universities may also consider a 1520 SAT score, along with factors like GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. Be sure to check each college’s admission requirements for more details.

How Does a 1520 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

The national average SAT score for 2024 was 1024. With a score of 1520, you’re significantly above average, placing you in the top 3% of all test-takers. This puts you in a competitive position for admissions to many selective colleges and universities.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1520?

If you’ve scored a 1520, there is no need to retake the SAT. This score is excellent and will give you a strong chance at admission to many prestigious colleges. Instead of retaking the test, focus on other aspects of your college application, like your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters.

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1520 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1520 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 34 ACT Exam score. Both scores place you in a competitive position for top colleges, so if you’re considering taking the ACT, this will give you a sense of how your SAT score compares.

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1520 SAT Score

A 1520 SAT score can make you eligible for various college scholarships. Here are some colleges and the scholarships they offer for students with high SAT scores:

  1. University of Southern California (USC): Trustee Scholarship: $40,000 per year.
  2. University of Michigan: Michigan Competitive Scholarship: Up to $10,000.
  3. Boston College: Presidential Scholarship: Full tuition.
  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Carolina Scholarship: Varies by need and merit.
  5. University of California, Berkeley: Regents Scholarship: Full tuition and fees.

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Colleges That Accept a 1520 SAT Score

A 1520 SAT score is highly competitive and can help you get into many top colleges. With this score, you’ll be considered for admission to prestigious universities that value strong academic performance. Here’s a list of some top colleges that accept a 1520 SAT score and are known for their excellent programs and campus life.

1. Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the top colleges in the world. With a 1520 SAT score, you’re in the competitive range to apply. Here are some important facts about Harvard:

Elements

Details

University Name

Harvard University

SAT Score

1460-1580

Average GPA

4.18

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

4.6%

Admission Chance

10%

Tuition Fees

$51,904

Graduation Rate

98%

Enrollment

31,000

2. Stanford University

Stanford University is another top-tier school that considers a 1520 SAT score competitive for admission. Known for its rigorous academics and prestigious programs, here’s a breakdown of key details about Stanford University:

Elements

Details

University Name

Stanford University

SAT Score

1510-1580

Average GPA

4.18

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

4.3%

Admission Chance

10%

Tuition Fees

$56,169

Graduation Rate

94%

Enrollment

15,878

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is known for its cutting-edge technology and engineering programs. A 1520 SAT score is within the range for competitive applicants. Here’s a summary of important details about MIT:

Elements

Details

University Name

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

SAT Score

1510-1570

Average GPA

4.17

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

6.7%

Admission Chance

12%

Tuition Fees

$53,790

Graduation Rate

94%

Enrollment

11,520

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a world-renowned institution, especially for science and engineering. A 1520 SAT score is competitive for admission. Here’s a quick look at some important details about Caltech:

Elements

Details

University Name

California Institute of Technology

SAT Score

1500-1600

Average GPA

4.19

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

6.4%

Admission Chance

12%

Tuition Fees

$54,600

Graduation Rate

93%

Enrollment

2,240

5. Princeton University

Princeton University is a famous Ivy League school known for its strong academics and beautiful campus. If you have a 1520 SAT score, you have a good chance. Here’s a simple look at Princeton’s important details:

Elements

Details

University Name

Princeton University

SAT Score

1510–1580

Average GPA

4.18

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

5.8%

Admission Chance

11%

Tuition Fees

$52,800

Graduation Rate

97%

Enrollment

8,000

6. Columbia University

Columbia University is a top Ivy League school located in New York City. A high SAT score like 1520 makes you a strong candidate. Here’s a simple breakdown of important details about Columbia University:

Elements

Details

University Name

Columbia University

SAT Score

1510-1560

Average GPA

4.17

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

5.4%

Admission Chance

11%

Tuition Fees

$63,530

Graduation Rate

95%

Enrollment

31,455

7. Yale University

Yale University is another top Ivy League school known for its strong programs in many subjects. With a 1520 SAT score, you have a strong chance to stand out. Here’s a quick look at Yale’s important details:

Elements

Details

University Name

Yale University

SAT Score

1500–1560

Average GPA

4.19

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

6.1%

Admission Chance

12%

Tuition Fees

$59,950

Graduation Rate

97%

Enrollment

12,000

8. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago has a robust academic program as well as heavy research emphasis. 1520 on the SAT is competitive against here. For simplicity, we shall briefly highlight the key points about the University of Chicago below:

Elements

Details

University Name

University of Chicago

SAT Score

1500-1580

Average GPA

4.18

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

6.2%

Admission Chance

12%

Tuition Fees

$60,552

Graduation Rate

94%

Enrollment

15,000

9. Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a top school known for strong programs in journalism, engineering, and more. With a 1520 SAT score, you have a great shot. Here’s a simple table with important details about Northwestern:

Elements

Details

University Name

Northwestern University

SAT Score

1500–1560

Average GPA

4.18

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

9.1%

Admission Chance

15%

Tuition Fees

$60,000

Graduation Rate

94%

Enrollment

21,000

10. Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a famous school, especially for law, politics, and international studies. A 1520 SAT score makes you a strong candidate here. Check out the key facts about Georgetown University in the table below:

Elements

Details

University Name

Georgetown University

SAT Score

1390–1530

Average GPA

4.18

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

14.5%

Admission Chance

18%

Tuition Fees

$60,000

Graduation Rate

94%

Enrollment

8,000

11. Duke University

Duke University is a top school known for both academics and sports. With a 1520 SAT score, you have a great chance to get noticed. See the important details about Duke University in the table below:

Elements

Details

University Name

Duke University

SAT Score

1520–1570

Average GPA

4.13

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

7.6%

Admission Chance

13%

Tuition Fees

$58,531

Graduation Rate

95%

Enrollment

6,500

12. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, also called Penn, is a famous Ivy League school. With a 1520 SAT score, you have a strong chance here. Check out the important details about Penn in the table below:

Elements

Details

University Name

University of Pennsylvania

SAT Score

1500–1570

Average GPA

4.0

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

8.4%

Admission Chance

13%

Tuition Fees

$59,000

Graduation Rate

95%

Enrollment

10,000

13. Brown University

Brown University is an Ivy League school known for giving students a lot of freedom to choose their classes. With a 1520 SAT score, you have a good shot. Check out the key details about Brown below:

Elements

Details

University Name

Brown University

SAT Score

1510-1570

Average GPA

4.0

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

7%

Admission Chance

10%

Tuition Fees

$60,000

Graduation Rate

97%

Enrollment

6,500

14. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a prestigious school, especially known for its research programs in medicine and science. With a 1520 SAT score, you have a strong chance. Check out the key details about Johns Hopkins below:

Elements

Details

University Name

Johns Hopkins University

SAT Score

1510-1570

Average GPA

4.0

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

11.5%

Admission Chance

16%

Tuition Fees

$60,000

Graduation Rate

94%

Enrollment

6,500

15. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a highly respected school in Tennessee known for strong programs in law, education, and engineering. With a 1520 SAT score, you have a great chance. Check out the important details about Vanderbilt below:

Elements

Details

University Name

Vanderbilt University

SAT Score

1500-1560

Average GPA

4.13

ACT Score

35

Acceptance Rate

9.1%

Admission Chance

14%

Tuition Fees

$54,000

Graduation Rate

94%

Enrollment

6,900

Scoring a 1520 on the SAT is an impressive achievement and can help you get into top colleges in the U.S. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT see it as a great score, but they also look at your GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities. To improve your chances of getting accepted, make sure your whole application is strong, not just your test score.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 13, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025. 

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

Colleges That Accept a 1520 SAT Score FAQs

Yes, a 1520 SAT score is excellent and puts you in the top 3% of test-takers. It gives you a strong chance of being admitted to prestigious schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and many others.

No, a 1520 is an impressive score. Retaking the SAT might not be necessary unless you’re aiming for a perfect score. Instead, focus on other parts of your application, like your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays.

A 1520 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 34 on the ACT. Both scores are highly competitive for top-tier colleges.

Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships for students with high SAT scores. For example, USC offers the Trustee Scholarship (up to $40,000 per year), and UC Berkeley offers the Regents Scholarship (full tuition).

While a 1520 SAT score is a great asset, Ivy League schools consider a variety of factors in the admissions process, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. It doesn’t guarantee admission, but it certainly improves your chances.

Colleges that accept a 1520 SAT score often have low acceptance rates because they are highly selective. For example, Harvard has an acceptance rate of 4.6%, while Stanford’s is 4.3%. However, with a 1520 SAT score, you’re in a competitive position.