Achieving a 1460 on the SAT is a remarkable accomplishment, placing you well within the top 4–5% of all test takers nationwide. With the SAT being scored out of 1600, a 1460 reflects academic excellence and opens doors to a wide range of top-tier public and private universities. In this guide, you’ll learn which colleges accept a 1460 SAT score, how your score compares on a national scale, scholarship possibilities, and whether retaking the test is a wise move for your goals.

Is 1460 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Yes—scoring 1460 on your first try is an outstanding achievement. It places you in a highly competitive bracket at prestigious schools such as the University of Southern California (USC), Boston College, and the University of Michigan. While Ivy League and similarly elite schools often look for scores above 1500, a 1460 SAT score is still within reach at many top 100 institutions.

Pro Tip: Now that you’ve hit a 1460, focus on strengthening other parts of your application—like crafting a compelling personal essay, gathering strong recommendation letters, and showcasing your extracurricular activities.

What Colleges Accept a 1460 SAT Score?

A 1460 is an excellent SAT score that places you above average at many nationally recognized universities. The following institutions consider a 1460 to be within or above the middle 50% range of admitted students:

• Boston University
• University of California – Irvine
• University of Florida
• Villanova University
• University of Wisconsin – Madison
• Southern Methodist University (SMU)

These colleges review your application holistically, taking into account not just your SAT score, but also GPA, personal achievements, and community involvement. A 1460 makes you a competitive applicant in these well-ranked institutions.

How Does a 1460 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

The national average SAT score for the class of 2024 is about 1024, which means your 1460 score is over 400 points higher. This places you in the 95th percentile, indicating you're better prepared academically than 95% of test-takers. It's a strong signal to colleges that you’re ready for rigorous coursework.

Should You Retake the SAT If You Scored 1460?

If you're not targeting ultra-selective colleges or merit scholarships, it might be more strategic to invest your time in enhancing your essays, resume, and interview skills. A 1460 is a superb score, but consider retaking the SAT if:

• You're applying to Ivy League schools or Stanford/MIT, where average SAT scores often exceed 1500
• You believe you can improve your score by 40–60 points through targeted preparation
• You’re aiming for merit scholarships that begin at 1500+ in some colleges

1460 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1460 SAT score translates roughly to an ACT score of 32–33, which is also considered top-tier. Most colleges accept either test, and some superscore them—choosing your best combined results across multiple attempts.

Scholarships Available for a 1460 SAT Score

Many universities offer automatic or competitive merit-based scholarships to students scoring 1400 or above. Here's where your 1460 SAT score could help secure financial aid:

• University of Alabama: Scholarships start at 1360 and increase with score.
• University of Arizona: Wildcat Excellence Awards begin around 1400.
• Baylor University: Offers strong academic scholarships for scores in the 1400–1500 range.
• University of Mississippi: Provides automatic merit awards for scores above 1360.
• Texas Tech University: Offers tiered academic awards for students scoring 1400+.
• Temple University: Competitive merit scholarships begin at 1400 SAT.Tip: Always visit the university’s financial aid website to check the latest eligibility criteria for scholarships.

Top Colleges That Accept a 1460 SAT Score

Here's a point-by-point analysis of the best public and private colleges where your 1460 SAT places you in the competitive range. These institutions don't just appreciate strong test scores but also consider holistically your academic history, leadership, and extracurricular achievements. With a 1460, you have a good possibility of getting accepted into colleges that provide academic challenges alongside rich campus life.

A 1460 SAT score is no small accomplishment that can open doors to some of the country's most highly regarded colleges. Whether you're looking at highly competitive state schools like the University of Florida or top-of-the-line private schools like Boston College and SMU, your score puts you in a great place. While Ivy League schools may remain a stretch, you’re firmly within the competitive range for a wide array of top 100 colleges. With the right combination of GPA, extracurriculars, and a compelling application, your 1460 can serve as a solid foundation for an exciting academic journey.