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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.