Scoring a 1530 SAT is a great achievement, and you're well above the national average. You're a strong candidate at most of the country's top universities. With a 1530, you're in the 98th percentile of students taking the test, so you qualify for admission to many of the best colleges in the United States. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what a 1530 SAT score means, how it compares to the national average, the types of colleges that accept this score, and scholarship opportunities available to high-achieving students.

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Is a 1530 SAT Score Good?

Absolutely! A 1530 SAT score is an outstanding achievement and ranks you near the top of the testing pool. This score is significantly higher than the national average, which typically hovers around 1050-1060. With a 1530, you stand out in the college admissions process, especially at selective schools. Not only does this score showcase your academic aptitude, but it also positions you as a top applicant at many competitive colleges. You’re well on your way to receiving admission offers from some of the best universities in the country.

What Colleges Accept a 1530 SAT Score?

A 1530 SAT score is not only a mark of academic excellence but also a strong asset in the competitive world of college admissions. It places you in a highly competitive position for admission at a variety of top-tier universities. When applying to prestigious colleges, schools often use middle 50% SAT ranges to assess how well applicants align with the academic standards of their incoming class. These ranges represent the scores of the middle 50% of students admitted, meaning that half of admitted students score higher, and half score lower.

How Does a 1530 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

As mentioned, the national average SAT score was 1024 for the class of 2024. A 1530 SAT score puts you roughly 470–480 points above this average, demonstrating your academic excellence. In addition, this score places you well into the top 2% of all students taking the test. Here’s a quick comparison:

• National Average SAT Score (2024): ~1024
• 1530 SAT Score Percentile: 98th percentile
• ACT Equivalent: Approximately 34-35 on the ACT, placing you near the top of the ACT scoring scale.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1530?

In most cases, retaking the SAT after achieving a 1530 is unnecessary. This score already puts you in an excellent position for admissions to many elite institutions. Unless you have specific goals, such as aiming for a perfect 1600 for personal satisfaction or meeting particular scholarship requirements, there is little reason to retake the exam. With a 1530, you're already in the top 1% of test-takers and competitive for some of the most selective universities in the country.

1530 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1530 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 34 on the ACT. Both scores place you in the top 1% of test-takers and will make you a competitive candidate at many of the nation’s top universities. If you prefer to submit ACT scores instead of the SAT, your 34 score will be just as impressive to admissions offices.

College Scholarships That Accept a 1530 SAT Score

A 1530 SAT score can unlock a variety of merit scholarships at many institutions. Some universities provide generous financial aid packages to high-achieving students, including those with top SAT scores. Some notable scholarships include:

• Harvard University: Offers need-based financial aid that can cover up to 100% of tuition for families earning under $85,000 per year.
• Yale University: Provides substantial need-based financial aid, with many students paying little or no tuition.
• University of Southern California (USC): The Trustee Scholarship offers full tuition for exceptional students.
• Vanderbilt University: The Ingram Scholars Program offers full tuition to students with high SAT scores.

Colleges That Accept a 1530 SAT Score

A 1530 SAT score is competitive for admission to some of the best universities in the country. You would be a strong candidate at institutions with high academic standards. Some of the schools that accept or admit students with a 1530 SAT score include:

Harvard University 

Renowned for its rigorous academics and influential alumni, Harvard consistently ranks as one of the best universities globally.

Stanford University 

Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford is a leading institution in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.

Yale University

Famous for its top-ranked law school and internationally ranked faculty, Yale offers a higher academic experience with a strong focus on humanities and social sciences.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A global leader in technology and engineering, MIT is at the forefront of scientific innovation and research.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) 

Caltech leads in science, engineering, and technology with a limited student enrollment and an emphasis on high-impact research.

Princeton University

One of the most highly selective Ivy League institutions, Princeton is recognized for its tight-knit campus culture and focus on undergraduate studies.

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire is an Ivy League institution known for its rigorous educational climate and close-knit community of students. It boasts a 7.2% acceptance rate that creates a very competitive learning environment for those who are high-scoring on SAT and GPA.

Columbia University 

Situated in New York City, Columbia offers a diverse academic environment and access to one of the world’s most dynamic urban settings.

University of Chicago

Famous for its rigorous academics and research programs, UChicago is known for fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) 

A prestigious Ivy League school, UPenn blends strong business, health, and liberal arts programs with a focus on interdisciplinary learning.

Duke University 

A first-class institution with bruiser programs in health, research, and business, Duke provides a lively intellectual and extracurricular experience.

Northwestern University 

With a keen focus on interdisciplinary studies, Northwestern is a top-tier university that provides superior arts, science, and communications programs. 

Cornell University

Cornell University, one of the Ivy League institutions, has a highly competitive SAT score range of 1480-1570 and an acceptance rate of 10.7%. It is known for its diverse academic programs and offers excellent opportunities for research and leadership.

Johns Hopkins University 

A global leader in medical research and public health, Johns Hopkins provides a rich academic environment with a focus on scientific inquiry.

Brown University 

With its flexible open curriculum, Brown encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects and develop their own academic path.

These schools are all very competitive, and a 1530 SAT puts you in a strong position to be admitted. But they also consider other parts of your application, including extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.