1520 SAT Score: What It Means, What It Gets You & How to Make the Most of It

When a student earns a 1520 on the SAT, we know what that moment feels like. At IvyStrides, we’ve seen that look a hundred times. And every time, we remind our students of one thing: this score is not the finish line. It’s a launch pad.

In today’s admissions world, what you do with that 1520 matters more than ever.

We wrote this guide to help you make sense of that. You’ll see what a 1520 means in real percentile terms, how it compares with ACT and IQ equivalents, which colleges value it most, and how to use it to your advantage, from applications to scholarships.

We’ve spent years coaching bright students from Texas and across the U.S. to scores like this and beyond. What follows is the same insight we share in our classrooms: honest, transparent, and built from experience.

Talk to our counsellors today!

What Does a 1520 SAT Score Really Mean? (Percentile, Ranking & Rarity)

Let’s be honest, a 1520 on the SAT turns heads. It’s not just “above average.” It’s elite.

According to the most recent data, that score puts you in the top 1 to 2 percent of test-takers across the country. Colleges know this score doesn’t come from luck. It comes from work, the kind that takes time, focus, and a brilliant plan. So when they see a 1520, they see someone who took the process seriously.

Here’s what that score usually looks like in breakdown:

• Math: 770–780

• Reading & Writing: 740–750

• Total: 1520

• National Rank: 98th to 99th percentile

At IvyStrides, we’ve worked with students who scored 1520 on their first try and others who reached it after a climb.

Is 1520 a “Good” SAT Score in 2026?

Short answer? Yes. But let’s not stop there.

A 1520 gives you an edge. A real one.

Here’s why:

• It clears the bar at most Top 50 universities

• It hits the middle or upper range for schools like Cornell, Northwestern, Emory, and USC

• It shows you’ve got test-taking down, which matters, mainly when schools guess how well you’ll handle their course load.

A 1520 doesn’t guarantee anything. But it removes a reason to say no.

And if you’re thinking about schools like Harvard or Stanford? A 1520 keeps the door open. It’s not a lock, but it’s strong enough to give your application weight, especially when paired with a sharp story and a good fit.

At IvyStrides, we’ve seen plenty of students turn a 1520 into more than just a score. They’ve turned it into scholarships, early admits, and confidence.

How a 1520 SAT Score Compares - ACT, IQ, and Past SAT Versions

A 1520 looks great on paper, and if you were to convert a 1520 into an ACT score using the official concordance chart, you’d land around a 34 to 35.

That score puts you right at the top of the ACT range. It tells schools the same thing a 1520 does: you’re among the best test-takers in the country.

1520 SAT to IQ: Is There a Link?

There’s no official conversion. SATs aren’t IQ tests. Still, researchers have tried to estimate IQ equivalents based on score percentiles. A 1520 would loosely place you near an IQ of 135 to 140, which is considered “very high” or “gifted” in general terms.

Comparing 1520 to the Old SAT Format

The SAT has changed over the years. If your parents or older siblings took it before 2016, they were on a 2400 scale. If they took it between 2016 and 2022, it was on the same 1600 scale but with a paper format. Now, it’s digital.

So how does your 2026-27 SAT score of 1520 stack up?

• Compared to the old 2400 SAT, a 1520 roughly equals a 2290–2320

• Against the 2016–2022 version, your score is equally valid

• On the new Digital SAT, a 1520 is right at the top; nothing is lost in the switch

No matter the format, a 1520 holds its weight. Admissions teams know how to read these scores across versions. You won’t lose ground just because the format changed.

Can You Get Into Top Colleges with a 1520 SAT Score?

Yes, and in many cases, it’s your strongest ticket in.

A 1520 opens real doors at top-ranked schools. We're talking about universities where the median SAT score is somewhere between 1450 and 1540. If you're in that range, you're on their radar.

Ivy League Schools - Is 1520 Enough?

It depends on the school and the rest of your application.

At places like Cornell, Brown, or Dartmouth, a 1520 puts you within range. You’ll find it near the middle or even the top of their admitted student score bands. For Harvard, Yale, or Princeton, it’s on the lower edge, but it’s still competitive if the rest of your file shines.

What does that mean?

If you’ve taken challenging classes, written solid essays, and built a sharp extracurricular record, a 1520 will absolutely hold up. It might not be what gets you in, but it won’t be what keeps you out either.

Strong Match Schools for a 1520 SAT Score

This is where a 1520 shines brightest.

At schools like Rice, Vanderbilt, Emory, NYU, and Georgia Tech, it puts you squarely in the target zone, or even above it. It tells these schools you’re ready to perform from day one.

It also helps you stand out at top public schools like Michigan, UNC, or UVA, where admissions are selective and scores matter, especially for out-of-state students.

Public and State Schools Where 1520 Really Pops

If you’re applying to top-tier public universities like UT Austin, for example, competitive majors like engineering, business, or computer science look for strong scores. A 1520 shows you’re not just ready, you’re prepared to lead.

And in many cases, a score like this can help you qualify for honors programs, early admission, or merit-based aid (we’ll cover that in the next section).

Scholarships You Can Win With a 1520 SAT Score in 2026

A 1520 doesn’t just impress colleges, it can lower your tuition bill, too.

Many schools and scholarship programs still look closely at test scores, even in the test-optional era. And a 1520 often puts you in the running for merit-based aid, honors programs, and full-ride awards, depending on where you apply.

We’ve worked with students who earned thousands in scholarships based on this score alone. Here’s what you should know.

Colleges That Reward High Scores with Merit Aid

Some schools offer automatic or competitive merit awards to applicants with SAT scores above 1500. These don’t always require a separate application; your test score can trigger the offer.

Examples:

• University of Alabama: Offers full tuition for 1520+, plus a strong GPA.

• Arizona State (Barrett Honors College): Competitive aid packages.

• University of Kentucky: Generous scholarships starting at a score of 1500.

• UT Dallas & Texas Tech: Aid tiers based on SAT scores and class rank.

If you’re applying to state schools outside your home state, a 1520 can also offset non-resident tuition, a significant win for families.

Private Scholarships That Recognize SAT Scores

Outside of college-based aid, many private foundations use SAT scores as part of their selection criteria, especially when combined with GPA or community work.

Places to explore:

• National Merit Finalist status (based on PSAT, but many 1520 scorers qualify)

• College Board’s BigFuture Scholarships

• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program

While not all of these are score-driven, a 1520 puts you in a strong position for selection, especially when paired with leadership, essays, and financial need.

How IvyStrides Helps You Maximize Scholarship Value

We don’t just help students prep for the test. We help them turn their scores into real opportunities.

That means:

• Matching students with colleges where a 1520 unlocks scholarships

• Helping families understand award tiers

• Supporting the application process for private aid

We’ve seen students earn $20,000 to $80,000 over four years just by applying smartly and starting early.

How to Score (or Beat) a 1520 on the SAT - A Strategic Prep Guide

If you haven’t hit 1520 yet, or if you’re aiming higher, this part’s for you.

At IvyStrides, we’ve worked with students across all score ranges. Some start in the 1300s and break into the 1500s within two months. Others fine-tune from 1450 to 1550 with slight shifts in how they study, not how much.

Here’s what separates potent scorers from the rest.

Study Habits That Make a Difference

We’ve found these patterns in students who score 1520 or higher:

• Weekly goals, not just last-minute cram sessions

• 1–2 full-length practice tests per month

• Consistent review of mistakes (especially in Reading and Math traps)

• Using official College Board materials, not random worksheets

Smart prep > more prep. Every time.

Section-Specific Tips That Work

Math

Most 1520+ scorers know how to avoid careless errors. They work on pacing and test endurance, not just formulas.

What works:

• Getting fast at no-calculator problems.

• Reviewing function types, inequalities, and data sets.

• Skipping time-wasters early and coming back if time allows.

Reading & Writing

The top scorers read like editors. They focus on tone, logic, and evidence.

What works:

• Understanding the author’s intent in nonfiction passages.

• Watching for double negatives, comma rules, and transitions.

• Practicing short, sharp reading bursts (15–20 minutes a day).

The IvyStrides Method

Every 1520 story we’ve been part of had three things:

1. A custom plan - based on diagnostic testing.

2. Targeted classes - live and led by expert instructors.

3. Real-time feedback - on test performance, not just scores.

We don’t do cookie-cutter prep. We build score strategies around how each student learns, thinks, and tests. That’s how we turn high potential into high performance.

Would You Retake the SAT After Scoring a 1520?

A 1520 is a great score. But when your dream schools list an average of 1540, the pressure creeps in. 

Here’s how we help students think it through at IvyStrides:

When Retaking Might Be a Smart Move

A retake makes sense if:

• You’re aiming for top-tier Ivies like Harvard, MIT, or Stanford.

• You know your practice test scores are 1550+.

• You made an apparent mistake or had a bad test day.

• You need a bump in one section to qualify for a scholarship or program.

If you’ve got time, motivation, and a clear plan, another shot could help. Especially if your superscore climbs.

When a 1520 Is More Than Enough

In most cases, 1520 does the job and then some.

Here’s when you don’t need to retake:

• You’re applying to schools where 1520 is at or above their 75th percentile.

• Your energy is better spent on essays, grades, or activities.

• You’d only be retaking for a slight ego boost (and that’s okay to admit).

Sometimes, trying to chase 40 more points can cost you time and focus. And colleges don’t reward retakes unless they lead to clear improvement.

What We Tell Our Students at IvyStrides

If your 1520 aligns with your goals, use it. Own it.

But if you’ve got more in the tank, and you want to swing a little higher, we’ll help you prep smarter. Not harder. That means reviewing only what matters, sharpening weak spots, and walking into test day with complete control.

Whether you stick or retake, we’ll help you get the most out of your score and your shot at top schools.

Enroll now in the SAT winter batch at IvyStrides today!

Why IvyStrides Is the Smartest Choice for SAT 1500+ Scorers

Scoring in the 1500s changes your college path, and your prep needs, too.

Once you’re in that range, generic test prep just doesn’t cut it. You need strategy, speed, and someone who understands what it takes to move from “strong” to “exceptional.”

That’s where we come in.

At IvyStrides, we work with students who think big, National Merit hopefuls, Ivy League applicants, and scholarship contenders.

Our SAT programs are structured for students already near the top:

• Smart pacing drills

• Section-specific diagnostics

• Personal score tracking

• Real-time feedback, not automated reports

If you’re already scoring 1500+, you know the content. Now it’s about timing, precision, and pattern recognition.

We focus on:

• Fast-reading strategies for dense texts

• Trap-spotting on high-difficulty math

• Mental stamina for test-day pacing

And we teach it live, in real time with instructors who’ve trained top scorers across the U.S., Canada, and India.

Results That Prove the Difference

We’ve helped 1500-range students go on to:

• Boost superscores by 30–60 points

• Earn full or partial scholarships at Rice, USC, Georgia Tech, and NYU

• Get accepted to Ivy League programs with competitive SAT bands

A 1520 score shows you’re ready. We help you prove it on paper, in apps, and to every school on your list.

Think You’re Done? Or Just Getting Started?

If you’re sitting on a 1520 and wondering what’s next, let’s talk. We’ll help you figure out if retaking makes sense, or if it’s time to turn your score into scholarships, admits, and peace of mind.

Book a free 20-minute SAT strategy call with IvyStrides

FAQs About the 1520 SAT Score

Should I report a 1520 if my GPA is 3.6?

Yes, especially if you’re applying to test-optional schools. A 1520 can help balance a GPA that’s solid but not stellar. It shows academic strength and gives schools another reason to take your application seriously.

Is 1520 competitive for Computer Science or Engineering?

It depends on the school. For top CS/engineering programs like those at MIT, Stanford, or Berkeley, a 1520 is on the lower edge, still strong, but you’ll want high math subscores and standout coursework. For many top 50 programs, though, a 1520 is highly competitive.

Will a 1520 SAT help with need-based aid?

Directly, no need-based aid is based on family income and FAFSA details. But a 1520 can help you qualify for merit aid, honors programs, or departmental awards, which can reduce your total cost, even if you also receive need-based help.

Is it better to take the ACT after getting 1520 on the SAT?

Not usually. A 1520 is already equivalent to a 34–35 on the ACT. Unless you’re scoring higher on ACT practice tests or targeting a program that strongly favors the ACT (rare), switching won’t offer much advantage.

Will reporting a 1520 make my application “score heavy”?

Not at all. A strong SAT simply adds weight to your file. Colleges appreciate balanced applications. If your activities, essays, and GPA hold up, the score becomes a strength — not a distraction.

Can I use my 1520 for scholarship renewal each year?

That depends on the program. Some merit scholarships require you to maintain a specific college GPA, not just the original SAT score. But your 1520 is what usually helps you earn the award up front, and that makes a lasting difference.