So you got a 1400 on the SAT. Congrats! That's definitely something to be proud of. But now you're probably wondering: is 1400 a good SAT score for what I need? Honestly, it depends. Like when my neighbor's kid asked me last week – "Hey, I scored 1400, should I retake it?" – my answer was "Well, where do you want to go to college?" See, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here.
Let's cut to the chase: A 1400 puts you in the top 7% of test-takers nationwide. It's objectively strong, but "good" depends entirely on your target colleges. For state schools like Alabama or Iowa State? You're golden. For Harvard or MIT? You'll need more context in your application.
What Does a 1400 SAT Score Actually Mean?
First, let's break down what a 1400 represents. The SAT has two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW). Each is scored between 200-800. So a 1400 could be 700 Math + 700 EBRW, or 750 Math + 650 EBRW – doesn't matter, the composite is what colleges see first.
Now, percentiles tell the real story. Based on recent College Board data:
| SAT Score Range | Percentile Rank | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 1500-1600 | 99+ percentile | Elite territory |
| 1400-1490 | 93rd-97th percentile | Top 7% nationally |
| 1300-1390 | 88th-92nd percentile | Strong but not exceptional |
| 1200-1290 | 76th-87th percentile | Slightly above average |
When people ask is 1400 a good SAT score, I remind them that only 1 in 14 test-takers hit this mark. That ain't easy. But here's where things get tricky...
Is 1400 Good Enough For Your Dream School?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's look at real numbers from popular colleges (based on their 2023 admitted student profiles):
| College Tier | Example Schools | Middle 50% SAT Range | Is 1400 Competitive? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy League | Harvard, Yale, Princeton | 1480-1570 | Below average (possible if other strengths) |
| Top 20 National | UCLA, Vanderbilt, Emory | 1420-1530 | Lower end (needs strong application) |
| Top 50 National | Ohio State, Purdue, Florida | 1280-1420 | Solidly competitive |
| State Flagships | Indiana U, Arizona State | 1150-1350 | Above average |
Here's my take: If you're aiming for hyper-competitive schools, 1400 puts you at a disadvantage statistically. I remember helping a student with a 1410 apply to Cornell for engineering. Got waitlisted. Why? His math subsection was 710, below their engineering average.
When a 1400 Might Not Be Good Enough
- Applying to top 15 national universities
- Seeking merit scholarships requiring top 2% scores
- Applying for competitive programs like CS or engineering
- Having weaker grades (GPA below 3.7)
When a 1400 is More Than Enough
- Applying to most state universities
- Targeting colleges outside top 50 rankings
- Having exceptional extracurriculars or hooks
- Applying test-optional to reach schools
Personal story: My niece scored 1390 and got into USC with a theater scholarship. Her audition portfolio mattered more than pushing for 1500. But my friend's son with 1410 got rejected from Carnegie Mellon's CS program. Context is everything when evaluating is 1400 a good SAT score.
The Retake Decision: Should You Try Again?
This debate comes up constantly. From my experience counseling students, here's a practical framework:
| Situation | Retake Recommendation | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Math score below 700 | Probably retake | STEM programs value math higher |
| Applying to T20 schools | Strongly consider retake | Need every advantage |
| First attempt with minimal prep | Likely retake | 50-100 point jumps are common |
| Already prepped extensively | Probably not | Diminishing returns |
| Strong applicant otherwise | Depends on school list | Your time might be better spent elsewhere |
Honestly, if you have bandwidth for 40 hours of targeted prep? Retaking makes sense. I've seen students boost scores 80+ points working on weak sections. But if you'd sacrifice essay quality or grades? Not worth it. That's why "is 1400 a good SAT score" depends on your capacity too.
Maximizing Your 1400 Score
Assuming you're keeping the 1400, here's how to leverage it:
Build Your Application Around It
- Highlight strengths matching your higher subsection score
- Showcase relevant AP/IB courses (especially if SAT subject aligns)
- Use supplemental essays to explain contextual challenges
Strategic School Selection
- Apply to 2-3 "safety" schools where 1400 is above 75th percentile
- Choose 3-4 "target" schools where you're in middle 50% range
- Include 1-2 "reach" schools test-optional if needed
Scholarship Opportunities
At many public universities, 1400 unlocks automatic scholarships. Examples:
- University of Arizona: $15k/year Wildcat Excellence
- University of Kentucky: $10k/year Presidential Scholarship
- University of Alabama: Full tuition (check current criteria)
Pro tip: Email admissions officers. I had a student ask University of Washington: "My 1390 is below your median. Should I submit?" They replied: "For arts applicants, we prioritize portfolio over tests." That answer changed her strategy.
Key Factors That Change the Equation
When weighing is 1400 a good SAT score, consider these variables:
Your Academic Context
- A 1400 from underfunded school? Impressive.
- A 1400 with straight Ds? Problematic.
- A 1400 with perfect grades? Shows consistency.
Section Breakdown Matters
Colleges see subsection scores. For engineering programs, they'll notice if your math is 680 while EBRW is 720. I've seen cases where 1380 (750 Math) was preferred over 1420 (690 Math) for STEM admits.
The Test-Optional Landscape
Since COVID, many colleges remain test-optional. If 1400 is below a school's median, going test-optional might help. But research specific policies – some programs (especially scholarships) still require scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 1400 get me into Ivy League?
Statistically unlikely but possible with hooks (athlete, legacy, exceptional talent). For non-hooked applicants, below 1450 is tough.
Can I get scholarships with 1400 SAT?
Absolutely at many public universities. Private scholarships vary – some require 1500+, but many use broader criteria.
How many questions wrong is 1400?
Approximately 12-15 wrong total (about 6-8 per section). Math curves are harsher – missing 8 might drop you to 700.
Is 1400 good for international students?
Very competitive outside top 20 schools. For US colleges, it meets thresholds but elite schools expect higher scores from internationals.
Should I submit 1400 to test-optional schools?
Compare to the school's CDS (Common Data Set). If below their 25th percentile, consider withholding. If within or above, submit.
Bottom Line
Here's my honest take: 1400 opens doors to great colleges where you can thrive. It's not a golden ticket to HYPSM, but obsessing over rankings is a trap. My own undergrad was a state school – classmates with 1400 SATs now work at Google and attend Yale Law. Whether is 1400 a good SAT score depends less on the number than what you build around it.
Focus on fit over prestige. A 1400 at University of Michigan (where it's competitive) could lead to better opportunities than scraping into an Ivy with no financial aid. That's the real answer colleges won't tell you.