Key takeaways
Scoring 1390 on the SAT places students in a strong position for college admissions, as it represents the 93rd percentile of test-takers. This score not only surpasses the national average but also opens doors to various colleges and scholarship opportunities. Understanding the implications of this score can help students make informed decisions about their college applications and whether to retake the test.
- A 1390 SAT score places students in the top 7% of all test-takers, according to College Board data from 2024-2025.
- Students with a 1390 score are competitive for many colleges, including safety and target schools, but should also focus on strong grades and extracurriculars.
- The national average SAT score ranges from 1050 to 1100, making 1390 significantly above average.
- Retaking the SAT may be beneficial for students aiming for highly competitive colleges, especially if their current score is close to the average for accepted students.
Contents
High school students consider the SAT to be a crucial checkpoint for their path toward college enrollment. The 400 to 1600 point scoring scale of the SAT produces varied effects on student placement in percentiles and their future college admission and scholarship chances when a student scores 1390.
This article answers the question is 1390 a good SAT score, explains the 1390 SAT percentile, and evaluates its impact on college admissions.
What Is the Percentile for a 1390 SAT Score?
The 1390 SAT percentile places students around the 93rd percentile among test-takers. Students who score 1390 on the SAT demonstrate strong academic performance according to common perception.
Statistical data from College Board as of 2024-2025 shows that students who earn a 1390 on the SAT will be in the top 93% of all test-takers. Out of all SAT test-takers only 7% manage to score better than 1390 points.
Students who earn this score typically stand above most test-takers because they demonstrate strong understanding of the topics tested in the assessment.
How Does a 1390 Compare to Average SAT Scores?
The national student SAT average ranges between 1050-1100 according to the yearly trends and test population makeup. The 1390 SAT score surpasses typical student median results by a wide margin thus placing the student at an elevated performance level.
The comparison holds great importance because it reveals both the student’s natural abilities and their readiness to handle college-level academic requirements.
What Are the Section Scores for a 1390 SAT Score?
The SAT comprises two mandatory sections of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math together with the optional Essay section. The total SAT score reaches 1390 when scoring across sections is equal while each individual section spans between 200 points and 800 points.
Students usually achieve an EBRW score of about 680 combined with a Math score of roughly 710 with a 1390 SAT score. This section breakdown gives students vital information about their academic skills so they can direct their preparation efforts properly if they want to repeat the SAT examination.
Legacy Online School breaks down more SAT scores and what they mean on their blog.
How Section Scores Impact Overall SAT Performance?
Each individual section score determines how educational institutions judge the complete SAT performance of students. The scoring weighting system at different colleges corresponds to their academic program makeup.
The priority of section scores depends upon the academic specialization of the college where applicants wish to enroll.
Interpreting Section Scores for College Readiness
Success in all sections demonstrates that students possess balanced expertise that schools frequently look for in their candidates. Students who earn significantly high scores on a single section often demonstrate such strengths that it directs them to select their major focus or study field.
Students need to assess their section ratings both for understanding their existing academic abilities and developing plans for their future educational progression.
Is 1390 SAT Score Considered a Good SAT Score for College Admissions?
The University of Florida together with the University of Texas at Austin and multiple other educational institutions use 1390 SAT scores as their admissions benchmark.
Students who achieve the SAT score of 1390 stand to improve their admission chances but need strong grades along with extracurricular activities and compelling personal statements.
University of Miami together with University of Michigan are among various institutions which accept students with a 1390 SAT score. Students who seek acceptance at numerous state universities and liberal arts colleges should consider these institutions because they typically accept students with scores equal to or lower than 1390 on the SAT.
Here are two types of schools that accept the score of 1390 on SAT.
Safety schools are schools where a score of 1390 is above average and target schools are colleges where a score of 1390 is in the middle of acceptance.
| Safety schools | Target schools |
| University of Arizona | University of Florida (UF) |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | University of Georgia |
| Louisiana State University (LSU) | University of Wisconsin–Madison |
| University of Oregon | Penn State University – University Park |
| Texas Tech University | Binghamton University (SUNY) |
Legacy Online School would be offering additional insight into what colleges SAT scores can let them get into by taking classes with them.
What Are the Implications of a 1390 SAT Score for GPA?
Colleges attempt to find parallel results between SAT results and GPA scores because it demonstrates students maintain a steady academic performance level. Students who achieve good SAT results together with high grades in classes will create stronger academic profiles that colleges will find appealing.
Both college admission officials and students agree that superior SAT scores do not always balance out below-average academic grades. A student requires identical academic achievements in GPA results alongside SAT scores to create a successful college application.
Legacy Online School offers assistance to every student when it comes to SAT/ACT score improvements and SAT/ACT preparation. Every student and every parent can improve their college application chances while taking part in the following SAT and ACT prep!
Is a 1390 SAT Score Enough for Scholarships?
Most merit-based scholarships take SAT test results together with GPA performance and extracurricular activities for evaluation.
Students need to research scholarship opportunities from their future college choices since certain academic institutions grant major financial incentives through scholarships for students ranking above the 93rd percentile.
Should You Retake the SAT if You Score 1390?
“A 1390 SAT score is already competitive for many universities, so the decision to retake should depend on a student’s goals and score breakdown. In our SAT preparation at Legacy Online School, we often recommend a retake only if there is a clear imbalance between the SAT Math and Reading and Writing score or if targeted test prep indicates realistic potential for improvement”
Students often wonder is a 1390 a good SAT score for competitive colleges like UCLA, and this question usually determines whether retaking the test is necessary. Students who have reached satisfaction with their 1390 SAT score should evaluate their application strength before making the decision to retake the test.
How to Decide Whether to Retake the SAT?
Students need to examine the following three variables to determine their SAT test strategy:
- College admission averages
- Individual test readiness
- How extracurricular activities and personal statements will influence the decision.
Students who maintain SAT performance at or above the middle 50% scores of their target schools will probably gain minimal benefits from repeating the test. A retake of the SAT exam might benefit applications when the current scores sit close to but below the average SAT scores of accepted students.
|
Top Tips from Our Expert
|
Maya Robinson, SAT and ACT Performance Strategy Specialist
Sources: College Board
