Contents
Students consider a 1400 SAT score as a significant accomplishment because it represents excellent results on an important standardized admission test for college. Highschoolers who realize the meaning of their 1400 SAT score together with its ranking range and acceptance probabilities and scholarship availability can develop effective academic strategies.
The following article explains the importance of a 1400 SAT score together with typical SAT performance levels and identifies the colleges and scholarships available to students who achieve this mark.
What is a 1400 SAT Score in Terms of Percentile?
Understanding the Percentile Ranking of a 1400 SAT Score
Students who score 1400 on the SAT position themselves at the top end of test taker statistics. SAT test scores position students in the higher 93% group when a 1400 serves as their total score.
The percentile ranking proves essential to student understanding since it demonstrates how their scores stack up against other test-takers.
How Does a 1400 Compare to Average SAT Scores?
The typical SAT scores continue to shift yearly yet students are obtaining scores within the 1050 to 1100 range during 2025. A 1400 score surpasses average SAT scores from 2025 which fall between 1050 to 1100. The SAT score of 1400 exceeds typical student performance by a wide margin which demonstrates that these students excel in college-level academic skills.
The higher distinction between this score makes college applications more effective because schools use it to evaluate student preparedness for college success. Additionally, Legacy Online School dives into different ways of how scores can contribute to a student’s plan for targeted schools and what they can do to reach their required score.
Is a 1400 SAT Score Considered Competitive?
Yes. College admissions offices seek applicants who possess superior SAT test results along with exceptional academic records in GPA along with strong participation in extracurricular activities. Students who achieve a 1400 score experience improved admission prospects for their target institutions while receiving enhanced application effectiveness.
Highschoolers need to recognize that competing programs or business and engineering majors might require SAT scores higher than 1400 for admission consideration.
Which Colleges Accept a 1400 SAT Score?
Top Colleges That Accept a 1400 SAT Score
The SAT score of 1400 enables admission at prominent educational institutions such as the University of California system and the University of Florida and multiple schools in the Ivy League. The University of Michigan and the University of Virginia include 1400 SAT scores among the standardized tests used for admitting the middle 50% of their students.
Here are two types of schools listed below to show students both target schools and reach schools.
Target schools are colleges where a score of 1400 is the middle ground, giving students a possibility of entrance.
Reach schools are colleges where a score of 1400 is lower ground, but still possible choices for students, especially if they have a strong college application.
| Target schools | Reach schools |
| Boston University | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| University of Maryland – College Park | Northeastern University |
| Binghamton University (SUNY) | Carnegie Mellon University (some programs) |
| University of California, Davis | University of Michigan – Ann Arbor |
Are There Specific Programs or Majors That Favor a 1400?
A SAT score of 1400 stands as a solid achievement although specific academic programs or majors might require more. Highschoolers who apply to STEM competitive programs typically present SAT scores beyond 1500 points when seeking admission into these programs.
Students who seek admission to liberal arts programs and business majors along with good extracurricular and GPA achievements can receive acceptance despite an SAT score of 1400.
Here insights into several majors that may require the score of 1400 at minimum listed below:
💻 Computer Science / Computer Engineering
- Competitive at schools like UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, UT Austin, UIUC, and Carnegie Mellon.
- Median SAT is often 1450+, but 1400 is solid for many top 50 schools.
⚙️ Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)
- Most engineering programs at major public and private universities are competitive.
- Schools like Purdue, Virginia Tech, and the University of Michigan often have engineering-specific SAT expectations in the 1350–1500+ range.
🧠 Neuroscience / Cognitive Science
- Popular pre-med or research track at places like Johns Hopkins, NYU, and UCSD.
- These majors are sometimes housed in selective colleges within a university (e.g., College of Arts and Sciences), where 1400+ is competitive.
🏛️ Economics / Finance
- At schools like NYU (Stern), UPenn (Wharton), and University of Michigan (Ross), expect SAT ranges of 1450–1550.
- A 1400 SAT is still competitive at most non-Ivy business/econ programs.
⚖️ Political Science / International Relations
- Strong programs at places like Georgetown, GWU, and Tufts may have students with 1400+ SAT scores.
- Less quant-heavy than STEM, but still competitive at top schools.
🧬 Pre-Med / Biology / Biochemistry
- Highly competitive because of the volume of pre-med students.
- A 1400 SAT will make you competitive at many top 50 schools, though top-tier med-track programs often lean higher.
How to Find Colleges That Match a 1400 SAT Score?
Students need to research carefully to discover compatible educational institutions for their 1400 SAT achievement. Kids can use College Board and CollegeVine as resources to access detailed college admission statistics from their public databases.
Students should consider schools with average admitted student SAT scores ranging from 1300-1500 because their 1400 score will be strong enough for admission. They need to look beyond numbers and examine things like campus environment as well as major selections and financial aid availability to select the best educational institution.
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 1400 SAT Score Good Enough for Scholarships?
Types of Scholarships Available for a 1400 SAT Score
Students possessing SAT scores of 1400 can find eligibility for several scholarship programs which focus on rewarding academic achievement through merit-based programs. Few colleges operate scholarship funds for students who score 1400 points on the SAT tests.
External foundations together with organizations offer academic scholarships to students based on their SAT results along with their GPA performance and participation in community activities.
Here is a list of resources that showcase more scholarships opportunities based on their SAT score listed below:
How to Increase Chances of Merit-Based Scholarships?
Students should strive to enhance their overall application with following steps below:
- Maintaining a strong GPA
- Engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities
- Developing strong relationships with teachers or mentors who can provide compelling letters of recommendation
- Preparing a solid personal statement that showcases personal achievements and aspirations to stand out in the scholarship application process
- Utilizing SAT prep resources to improve their score.
What Other Factors Do Colleges Consider for Scholarships?
A 1400 SAT score shows excellent results but colleges use multiple evaluation criteria to make scholarship awards. Each admissions committee evaluates applicants using their academic records and extracurricular achievements as well as submitted personal statements and reference letters.
School applicants who present well-rounded applications with documentation of leadership roles along with records of community service and individual experiences will improve their chances for scholarship awards.
Should You Retake the SAT If You Score 1400?
Pros and Cons of Retaking the SAT After Scoring 1400
Pros: Retaking the SAT provides an opportunity to achieve a higher score, which may open doors to more selective colleges and increased scholarship opportunities.
Cons: Many colleges focus on a student’s overall application, meaning that a 1400 score may already be competitive for numerous institutions.
Students should weigh their confidence in improving their score against the potential stress and time commitment of preparing for a retake.
What Score Should You Aim for If You Retake the SAT?
Students seeking SAT retakes should set their goals based on their preferred college admission standards. Achieving scores between 1450 and 1500 provides the needed advantage to stand out against other applicants for admission into select institutions.
Students should examine the typical SAT results submitted by students who gain admission to their selected schools in order to establish suitable yet reachable score targets instead of stressing themselves out with impossibilities.
How to Prepare for a Retake of the SAT?
Here are several steps for SAT test preparation that students can take into consideration listed below:
- Identify areas of weakness in previous performance
- Focus study efforts accordingly
- Utilize SAT prep resources like online courses, tutoring, or study groups
- Take practice tests regularly to build familiarity with the test format and timing
- Develop a study schedule that allocates time for review and rest to aid in maximizing performance.
How Does a 1400 SAT Score Affect College Admissions?
Understanding Admission Rates for Students with a 1400 SAT Score
College admission has positive potential for students who achieve scores near 1400 when colleges have 1400 within their middle 50% SAT score range. The test score makes applicants more appealing yet candidates must evaluate their full application alongside GPA and extracurricular activities.
How Does GPA and Extracurricular Activities Factor In?
A high GPA stands as essential proof of regular academic success because it serves as the key requirement for entry into competitive higher education institutions.
Highschoolers who participate in extracurricular activities demonstrate their leadership potential while showing commitment to different interests which strengthens their overall application profile.
Students need both outstanding grades and active involvement in sports teams or clubs and volunteer work to create a successful application.
What Are the Admissions Trends for Selective Colleges?
The admission process at selective colleges now considers test scores as a part of the application while using a broader approach by including GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. Students who achieve a 1400 score need to enhance their complete application materials for competitive admission.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1400 SAT score considered a good SAT score?
A: Yes, a 1400 on the SAT is considered a good SAT score. It typically falls around the 93rd percentile, meaning you scored better than 93% of test takers.
Q: What percentiles does a 1400 SAT score fall into?
A: A 1400 SAT score generally places you in the 93rd percentile, making it a strong score compared to the overall distribution of scores.
Q: What colleges can I get into with a 1400 SAT score?
A: Many colleges accept a 1400 SAT score, including the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Miami. This score can make you a competitive candidate at both public and private universities.
Q: How does a 1400 SAT score compare to the average score?
A: The median SAT score is around 1050-1100, so a 1400 is significantly above average, placing you in a strong position for college admissions.
Q: Should I consider retaking the SAT if I got a 1400?
A: If you scored a 1400, it may not be necessary to retake the SAT unless you are aiming for highly selective schools that typically look for scores above 1400. However, if you believe you can improve your score by 200 points or more, it might be worth considering.
Q: How do colleges view a 1400 SAT score in relation to the rest of your application?
A: While a 1400 SAT score is strong, colleges also consider other aspects of your application, including your academic achievement, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
Q: What is the highest possible SAT score, and how does a 1400 compare?
A: The highest possible score on the SAT is 1600. A 1400 is a solid score that indicates strong academic performance, but it is still below the maximum, which is a target for some highly competitive programs.
Q: What percentage of students score higher than a 1400 on the SAT?
A: Since a 1400 is in the 93rd percentile, approximately 7% of students scored higher, meaning 93% scored lower than you.
Q: Can I still qualify for financial aid with a 1400 SAT score?
A: Yes, many students with a 1400 SAT score qualify for financial aid. Eligibility for financial aid is determined by multiple factors, including financial need and the specific requirements of the colleges you are applying to.
