Contents
- 1 Is a 1490 SAT Score Good Enough for Ivy League Schools?
- 2 Colleges That Accept a 1490 SAT Score: What Are Your Options?
- 3 Understanding the 1490 SAT Score: What Does It Mean?
- 4 How to Improve a 1490 SAT Score for Better College Admissions?
- 5 What Other Factors Affect College Admissions Besides a 1490 SAT Score?
- 6 FAQ
Students taking the SAT face a key dilemma about the adequacy of their 1490 score in gaining admission for top schools including Ivy League universities.
The article examines how a 1490 SAT score affects college admission acceptance possibilities while examining its national ranking position.
Is a 1490 SAT Score Good Enough for Ivy League Schools?
What Percentile Does a 1490 SAT Score Fall Into?
The 1490 score ranks as high as 97th percentile on average because 97% of test-takers achieve scores lower than this level.
The average SAT scores for Ivy League schools frequently surpass 1500 points but a score of 1490 keeps students in position to compete with admission requirements.
How Do Ivy League Schools Evaluate a 1490 SAT Score?
A 1490 score demonstrates strong academic ability yet it must be noted that Ivy League schools admit only select students. Schools from the Ivy League look for students with excellent academic records together with a balance of leadership experience and resilience and personal dedication in their chosen areas.
Candidates with a 1490 score should build their application to highlight the Ivy League admission committee’s desired qualities despite achieving this respectable score. Legacy Online School offer students an insight during SAT prep to grant them a better understanding of what expectations of Ivy Leagues are.
Can You Compensate with Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, a student with a 1490 SAT score can certainly enhance their application through robust extracurricular activities.
Ivy League colleges alongside other educational institutions value students who demonstrate various interests by doing well in school activities. Students who demonstrate leadership through extracurricular activities such as sports or arts together with community service involvement can offset lower scores compared to the average entry criteria for college admission.
Colleges That Accept a 1490 SAT Score: What Are Your Options?
Which Top Schools Accept a 1490 SAT Score?
The SAT score of 1490 enables admission to different colleges and universities throughout the country. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) along with the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Michigan accept admissions with competitive standards but may find a 1490 SAT score suitable.
Emory University together with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are among various selective institutions that will accept students who have scored 1490 on the SAT.
Here are also a couple of top schools listed below that accept the score of 1490:
- University of Southern California (USC)
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of California – Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
- University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Carnegie Mellon University (non-CS programs)
- Tufts University
- New York University (NYU)
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- University of Virginia (UVA)
- Boston College
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- University of Florida (Honors Program or merit aid)
Are There Any Scholarships Available for a 1490 SAT Score?
Students who receive 1490 scores qualify for merit-based scholarships through numerous colleges. Private organizations along with foundations award merit-based scholarships that consider SAT scores and academic achievements of their recipients.
Students should check out Scholarship.com to see what scholarships are available for students with any SAT score.
How to Find Colleges That Accept a 1490?
Here are several steps students can do to find colleges to fit their SAT score listed below:
1) Use online college search tools to help filter institutions based on various parameters like SAT score ranges and acceptance rates
2) Visit college websites
3) Attend college fairs
4) Speak with admissions counselors
5) Network with current students or alumni.
Understanding the 1490 SAT Score: What Does It Mean?
How Do Section Scores Impact Your 1490 SAT Score?
Test takers who aim to achieve their best SAT results need to review their performance at each section level. Students who achieve 1490 on the SAT receive their scores from combining performance results in Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections. Highschoolers who understand their scores from each section can determine their strengths and weaknesses because the scores range from 0 to 800.
Is a 1490 SAT Score Competitive Among Admitted Students?
The admission value of a 1490 SAT score depends on the school system and the strength of other applicants at that institution. Most prestigious institutions accept students with admission test results which typically rest between 1500 and higher.
Students who achieve a 1490 SAT score remain in a competitive ranking even when their application includes multiple strong components.
What is the Average SAT Score for Top Schools?
According to CollegeVine’s information, the average SAT scores and weighted GPA for top schools are the following:
- Brown University: GPA 4.1 (weighted); SAT 1485
- Columbia University: GPA 4.15 (weighted); SAT 1505
- Cornell University: GPA 4.19 (weighted); SAT 1480
- Dartmouth College: GPA 4.18 (weighted); SAT 1500
- Harvard University: GPA 4.2 (weighted); SAT 1520
- University of Pennsylvania: GPA 4.15 (weighted); SAT 1490
- Princeton University: GPA 4.2 (weighted); SAT 1525
- Yale University: GPA 4.2 (weighted); SAT 1515
How to Improve a 1490 SAT Score for Better College Admissions?
What Study Strategies Can Help Raise a 1490 SAT Score?
Improving a 1490 SAT score requires a strategic approach to studying. Here are strategic steps students can take to raise their AAT score:
- Identify their strengths and weaknesses through practice tests
- Focus on weaker areas
- Utilize study guides
- Engage in active learning techniques such as flashcards and group study sessions
- Set a consistent study schedule leading up to the test date to reinforce knowledge and build confidence.
Are Test Prep Courses Worth It for a 1490 SAT Score?
Test prep courses can be beneficial for students aiming to improve their SAT scores, including those with a 1490 score. These courses often provide structured learning environments, expert instruction, and targeted practice materials that can help students enhance their performance. Legacy Online School proves that SAT prep is a worthy investment as students can get better grades by preparing with trained professionals.
When Should You Consider Retaking the SAT?
Students should consider retaking the SAT if they believe they can achieve a significantly higher score, especially if their goal schools have higher average SAT scores than 1490. If a student has adequately prepared and feels confident that they can improve, it may be worthwhile to retake the test. It is essential, however, to assess whether the potential benefits of an improved score align with the time and effort required for additional preparation.

What Other Factors Affect College Admissions Besides a 1490 SAT Score?
How Important is Your GPA in Relation to Your SAT Score?
GPA is a critical component of any student’s college application and often holds more weight than your SAT score. Many colleges consider GPA as a consistent indicator of academic performance and dedication over time, while SAT scores are a snapshot of performance on a single test day. A strong GPA can enhance a 1490 SAT score and provide a more comprehensive view of a student’s academic capabilities.
What Role Do Extracurricular Activities Play in Admissions?
Extracurricular activities play a significant role in college admissions, complementing academic achievements like a 1490 SAT score. Admissions committees look for students who demonstrate passion and commitment beyond academics. Involvement in clubs, sports, community service, or other activities can showcase leadership skills and personal growth, making an application more appealing to potential schools.
How Do Personal Statements and Recommendations Impact Your Application?
Personal statements and letters of recommendation are vital elements of the college admissions process. A compelling personal statement can help contextualize a student’s journey, aspirations, and motivations, allowing admissions committees to see beyond the numbers. Similarly, strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors can validate a student’s character and academic abilities, further supporting their application. Together, these elements can have a profound impact on how a 1490 SAT score is perceived within the broader context of the application.
FAQ
Q: Is 1490 a good SAT score?
A: Yes, a 1490 is generally considered a good SAT score. It falls within the range of competitive scores for many top colleges and universities.
Q: What is the average score for admitted students at top colleges?
A: The average score for admitted students at top colleges often ranges from 1400 to 1550. A 1490 is within this average, making it a competitive score for many institutions.
Q: Can you get into top universities with a 1490 SAT score?
A: Yes, many top universities consider a 1490 a competitive score. While it may not guarantee admission, it is certainly within the middle 50% of scores for admitted students at several prestigious schools.
Q: What does it mean if I scored a 1490 on the SAT?
A: Scoring a 1490 on the SAT means you have performed well on the standardized test, placing you in a strong position for college applications, particularly to target schools that have average scores in that range.
Q: How can I improve my SAT score if I got a 1490?
A: To improve your SAT score above a 1490, consider focused study on your weaker areas, taking practice tests, utilizing SAT prep resources, and possibly enrolling in prep classes. Even incremental improvements can enhance your competitiveness.
Q: What colleges accept a 1490 SAT score?
A: Many colleges accept a 1490 SAT score, including several top colleges and universities. You can refer to a list of colleges to see which institutions have admitted students with similar scores.
Q: Is a 1490 considered a competitive SAT score?
A: Yes, a 1490 is considered a competitive SAT score, especially for many top colleges that look for scores within the 1400 to 1600 range for their incoming classes.
Q: How does a 1490 SAT score compare to an ACT score?
A: A 1490 SAT score is roughly equivalent to an ACT score of about 32-33. This comparison can help students who are considering both standardized tests to determine which might be a better fit for their college applications.
Q: What should I do if my SAT score is lower than the average score for admitted students?
A: If your SAT score is lower than the average score for admitted students at your target schools, consider retaking the SAT, focusing on improving your score, strengthening other parts of your application such as essays and recommendations, and exploring colleges with a wider range of accepted scores.