Key takeaways
Understanding the significance of SAT scores in Texas is essential for students navigating the college admissions landscape. Despite the rise of test-optional policies, a strong SAT score can enhance scholarship opportunities and overall competitiveness, particularly in a state where college admissions are increasingly selective.
- The average SAT score in Texas is 1003, which is 25 points below the national average of 1028 (College Board, 2024).
- Aiming for a score of 1400+ can significantly improve your application, especially for competitive majors like Computer Science at UT Austin.
- For the 2025 admissions cycle, UT Austin's benchmark target is a 1400+ SAT score, reflecting the increasing competitiveness of its programs (University of Texas at Austin, 2024).
- Utilizing resources like Khan Academy and Legacy Online School's SAT Bootcamp can effectively prepare students for the SAT and improve their scores.
Contents
The SAT remains a crucial benchmark in the college admissions process for students across Texas. While many schools have adopted test-optional policies, your SAT score can still shape scholarship decisions and competitiveness—especially in the Lone Star State. Let’s break down what a “good” SAT score means in Texas and what local students should keep in mind.
What Is the Average SAT Score in Texas?
The average SAT score in Texas is 1003, according to this report, which is 25 points below the national average of 1028:
| Category | Texas Average (2024) | National Average (2024) |
| Total Score | 1003 | 1028 |
| Reading & Writing | 505 | 520 |
| Math | 498 | 508 |
How Do Texas Colleges Use SAT and ACT Scores?
While many schools have adopted test-optional policies in recent years, the reality is that a strong score can still give you a significant edge. Admissions officers often use these scores to compare applicants from different high schools, and make decisions about merit scholarships or honors college placements.
Take the University of Texas at Austin, for example. UT has become increasingly competitive, and while they’re currently test-optional for most applicants, students who do submit scores are evaluated in a highly selective context. A 1400+ SAT or a 31+ ACT score can still elevate your application—especially if you’re applying to impacted majors like Computer Science. In fact, many admitted students in these majors submit scores well above the state average.
Even regional schools like the University of Houston continue to consider SAT and ACT scores for course placement and certain scholarships. A student with a 1250 SAT might get into the general program—but a 1400 could unlock honors housing and tuition support. And for automatic admissions under Texas’ Top 10% rule, scores might not be required, but they’re often reviewed for placement or scholarship purposes after admission.
What Are the SAT Score Benchmarks for Top Texas Colleges?
Most Texas colleges publish middle 50% SAT score ranges, which show the scores of students in the 25th to 75th percentile of admitted classes. These ranges help you see how your score compares:
| University | Middle 50% SAT Range |
| UT Austin | 1270-1500 |
| Texas A&M | 1160-1390 |
| Rice University | 1460-1560 |
| University of Houston | 1120-1290 |
| Texas Tech University | 1070-1260 |
| SMU (Southern Methodist University) | 1300-1450 |
2025 Benchmark Scores vs. Previous Admission Cycles
Let’s look at how 2025 benchmarks compare to previous cycles for major Texas institutions:
| College | Avg SAT (2020-2022) | Avg SAT (2023-2024) | 2025 Benchmark Target | Notes |
| UT Austin | 1355 | 1375 | 1400+ | Highly competitive majors like Engineering expect 1450+ |
| Texas A&M–College Station | 1270 | 1290 | 1320+ | Stronger emphasis on Math for STEM tracks |
| University of Houston | 1210 | 1235 | 1270+ | Honors College typically expects 1350+ |
| Texas State University | 1100 | 1125 | 1170+ | Mid-range GPA applicants benefit from strong SATs |
| UT Dallas | 1320 | 1340 | 1380+ | Top 10% students still advised to submit scores for merit aid |
How Can Texas Students Improve Their SAT Scores?
Legacy Online School helps students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed on the SAT® and ACT®. If you’re serious about improving your score, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s what works:
- Start with Bluebook™—the official testing app. Use it to take full-length digital SAT practice tests and familiarize yourself with the format
- Use Khan Academy, the official College Board partner. It provides personalized study plans based on your PSAT or SAT performance
- Join Legacy Online School’s SAT Bootcamp—a free online program offering live sessions and digital prep specifically for Texas students
“Not saying getting 1400+ isn’t possible without studying but this isn’t the case for most people. My point is that your hard work is that it is not a competition of who gets the highest score with the least studying. Everyone is different. Your hard work is your hard work and should be valued as such”
What Are the SAT Testing Policies for Texas Students in 2025?
Here’s a quick look at key testing opportunities available to Texas students in 2025:
| Program / Setting | Details |
| SAT School Day | Available in most public districts; free for juniors; digital-only in 2025 |
| National Test Dates | March, May, June, August, October, November, December |
| Accommodations | Must be approved in advance via College Board Services for Students with Disabilities |
| Fee Waivers | Available for eligible students; cover testing fees and score reports |
Top Tips from Our Expert
- Aim for the middle 50% range of your top-choice college
- Check if your district offers free SAT testing during the school day
- Practice using the same device you’ll use on test day. Tech familiarity matters in a digital format
Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: College Board, University of Texas at Austin, Reddit
