What college can I get into with my

SAT/ACT/CLT scores?

What is the SAT vs. ACT vs. CLT?

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The SAT, ACT, and CLT are all standardized tests used for undergraduate admissions, but they differ in format, scoring systems, and the types of schools that accept them. Understanding score ranges, as well as the unique features of each exam, will help you choose which test best suits your academic strengths and college goals.

The SAT and the ACT are the most widely recognized standardized tests for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is divided into two main sections, Reading and Writing and Math, while the ACT consists of 4 sections: English, Math, Reading, and an optional Science section. ACT scores range from 1 to 36, while SAT scores range from 400 to 1600. Both exams are equally valued by admissions committees, so neither is inherently favored.

When comparing content, the ACT math section covers a wider range of concepts than the SAT, and its reading section features longer passages. The ACT stands out as the only major undergraduate admissions test with an optional writing section, giving students a chance to demonstrate their writing abilities and potentially enhance their score. Taking the ACT science section is highly recommended, especially for students interested in pursuing STEM fields.

To determine which test aligns with your strengths, consider taking both SAT and ACT practice exams. ACT tests are typically administered on paper, whereas the SAT is now predominantly administered as a digital test. Your comfort level with either format can impact your performance and ultimately your personal ACT and SAT scores range.

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is another standardized test option for undergraduate admissions, considered equivalent to both the SAT and ACT. Accepted by over 300 colleges, primarily smaller private and religious institutions, the CLT assesses students’ knowledge in classical liberal arts and focuses on history, literature, philosophy, and mathematical concepts. Unlike the SAT and ACT, the CLT evaluates critical thinking skills through engagement with classic texts. Although rooted in traditional academic content, the CLT is usually administered online, offering a modern approach to test delivery.

See below a conversion table comparing composite scores for the SAT, ACT, and CLT:

Find out which schools you can get into based on test scores

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Use the interactive tool below to find colleges based on average SAT scores, ACT scores, and CLT results for accepted students. Enter your composite score for whichever of the three exams you have taken, either from practice tests or recent score releases. The tool will then display the schools where the average score for admitted students is equal to or below the number you enter, grouped by state, making it easy to compare average SAT, ACT, and CLT scores across schools.

With this helpful tool, you can identify what are considered good ACT, CLT, and SAT scores across different institutions and find out what SAT scores are required for top colleges. Use these college admission resources to determine where your SAT or ACT performance stands relative to national averages.

Which schools require the SAT/ACT?

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Several colleges, including many Ivy League universities, have reinstated their test requirements since the COVID-19 pandemic. See below the College Board’s list of the 63 colleges that currently require the SAT/ACT.

Test optional vs. test blind vs. test flexible

The majority of colleges currently do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, as most schools have adopted test-optional policies due to challenges in safely administering exams during the pandemic and evolving conversations about educational equity. Recently, educators and universities have begun to reconsider these policies, with some schools deciding to reinstate standardized test requirements based on evidence that SAT scores are strong predictors of academic performance and student success. As a result, it’s increasingly important for students to understand how long it takes for SAT scores to come out and how to send SAT scores to colleges as part of the application process.

You’ll encounter several types of admissions policies at schools that do not require test scores. Test-optional means a school will consider SAT or ACT scores if submitted, but places increased weight on other academic factors and holistic measures of potential. Test-blind institutions do not review SAT or ACT scores at all during admissions decisions, while test-flexible colleges let applicants choose which exam results to submit, which may include Advanced Placement or IB exam scores.

If you decide not to send your SAT scores to test-optional schools, your application remains valid, though admissions staff will have one less metric to consider. SAT scores are widely regarded as reliable indicators of a student’s skills in mathematics, reading, grammar, and writing, which are abilities critical for college readiness. For many students from underrepresented communities, submitting strong test scores is a chance to highlight academic ability and compete fairly with their peers, especially now that high-quality and affordable test prep resources are more available than ever.

While SAT or ACT scores may not always play a decisive role in admissions decisions, submitting high scores can still give you an advantage over candidates with similar qualifications. Furthermore, many universities use these standardized test results to determine eligibility for merit scholarships. Knowing how long it takes to receive SAT and ACT scores and send them to colleges can also help applicants plan ahead and ensure their results arrive before college application deadlines.

What is a good SAT/ACT/CLT score?

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A good SAT score or ACT test score is typically considered anything above the current national average. As of 2024, average SAT scores were 1024, while the average ACT scores chart shows a national mean of 19.4. For the CLT, a score above 70 is generally regarded as competitive for most colleges.

Students aiming for the top 10% of test takers should aim for high test scores: at least 1300 on the SAT, 28 on the ACT, or an 86 or higher on the CLT. For those applying to Ivy League schools or highly selective universities, the College Board SAT scores for admitted students usually fall within a range of 1500-1570, while ACT scores are commonly between 34 and 36. These impressive scores represent the 99th percentile, putting students among the top 1% nationally.

While good SAT scores and good ACT scores are considered essential parts of an outstanding college application, admissions committees evaluate more than just your standardized test performance. Test scores help show academic readiness and potential, but schools assess SAT test scores and ACT test results alongside GPA, essays, extracurricular achievements, and an applicant’s background to gain a comprehensive understanding of each student.

If your SAT scores range or ACT test scores are below the average or middle 50% reported by your top-choice college, it should not deter you from applying. Remember that average SAT scores and class profiles reflect only part of each incoming class, and that many successful applicants have a wide array of results. Continue investing in improving your SAT scores and academic achievements, but keep in mind that schools evaluate students holistically, considering all aspects of your application beyond just the numbers.

When do SAT/ACT/CLT scores come out?

You can typically access your SAT scores within 2-3 weeks after your test date, but the exact timing of when SAT scores come out depends on several factors. Most students who take the SAT on a weekend will see their scores released in a staggered manner throughout the day, usually between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. If your SAT exam was administered on a school day, your scores are generally available after 6 p.m. on the designated release date. To check when your SAT scores are released and view your detailed results, log in to your Student Score Reports through the College Board’s online portal (My SAT).

The ACT, on the other hand, is offered seven times annually on specific dates, and the timing of when ACT scores come out follows a set reporting schedule. The earliest you can expect ACT scores to be available is 10 days after your test date, although the full score release window may extend beyond that. You can check how long it takes to get ACT scores and view your results by signing into your MyACT account. The ACT’s online delivery system makes it straightforward to find out how long it takes for ACT scores to come out and stay updated on your performance.

The CLT stands out for its fast turnaround time for score reports. For remotely proctored CLT exams, scores are released on the third Wednesday following your test date. If you completed the CLT online at school, your scores are typically available on the Wednesday after administration. For in-school paper-based CLT tests, expect results within 30 days of when answer sheets are received by CLT. You can conveniently access your CLT scores through your online CLT account.

Once you receive your SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, you have the option to send them directly to the colleges of your choice through each test’s official online platform. To ensure timely processing, it’s recommended to send SAT scores or ACT scores at least 2-4 weeks before application deadlines. Keep in mind how long it takes to send SAT scores and plan accordingly. Sending all available scores is often beneficial, as many colleges practice “superscoring” by combining your highest section results for a stronger overall score report.