Scoring a 1560 on the SAT places you in the 99th percentile, marking you as one of the top test-takers nationwide. This exceptional score opens doors to the most competitive colleges in the U.S., including Ivy League institutions and top-tier public universities. In this guide, we’ll explore what a 1560 SAT score means, how it compares nationally, its ACT equivalent, scholarship opportunities, and whether retaking the test is advisable.
Absolutely—it’s outstanding. Scoring a 1560 on your initial attempt is an exemplary display of academic ability and test-taking aptitude. Not only does this SAT score put you among the top 1% of test-takers but also keeps you competitively well-placed for admission in top-ranked colleges. With a score so high, you may now concentrate on improving other areas of your application, including essays, extracurricular activities, and leadership experiences.
A 1560 SAT score makes you a competitive applicant at nearly every top-tier university. Some notable institutions where a 1560 falls within or above the middle 50% SAT range of admitted students includes Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Princeton & many others. These institutions consider a 1560 SAT score as highly competitive, often placing applicants in the upper echelon of the applicant pool.
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In 2024, the SAT average score stood at about 1024. The national average SAT score normally ranges from 1050 to 1060. Achieving a 1560 puts you about 500 points above average, emphasizing your superior academic skills. This significant margin underscores your readiness for the rigorous academic environment of top-tier universities.
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In most cases, retaking the SAT after scoring a 1560 is unnecessary. This score already positions you competitively for admission to elite institutions. Unless you have a specific reason, such as aiming for a perfect 1600 for personal satisfaction or meeting criteria for certain scholarships, it's advisable to focus on strengthening other components of your application.
Read When Should You Take the SAT? Here
A 1560 SAT score is equivalent to a 35 on the ACT. This equivalence puts you at the very top of the ACT scoring scale, and if you want to submit ACT scores instead, you're just as competitive. Both scores are viewed by colleges as measures of your academic success.
A 1560 SAT score provides access to merit scholarships at many institutions. Many colleges provide large financial aid packages to high-achieving students. For instance, colleges like Vanderbilt University and the University of Southern California provide large merit scholarships to students with extremely high SAT scores. It is advisable to find out about each college's scholarship possibilities and application process to maximize your chances. Numerous schools provide significant financial assistance to high-achieving students.
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With a 1560 SAT score, you're a strong candidate for admission to numerous prestigious universities. Below are profiles of select institutions where your score aligns with or exceeds the typical admitted student range:
Renowned for its rigorous academics and influential alumni, Harvard consistently ranks as one of the best universities globally.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1460-1580 |
Average GPA |
4.18 |
ACT Score |
34-36 |
Acceptance Rate |
4.6% |
Tuition Fees |
$51,904 |
Graduation Rate |
98% |
Enrollment |
31,000 |
Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford is a leading institution in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1510-1580 |
Average GPA |
3.96 |
ACT Score |
32-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
4.3% |
Tuition Fees |
$56,169 |
Graduation Rate |
94% |
Enrollment |
15,878 |
Famous for its top-ranked law school and internationally ranked faculty, Yale offers a higher academic experience with a strong focus on humanities and social sciences.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1500-1560 |
Average GPA |
4.19 |
ACT Score |
33-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
6.6% |
Tuition Fees |
$59,950 |
Graduation Rate |
97% |
Enrollment |
12,000 |
A global leader in technology and engineering, MIT is at the forefront of scientific innovation and research.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1520-1570 |
Average GPA |
4.17 |
ACT Score |
34-36 |
Acceptance Rate |
6.7% |
Tuition Fees |
$53,790 |
Graduation Rate |
94% |
Enrollment |
11,000 |
Caltech leads in science, engineering, and technology with a limited student enrollment and an emphasis on high-impact research.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1530-1580 |
Average GPA |
4.19 |
ACT Score |
35-36 |
Acceptance Rate |
6.4% |
Tuition Fees |
$56,862 |
Graduation Rate |
93% |
Enrollment |
2,200 |
One of the most highly selective Ivy League institutions, Princeton is renowned for its tight-knit community and dedication to its undergraduate education.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1510-1580 |
Average GPA |
4.07 |
ACT Score |
33-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
5.8% |
Tuition Fees |
$53,890 |
Graduation Rate |
97% |
Enrollment |
8,500 |
Situated in New York City, Columbia offers a diverse academic environment and access to one of the world’s most dynamic urban settings.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1510-1560 |
Average GPA |
4.12 |
ACT Score |
33-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
5.0% |
Tuition Fees |
$64,380 |
Graduation Rate |
96% |
Enrollment |
31,455 |
Renowned for its demanding academics and research initiatives, UChicago is well recognized for the encouragement of intellectual inquisitiveness and critical thinking.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1500-1580 |
Average GPA |
4.48 |
ACT Score |
34-36 |
Acceptance Rate |
6.2% |
Tuition Fees |
$63,029 |
Graduation Rate |
94% |
Enrollment |
17,000 |
A prestigious Ivy League school, UPenn blends strong business, health, and liberal arts programs with a focus on interdisciplinary learning.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1500-1570 |
Average GPA |
3.9 |
ACT Score |
33-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
8.4% |
Tuition Fees |
$59,974 |
Graduation Rate |
96% |
Enrollment |
21,000 |
A premier institution with high-powered programs in health, research, and business, Duke provides an exciting academic and social environment.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1520-1570 |
Average GPA |
4.13 |
ACT Score |
33-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
8.3% |
Tuition Fees |
$61,331 |
Graduation Rate |
95% |
Enrollment |
15,000 |
With an interdisciplinary study emphasis, Northwestern is a top university with great programs in the arts, sciences, and communication.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1500-1560 |
Average GPA |
3.94 |
ACT Score |
33-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
9.1% |
Tuition Fees |
$60,276 |
Graduation Rate |
94% |
Enrollment |
21,000 |
A global leader in medical research and public health, Johns Hopkins provides a rich academic environment with a focus on scientific inquiry.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1530-1570 |
Average GPA |
3.9 |
ACT Score |
33-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
9.2% |
Tuition Fees |
$63,000 |
Graduation Rate |
94% |
Enrollment |
24,000 |
One of the top public universities, UC Berkeley offers exceptional academic programs across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in science and technology.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
Optional |
Average GPA |
3.89 |
ACT Score |
29-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
14.8% |
Tuition Fees |
$14,226 (In-State) / $44,008 (Out-of-State) |
Graduation Rate |
92% |
Enrollment |
42,327 |
Known for its strong liberal arts and public health programs, UNC-Chapel Hill provides a comprehensive academic experience with a vibrant campus life.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1360-1520 |
Average GPA |
4.39 |
ACT Score |
28-34 |
Acceptance Rate |
23.5% |
Tuition Fees |
$10,556 (In-State) / $37,158 (Out-of-State) |
Graduation Rate |
87% |
Enrollment |
30,000 |
With its flexible open curriculum, Brown encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects and develop their own academic path.
Statistic |
Value |
University Name |
|
SAT Score Range |
1520-1570 |
Average GPA |
4.09 |
ACT Score |
33-35 |
Acceptance Rate |
6.6% |
Tuition Fees |
$64,764 |
Graduation Rate |
97% |
Enrollment |
9,000 |
Last updated: Jun 9, 2025
-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025.
-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.
-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.
-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.
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