It’s a quiet Sunday morning, and you’re sitting at your kitchen table with a cup of coffee, your laptop open in front of you. Your heart pounds as you log into your College Board account. Weeks of anticipation have led to this moment – the day you find out your SAT score.
You took the test last month after months of preparation, countless practice tests, and more late-night study sessions than you can count. As the page loads, you momentarily hold your breath and close your eyes. Then you see it: 1470. A wave of relief and excitement washes over you. But what does this score mean for your future?
Today, we’ll dive into what a 1470 SAT score signifies, how it compares to other scores, and which colleges you can consider with this impressive result. Ready to find out more? Let’s get started!
Is 1470 a Good SAT Score?
Percentile Rank
A 1470 SAT score places you in the 99th percentile of SAT test-takers, a significant achievement that signifies excellent academic performance. This means you have outperformed 99% of the nearly 2 million SAT students annually; look at you go! Being in the top 1% of test-takers highlights your firm grasp of the material, demonstrating exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Colleges and universities often consider percentile rank a vital indicator of a student’s competitiveness within the applicant pool. This performance level demonstrates your mastery of the tested subjects and your ability to handle complex and challenging material. Admissions officers at highly selective institutions look for candidates who not only meet but exceed the academic standards of their incoming class. Scoring in the 99th percentile can significantly boost your chances of gaining admission to these prestigious schools, as it showcases your academic strengths and indicates your readiness for the rigorous coursework and intellectual challenges that define these institutions.
Your percentile rank reflects your potential to thrive in a competitive academic environment, making you a standout applicant among thousands. This can be a decisive factor in admissions decisions, tipping the scales in your favor as colleges seek well-prepared students who can contribute to their academic communities.
Average Scores
The national average SAT score hovers around 1050, with the average score for each section being approximately 520 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and 530 for Math and scoring 420 points above the national average places you in a distinct category of test takers, making you an attractive candidate for many colleges and universities.
The significant gap between your score and the average reflects what many admissions officers seek in prospective students. In addition to enhancing your admission prospects, a high SAT score like 1470 can open doors to merit-based scholarships and honors programs, further supporting your academic and financial goals.
What Colleges Accept a 1470 SAT Score?
Top Schools Where a 1470 SAT Score Is a Strong Contender
Dartmouth College
Average SAT Score: 1440-1560
Why You’re a Strong Candidate: Dartmouth College is known for its prestigious academic programs and selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 6%. A 1470 SAT score places you within the middle range of admitted students, demonstrating that your academic performance meets the university’s high standards. This score reflects your preparedness for Dartmouth’s rigorous coursework and your potential to contribute significantly to the vibrant campus community through your unique experiences and leadership skills.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Average SAT Score: 1250-1460
Why You’re a Strong Candidate: The University of Massachusetts Amherst values academic achievement and community involvement, with an acceptance rate of 58%. A 1470 SAT score is above the range of scores for admitted students, underscoring your solid academic capabilities. This score showcases your readiness to excel in UMass Amherst’s challenging educational environment and your ability to contribute positively to the university community through your dedication to service and personal growth.
Rutgers The State University of New Jersey
Average SAT Score: 1240-1470
Why You’re a Strong Candidate: Rutgers University is celebrated for its diverse academic offerings and dynamic campus life, with an acceptance rate of around 66%. A 1470 SAT score is at the top of the range for admitted students, highlighting your strong foundation and understanding of the subjects Rutgers prioritizes. This score indicates your readiness to engage with Rutgers’ rigorous academic programs and your potential to make meaningful contributions to the university community through your leadership and extracurricular involvement.
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Average SAT Score: 1300-1480
Why You’re a Strong Candidate: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is known for its excellence in research and diverse academic programs, with an acceptance rate of 44%. A 1470 SAT score places you at the top of the range of admitted students, reflecting your solid academic performance. This score demonstrates your preparedness for the university’s challenging coursework and your potential to contribute significantly to the campus community through your creativity, problem-solving skills, and commitment to continuous learning.
Georgetown University
Average SAT Score: 1410–1550
Why You’re a Strong Candidate: Georgetown University is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and commitment to service, with an acceptance rate of around 13%. A 1470 SAT score falls within the middle 50% range of admitted students, showcasing your academic excellence. This score indicates your readiness to thrive in Georgetown’s challenging educational programs and your potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community through your leadership, unique experiences, and alignment with Georgetown’s Jesuit values.
Other Notable Colleges
Stanford University: The average SAT score range is 1470-1570, making a 1470 score competitive and reflecting your preparedness for Stanford’s challenging academic environment and selective admissions process.
Santa Clara University: With an average SAT score range of 1330-1490, a 1470 score positions you at the top of the range, showcasing your strong academic capabilities and readiness for Santa Clara’s rigorous programs.
Case Western Reserve University: The average SAT score range is 1410-1530, making a 1470 score well within the competitive range, highlighting your academic strength and potential to succeed in Case Western’s demanding courses.
College of William and Mary: With an average SAT score range of 1360-1520, a 1470 score places you in the upper range, demonstrating your academic excellence and preparedness for William and Mary’s rigorous academic programs.
Rochester Institute of Technology: The average SAT score range is 1270-1450, making a 1470 score above the typical range, reflecting your strong academic performance and readiness for RIT’s challenging curriculum.
University of Virginia: With an average SAT score of 1380-1500, a 1470 score is well within the competitive range, showcasing your academic capabilities and preparedness for UVA’s rigorous programs.
These colleges and universities value solid academic performance, and a 1470 SAT score can significantly enhance your application, making you a competitive candidate for admission and potential scholarships.
Why a 1470 SAT Score is Impressive
With a 1470 SAT score, you position yourself strongly for admission to competitive colleges and universities. This score is well above average, showcasing your academic capabilities and dedication to your studies. Highly selective institutions, including Ivy League schools and other elite universities, often seek students who excel in their coursework and perform exceptionally well on standardized tests. A 1470 SAT score demonstrates your ability to handle challenging material and your readiness for these institutions’ rigorous academic environments, giving you a competitive edge and enhancing your application.
Scholarship Opportunities
A 1470 SAT score could also make you eligible for numerous merit-based scholarships, providing substantial financial assistance for your college education. Scholarship committees often look for students who excel academically and show promise for future success. Hence, a high SAT score like 1470 reflects your academic strength and potential to thrive in college. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of your tuition and fees, reducing the financial burden on you and your family and allowing you to focus more on your studies and extracurricular activities.
College Admissions
Finally, as mentioned before, a 1470 SAT score greatly enhances your chances of admission to selective colleges and universities. Admissions officers look for well-rounded applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, and a high SAT score is a strong indicator of your intellectual abilities. This score can set you apart from other applicants, particularly at institutions with fierce competition. A 1470 score shows that you have mastered the skills needed to succeed in college-level courses, which can reassure admissions committees of your readiness to contribute positively to their academic community.
Tips for Making the Most of Your 1470 SAT Score
1. Highlight Your Strengths
When applying to colleges, it’s crucial to highlight your 1470 SAT score as a testament to your academic capabilities. Alongside this impressive score, showcase your other educational achievements, such as honors, awards, and high grades in challenging courses like AP or IB. Emphasize your involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership, commitment, and passion in sports, clubs, community service, or the arts. Personal statements are your chance to shine, so use them to convey your unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. Highlighting these strengths will make you a compelling candidate who stands out in the competitive admissions process.
2. Research College Options
With a 1470 SAT score, you can consider a wide range of college options. Don’t limit yourself to just a few well-known institutions; explore various colleges and universities that align with your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. Research schools that offer top-caliber programs in your intended major, a vibrant campus life, and a culture that resonates with you. A 1470 SAT score opens doors to many prestigious and highly-regarded institutions, so take advantage of this by applying to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools to maximize your opportunities for acceptance.
3. Apply for Scholarships
Your 1470 SAT score can significantly increase your chances of earning merit-based scholarships. Many colleges, universities, and external organizations offer scholarships to students with high SAT scores, recognizing their academic excellence and potential for future success. Research and apply for scholarships that match your profile, ensuring that you highlight your SAT score, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement in your applications.
4. Craft a Strong Application
A strong application is key to standing out in the admissions process. Beyond your SAT score, ensure that all aspects of your application are well-prepared and thoughtfully presented. Seek strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Write compelling essays that reflect your personality, experiences, and aspirations, demonstrating your fit with the college or university you are applying to. Pay attention to detail, proofread thoroughly, and meet all deadlines to present yourself as a well-organized and committed applicant.
Still with me?
A 1470 SAT score is an impressive achievement that can significantly enhance your college application. This score places you in the 98th percentile, showcasing your academic excellence and readiness for challenging coursework. With a 1470 SAT score, you become a competitive candidate for admission to many prestigious colleges and universities and for merit-based scholarships.
By highlighting your strengths, researching college options, applying for scholarships, and crafting a solid application, you can maximize your chances of gaining admission to your desired institutions. Embrace the opportunities your 1470 SAT score presents, and take the next steps toward achieving your educational and career goals.
Need some extra support?
If you want to continue learning more about utilizing your 1470 SAT score, you can always talk to Empowerly. Our team, on average, spends 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor, and we’ve helped thousands of students gain admission to Ivy League and top 25 schools. We are here to help walk you through every step of the way, from test preparation, internship support, college list building, and so much more. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our team today!
