When Emily opened her SAT results, she couldn’t believe her eyes—a 1490! After months of preparation, endless practice tests, and late-night study sessions, her hard work had paid off. While thrilled, Emily couldn’t help but wonder, “Is a 1490 SAT score good enough for my dream school?” Like many students in her position, Emily had her sights set on competitive colleges, but the pressure of admissions weighed heavily on her. She needed to know whether her score would help her stand out among thousands of applicants and open doors to scholarships and top-tier universities. As a matter of fact, this is a common question among high-achieving students like her who wonder how their score compares and whether it will help them secure admission to their dream school.
Scoring a 1490 on the SAT can spark many questions for students aiming to enter competitive colleges. Is it good enough for Ivy League schools? Does it guarantee scholarships? More importantly, what kind of colleges accept a 1490 SAT score? This blog will provide insights into where a 1490 SAT score places you and which schools you can target.
In this blog, we’ll explore how good a 1490 SAT score is, where it places you among test-takers, and which colleges you can confidently apply to with this score—just like Emily did!
What Does a 1490 SAT Score Mean?
SAT Overview
The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test created by CollegeBoard that provides universities with a baseline for a standardized measure of academic abilities. It is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600 and consists of two main sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each section is scored between 200 and 800, with the combined total making up the final score.
The national average score is 1050, making yours better than average! In other words, a score of 1490 means you only missed a total of 110 potential points. At highly competitive universities, however, even seemingly slight variances (between a 1450 and a 1500, for instance) can make a difference. Let’s dig a little deeper.
Percentile Ranking
Depending on the testing cycle, a 1490 places you in the 97th to 99th percentile. In simpler terms, you outperformed about 97-99% of students who took the SAT. This is a significant achievement that sets you apart and you should be very proud of it! Whether aiming for a top-tier school or a selective state university, your score will help you stand out and give you a higher chance of being considered for your top-choice schools.
Even if you are aiming for schools where the average admitted SAT score is higher than yours, a 1490 is still strong—strong enough that other factors can make up for moderate test score differences. With a powerful essay and extracurricular resume, there’s no reason you should be discouraged by competitive admissions.
College Competitiveness
In college admissions, a 1490 SAT score is widely regarded as excellent. It puts you in a competitive position for top-tier universities, including Ivy League schools and other highly selective institutions. However, it’s important to remember that admissions committees take a holistic approach. So, while your score is strong, schools will also examine your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. Creating a well-rounded profile will give you the best chance of admission to your top-choice university, so be sure to focus on balancing your commitments and identify and close any gaps early on!
Scholarship Opportunities
A 1490 doesn’t just make you competitive for college admissions—it can also make you eligible for scholarships. Many schools offer merit-based aid to students with high SAT scores. For instance, a school with an average SAT range of 1200-1300 might provide significant scholarships to students who score above 1450, including those with a 1490 score. This opens up a world of opportunities, so take advantage of these early on.
Comparison to Average SAT Scores
The national SAT score is around 1050-1100, meaning a 1490 is significantly above average. You are nearly 400 points ahead of the average student, demonstrating that you are in the top tier of test-takers. This gives you a competitive edge when applying to colleges with more rigorous academic standards. This score showcases your academic abilities and signals to admissions committees that you have the discipline and problem-solving skills needed to excel in a challenging college environment. With a 1490 score, you’re more likely to stand out in the pool of applicants, especially at selective schools where strong SAT scores are highly valued!
Colleges That Accept a 1490 SAT Score
Many top-tier schools have SAT ranges that include 1490, though it’s often on the lower end of their middle 50% score ranges. For example, schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have SAT scores ranging from 1400-1600, meaning 1490 is competitive but still below the average admitted student’s score. That said, admissions decisions aren’t based solely on SAT scores; 1490 is still strong for these highly selective schools! Here’s a breakdown of the SAT score ranges for some of these schools:
University of Pennsylvania:
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Average SAT Score Range: 1500-1570
- Average Tuition Cost: $66,104
Cornell University:
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Average SAT Score Range: 1480-1550
- Average Tuition Cost: $66,014
Dartmouth University:
- Location: Hanover, NH
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Average SAT Score Range: 1440-1560
- Average Tuition Cost: $65,511
Highly Selective Schools
For selective schools outside the Ivy League, 1490 is a competitive score for many students. These schools have SAT ranges that typically span from 1350 to 1550, so your score of 1490 places you in a competitive range. Here are a few more examples of schools where a 1490 is a competitive score:
Here are a few examples of schools where a 1490 is a competitive score:
University of Southern California:
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average SAT Score Range: 1450-1530
- Average Tuition Cost: $68,237
The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor:
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Average SAT Score Range: 1350-1530
- Average Tuition Cost:
- In-state Tuition: $17,786
- Out-of-State Tuition: $57,273
University of Texas at Austin:
- Location: Austin, TX
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- Average GPA: N/A
- Average SAT Score Range: 1230-1480
- Average Tuition Cost:
- In-state Tuition: $11,698
- Out-of-State Tuition: $41,070
Emory University:
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average SAT Score Range: 1470-1540
- Average Tuition Cost: $60,774
Rice University:
- Location: Houston, TX
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Average SAT Score Range: 1500-1560
- Average Tuition Cost: $58,128
University of Massachusetts Amherst:
- Location: Amherst, MA
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Average SAT Score Range: 1310-1460
- Average Tuition Cost:
- In-state Tuition: $17,357
- Out-of-State Tuition: $39,293
Duke University:
- Location: Durham, NC
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Average SAT Score Range: 1520-1570
- Average Tuition Cost: $66,172
New York University:
- Location: New York, NY
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average SAT Score Range: 1480-1550
- Average Tuition Cost: $60,438
Vanderbilt University:
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Average SAT Score Range: 1500-1560
- Average Tuition Cost: $63,946
Ohio State University
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Average SAT Score Range: 1290-1440
- Average Tuition Cost:
- In-state Tuition: $12,485
- Out-of-State Tuition: $36,722
Villanova University
- Location: Villanova, PA
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Average SAT Score Range: 1410-1490
- Average Tuition Cost: $64,906
Georgetown University:
- Location: Washington, DC
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Average SAT Score Range: 1390-1530
- Average Tuition Cost: $65,082
Pepperdine University:
- Location: Malibu, CA
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average SAT Score Range: 1250-1440
- Average Tuition Cost: $66,742
University of Florida:
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Average SAT Score Range: 1320-1470
- Average Tuition Cost:
- In-state Tuition: $6,381
- Out-of-State Tuition: $28,658
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Average SAT Score Range: 1360-1520
- Average Tuition Cost:
- In-state Tuition: $8,998
- Out-of-State Tuition: $39,338
Tips for Maximizing Your Application with a 1490 SAT Score
Strong Essays: Make Your SAT Score Shine
While a 1490 SAT score is impressive and places you among the top applicants, a well-crafted and engaging essay can help further set you apart. Admissions officers want to know more than just your academic abilities—they’re interested in understanding your personality, values, and unique experiences.
Use your personal statement or supplemental essays to showcase what makes you a well-rounded candidate. Share meaningful stories that reflect your passion, curiosity, and resilience. Whether it’s an intellectual challenge you’ve overcome or a pivotal life experience, your essay can help humanize your application and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. To truly shine, focus on an aspect of your personality that hasn’t been highlighted in your SAT or academic record, such as resilience or creativity.
Need some help brainstorming your essays? Check out this blog post on Top 40 College Essay Ideas and Topics to help get the ideas flowing!
Extracurriculars and Leadership: Stand Out Beyond Academics
In addition to strong SAT scores, universities like to see well-rounded students who are involved in extracurricular activities. Whether it’s sports, music, debate, or community service, showcasing your involvement outside of the classroom demonstrates that you have initiative and can balance multiple responsibilities. Leadership roles particularly impress Admissions officers, as they reflect your ability to take charge and influence others. If you’ve been a team captain or club president or have organized a community service project, highlight those experiences to show your leadership potential!
Letters of Recommendation: Strengthen Your Application Profile
Letters of recommendation are another critical part of your application that can offer admissions officers a deeper insight into your character, work ethic, and achievements. A 1490 SAT score is impressive, but a glowing letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or coach can provide context for your academic performance and personal growth. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to both your strengths in the classroom and your involvement in extracurriculars or community activities. Well-written recommendation letters highlighting your positive traits—like leadership, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity—can significantly bolster your chances of acceptance.
Still with me?
A 1490 SAT score is excellent and places you in a highly competitive position for admission at many top colleges. While it may not be the highest score in the range for Ivy League schools, it is certainly strong enough to keep you in the running. Moreover, a 1490 SAT opens doors to scholarships and merit aid at many institutions. When paired with a strong application—complete with great essays, extracurricular involvement, and glowing recommendations—you’ll be well-positioned for success.
So, if you’ve earned a score of 1490, congratulations! Start researching schools where this score shines and take the next steps toward crafting a standout application.
Looking for more expert help with improving your SAT score? Empowerly is here to help you every step of the way. Our team of college admissions experts spends 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor, and 99% of the Class of 2024 got into the top 100 U.S. colleges. Whether you’re looking for better time management support, standardized prep help, or college list building, Empowerly has got your back. Don’t let the SAT alone determine your path—take charge of your application today with expert guidance from Empowerly!
