A 1490 SAT score is an excellent result. It usually lands around the 97th to 98th percentile, which means you scored higher than roughly 97–98% of test-takers. The most recent national average sits near 1028–1029, so you are about 460 points above the average student.
That gap matters for admissions. A 1490 places you in the score range that many top 50 universities expect from serious applicants. At the same time, you should know where this score sits compared with Ivy League and “Ivy-plus” schools, and how test-optional policies change the picture.
In this guide, you will see how strong a 1490 really is, how colleges read it in 2026, and how this score fits into a smart application strategy.
Is a 1490 SAT Score Good?
A 1490 is not just “good”, it is objectively high. Across several data sources, a 1490 falls in the 97th–98th percentile among SAT users. You are competing with the top few percent of students in the country.
Here is how your 1490 SAT score compares:
| Measure | Score / Percentile |
| Your total SAT score | 1490 |
| National average (2023–2025) | 1028–1029 |
| Approximate percentile | 97th–98th percentile |
So, you sit far above the middle of the curve. A 1490 signals strong reading, writing, and math skills. It also shows that you handle timed, high-pressure testing well, which many colleges still value.
Several test-prep and admissions platforms treat 1490 as a clear marker of top performance. A 1490 lands in the 98th percentile and leaves only about 25,000 students at or above your score out of more than 2 million test-takers. That is a very small comparison group.
For your applications, this means:
- Your score is strong enough for many highly selective schools,
- It clears the bar at most flagship public universities,
- It can support merit scholarships at many institutions that use test scores
You should see it as a real asset in your file. It will not win admission alone, but it gives you a serious academic foundation.
Where a 1490 Stands in College Admissions
A 1490 looks different at different types of colleges. You want to see how it compares with the 25th–75th percentile ranges that colleges report in their Common Data Set or admissions profiles.
At the most selective private universities, the middle 50% ranges are extremely high. For example, recent data for Harvard show a composite SAT range around 1500–1580, with section ranges of 740–780 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 760–800 for Math. Vanderbilt reports a middle 50% SAT range of about 1510–1560, with an average composite near 1540.
At schools like these, a 1490 is usually just below the midpoint and sometimes below the 25th percentile. That does not make it “bad.” It means admitted students often have very high scores, and many applicants with 1500+ are also denied. For these colleges, your 1490 must pair with:
- A very strong GPA and course rigor,
- Serious extracurricular impact or leadership,
- Clear, specific academic interests,
- Compelling essays and recommendations
In other words, your score keeps you in the conversation, but the rest of your profile must carry significant weight.
At many top 30 to 50 universities, you are closer to or inside the middle 50% range. Selective schools such as the University of Michigan, UCLA, or Texas at Austin often report 25th–75th percentile ranges that span roughly 1350–1530, depending on the major and campus. Here, a 1490 typically sits near the upper half of the range, which is a very solid place to be.
Test-Optional Context in 2026
You also need to understand the test-optional landscape. After the pandemic, hundreds of colleges adopted test-optional policies. Many are now adjusting those rules again.
Recent reporting shows that a growing group of highly selective colleges has reinstated test requirements, including Harvard, Penn, Brown, Georgia Tech, several large public systems, and others. Princeton has announced that it will require SAT or ACT scores again for future cycles, leaving Columbia as the only fully test-optional Ivy for now.
Even in colleges that remain test-optional, strong scores often help. At some institutions, applicants who submitted scores were admitted at roughly twice the rate of non-submitters.
Other guidance for the 2025–26 cycle lists dozens of schools where tests are “expected,” “encouraged,” or “recommended,” even when not strictly required.
For you, that means a 1490 is usually worth sending:
- At test-required schools, it clearly meets or exceeds the bar.
- At test-optional schools, it can push you above similar applicants without scores.
- At scholarship-granting colleges, it may improve your merit aid chances.
Colleges still claim a holistic review, meaning they will weigh your GPA, course rigor, activities, essays, and recommendations alongside your score. But in the current landscape, a 1490 gives you flexibility. You can confidently submit it almost everywhere and use it to support a strong, balanced application strategy.
Colleges That Accept a 1490 SAT Score
A 1490 puts you close to the score bands at many top universities. At some Ivy League schools, it may sit just below the reported middle 50% range, but it still signals strong academic ability.
These examples show how a 1490 fits at three highly selective colleges and what else you need to stay competitive.
1. University of Pennsylvania
With a 1490, you are just under Penn’s typical SAT range. Your score can still help if the rest of your application is very strong.
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Acceptance Rate: About 5–6% for recent classes
- Average GPA: Around 3.9 (mostly A grades)
- Average SAT Score Range: 1500–1570 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $68,686 per year before aid
A 1490 will likely fall slightly below the 25th percentile at Penn. That makes your GPA, course rigor, and essays critical if you apply. Early Decision and a clear academic story can also help balance a score that is just under their usual range.
2. Cornell University
At Cornell, a 1490 sits very close to the lower edge of admitted scores. It still shows the academic strength Cornell expects from serious applicants.
- Location: Ithaca, New York
- Acceptance Rate: Around 8% for the Class of 2028
- Average GPA: About 3.9, usually with heavy course rigor
- Average SAT Score Range: 1510–1560 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $69,314 per year before aid
Because 1490 is just below Cornell’s reported middle 50% range, context matters. You stand a better chance if your transcript shows demanding STEM or humanities coursework, a clear impact in activities, and strong alignment with a specific Cornell college. A well-targeted Early Decision application can also make a meaningful difference.
3. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth’s SAT range is slightly more forgiving, and a 1490 typically falls inside it. That means your score can sit comfortably within their admitted band.
- Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
- Acceptance Rate: About 6–7% in recent years
- Average GPA: Around 3.9, usually top 10% of the class
- Average SAT Score Range: 1440–1560 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $68,268 per year before aid
Here, a 1490 is much closer to the typical Dartmouth admit, especially if supported by rigorous coursework and focused interests. Strong recommendations and a cohesive narrative about your academic direction can help turn that score into a real advantage in their holistic review.
Highly Selective Colleges Where a 1490 Is Competitive
Outside the Ivy League, a 1490 SAT score often sits squarely in the competitive range. At many top 20–40 universities, this score places you near or inside the middle 50% band for admitted students. These schools still expect strong grades, rigor, and activities, but your 1490 gives you a real academic foothold.
1. University of Southern California (USC)
With a 1490 SAT, you land right in USC’s typical admitted range. Your score supports applications to competitive majors, especially if your transcript matches that level.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Acceptance Rate: About 10–12% in recent cycles
- Average GPA: Around 3.8 (most students earn A-level grades)
- Average SAT Score Range: 1450–1530 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $68,000 per year before aid
At USC, a 1490 can be especially helpful for non-test-optional programs or rigorous fields like engineering, business, or cinematic arts. Strong essays about your academic interests and clear involvement in related activities can turn that score into a clear plus in a competitive pool.
2. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
A 1490 SAT score fits comfortably within Michigan’s typical SAT band. At many colleges within the university, you would sit near the upper half of the range.
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Acceptance Rate: Around 17–20% overall
- Average GPA: Around 3.9 (often top 10% of class)
- Average SAT Score Range: 1350–1530 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $18,000 in-state; about $57,000 out-of-state per year
Michigan uses a holistic review but pays close attention to academic preparation and course rigor. With a 1490, you have a solid testing profile, especially if paired with challenging math, science, and writing courses. For more selective programs like engineering or business, your activities and grades will still carry major weight.
3. University of Texas at Austin
At UT Austin, a 1490 SAT can be a significant asset, especially for out-of-state applicants. It often places you at or above the upper end of reported ranges for many majors.
- Location: Austin, TX
- Acceptance Rate: Around 30–31% overall, lower for some majors
- Average GPA: Often near 3.8–3.9 for admitted students
- Average SAT Score Range: About 1230–1480 overall, higher in selective colleges
- Average Tuition Cost: About $12,000 in-state; about $41,000 out-of-state per year
Because Texas uses a mix of automatic admission (through class rank) and holistic review, a 1490 can help strengthen your position if you are not in the top automatic admit band. For majors like computer science, business, and engineering, you should combine this score with strong math preparation and clear evidence of interest in the field.
4. Emory University
At Emory, a 1490 SAT score sits very close to the heart of the admitted student range. Your score aligns with what Emory expects from students aiming for rigorous liberal arts or pre-professional paths.
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Acceptance Rate: Around 11–12% across recent classes
- Average GPA: About 3.8 (heavy AP/IB or honors course loads)
- Average SAT Score Range: 1470–1540 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: Around $61,000 per year before aid
A 1490 gives you a strong statistical foundation at Emory, especially if you also show depth in humanities, sciences, or pre-health interests. Your essays, recommendations, and activity choices should reinforce a clear academic direction and show how you will contribute to campus life academically and personally.
5. Rice University
With a 1490 SAT, you sit just below Rice’s usual score band. Your score can still work if the rest of your profile is exceptional.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Acceptance Rate: About 8–9% in recent years
- Average GPA: Around 3.9, usually with heavy rigor
- Average SAT Score Range: 1500–1560 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $58,000 per year before aid
At Rice, a 1490 will not be your main spike. You should lean on standout coursework, clear STEM or humanities depth, and strong recommendations. Applying with a focused academic narrative and meaningful impact in a few activities helps that 1490 support, rather than limit, your chances.
6. University of Massachusetts Amherst
At UMass Amherst, a 1490 SAT is well above the typical admitted range. That puts you in a very strong academic position for most majors.
- Location: Amherst, MA
- Acceptance Rate: Around 60–65% overall
- Average GPA: Often in the 3.7–3.9 range for admits
- Average SAT Score Range: 1310–1460 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $17,000 in-state; about $39,000 out-of-state per year
With a 1490, you are likely above the 75th percentile at UMass Amherst. That can help with more selective programs, the Honors College, and potential merit aid. You still want solid grades, but your test score will be one of the stronger parts of your file here.
7. Duke University
At Duke, a 1490 SAT is slightly under the reported middle 50% range. It still shows you are academically prepared, but you will compete with many students who scored 1500 or higher.
- Location: Durham, NC
- Acceptance Rate: About 5–6% in recent cycles
- Average GPA: Around 3.9, often top of the class
- Average SAT Score Range: 1520–1570 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $66,000 per year before aid
If you apply to Duke with a 1490, the rest of your application must stand out. You need demanding coursework, sharp essays, and a clear record of initiative or leadership. The score keeps you viable, but it is not enough on its own.
8. New York University (NYU)
At NYU, a 1490 typically falls inside or near the upper half of admitted scores. Your test result matches what NYU expects from applicants aiming for its more selective programs.
- Location: New York, NY
- Acceptance Rate: Around 12–13% overall
- Average GPA: Around 3.8 for recent admits
- Average SAT Score Range: 1480–1550 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $60,000 per year before aid
A 1490 gives you a solid platform for schools like Stern, CAS, or Tandon, though some majors remain extremely competitive. Strong math preparation, clear interest in your intended field, and focused extracurriculars can help you use that 1490 as a real asset at NYU.
9. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt’s admitted SAT band is very high, and a 1490 usually sits just below it. Even so, the score signals clear readiness for Vanderbilt’s academic pace.
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Acceptance Rate: About 5–7% in recent classes
- Average GPA: Around 3.9 with extensive AP or IB coursework
- Average SAT Score Range: 1500–1560 (middle 50% composite)
- Average Tuition Cost: About $64,000 per year before aid
With a 1490, you will rely heavily on the rest of your file at Vanderbilt. Strong subject alignment, impressive coursework, and sharp, specific essays can still keep you in contention. Paired with thoughtful school selection and a balanced college list, your 1490 can support a realistic reach application here.
10. Ohio State University
With a 1490 SAT, you sit well above Ohio State’s typical range. Your score makes you a strong academic applicant across most majors.
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Acceptance Rate: About 50–55%
- Average GPA: Around 3.7–3.8
- Average SAT Score Range: 1290–1440
- Average Tuition Cost: About $12,500 in-state; about $36,700 out-of-state per year
At Ohio State, a 1490 can help you stand out for honors programs and more selective colleges within the university. It also positions you well for merit scholarships when paired with strong grades and a solid activity record.
11. Villanova University
A 1490 SAT places you at the very top of Villanova’s typical admitted range. Your score shows you are ready for Villanova’s rigorous core and major requirements.
- Location: Villanova, PA
- Acceptance Rate: About 20–25%
- Average GPA: Around 3.9
- Average SAT Score Range: 1410–1490
- Average Tuition Cost: About $64,900 per year before aid
With a 1490, you are likely at or above the 75th percentile here. That can help with admission to competitive programs and may support merit aid, especially if your transcript and activities confirm that level of performance.
12. Georgetown University
At Georgetown, a 1490 SAT falls inside the published middle 50% range. Your score lines up with what Georgetown expects from strong applicants in most schools.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Acceptance Rate: About 11–12%
- Average GPA: Around 3.9
- Average SAT Score Range: 1390–1530
- Average Tuition Cost: About $65,000 per year before aid
Because Georgetown reads applications by school, your 1490 will look different in, say, the School of Foreign Service than in the College. Either way, you will need demanding coursework, focused interests, and sharp essays to use that score effectively.
13. Pepperdine University
A 1490 SAT is far above Pepperdine’s usual admitted range. Your score shows very strong academic readiness for its curriculum.
- Location: Malibu, CA
- Acceptance Rate: About 40–50%
- Average GPA: Around 3.8
- Average SAT Score Range: 1250–1440
- Average Tuition Cost: About $66,700 per year before aid
Here, a 1490 can place you in the very top tier of applicants. That may improve odds for competitive programs and could support merit scholarship consideration, especially alongside a strong academic and service record.
14. University of Florida
At the University of Florida, a 1490 SAT score sits above the typical range for many admits. Your score matches what UF expects from its most competitive applicants.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Acceptance Rate: About 23%
- Average GPA: Around 3.9
- Average SAT Score Range: 1320–1470
- Average Tuition Cost: About $6,400 in-state; about $28,700 out-of-state per year
UF places a heavy weight on course rigor and class performance, especially for in-state students. With a 1490, you strengthen your case for more selective majors and the Honors Program, as long as your transcript and activities stay aligned.
15. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
A 1490 SAT score is solidly competitive at UNC Chapel Hill. For many applicants, this score falls near or inside the upper part of their range.
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Acceptance Rate: About 17% overall
- Average GPA: Often near 4.0 weighted for admits
- Average SAT Score Range: 1360–1520
- Average Tuition Cost: About $9,000 in-state; about $39,300 out-of-state per year
UNC is especially selective for out-of-state students, so your 1490 can be a key advantage there. You will still need strong grades, depth in activities, and clear academic interests, but your test score supports a very competitive application.
Scholarship Opportunities With a 1490
A 1490 SAT score can open real doors for merit-based aid, especially outside the Ivy League. Most Ivy League and Ivy-plus schools do not offer merit scholarships at all. Their aid is almost entirely need-based. Your 1490 still helps you look strong, but it will not trigger merit money there.
At many public flagships and selective private universities, the picture is different. Some colleges publish clear merit thresholds where awards often start around 1400–1450 and increase for scores closer to 1500+. With a 1490, you frequently fall into the higher scholarship bands, particularly if your GPA also sits near the top of the admitted pool.
In practice, your 1490 can help you:
- Qualify for honors programs and competitive scholarships,
- Push you above automatic-award cutoffs at certain state schools,
- Strengthen your case for discretionary merit at private universities
Colleges rarely base scholarships on scores alone. Most also look at class rank, rigor, essays, and activities. But a 1490 signals that you can handle demanding coursework, which makes it easier for a school to invest merit money in you.
If scholarships are a major priority, build a list that includes:
- At least a few schools where 1490 is above the 75th percentile.
- Several strong match schools where your score sits near the top of the range.
Those are the places most likely to use your 1490 as a reason to offer significant aid.
Should You Retake the SAT If You Have a 1490?
Usually no, but it depends on your goals and profile. A 1490 already places you in the top few percent of test-takers and is competitive at many top 20–50 schools. If your GPA, rigor, and activities are strong, a retake often brings more stress than benefit.
You might consider retaking the SAT if:
- Your section scores are very unbalanced,
- You are aiming for the most selective “Ivy-plus” schools,
- You know you underperformed compared with practice tests
For example, if you consistently scored 1530–1550 on timed practice tests under realistic conditions, a 1490 might reflect an off day. In that case, one more attempt could make sense, especially if you still have time before deadlines.
However, if your practice scores average around 1450–1500, chasing a 1550 can do more harm than good. The time you spend squeezing out 10 to 30 more points might be better used on essays, activities, or school research. Admissions officers care more about your overall file than a tiny jump from 1490 to 1510.
Think in terms of trade-offs. If retaking the test forces you to rush your personal statement or cut back on meaningful activities, you are not really improving your application. In many cases, a polished 1490 with strong essays and a clear academic story will beat a slightly higher score attached to a rushed application.
How To Strengthen Your Application With a 1490
Once you have a 1490, your main question shifts from “Should I raise it?” to “How do I build around it?” Colleges will see your score as a clear academic strength. Your job now is to make sure the rest of your file rises to that level.
1. Essays
Your essays should do the work your SAT score cannot. Use them to show how you think, what you care about, and how you approach challenges. You do not need to mention your score at all.
Instead, focus on:
- A specific problem you solved or pursued.
- A question that genuinely interests you.
- A concrete moment that changed how you see something.
Strong essays connect your academic interests with real experiences, without repeating your activities list.
2. Extracurriculars and Leadership
With a 1490, colleges will expect more than “busy.” They will look for direction. That means depth in one to three areas over many years, not a long list of short-term clubs.
You strengthen your file when you:
- Stick with extracurricular activities over time and take on responsibility.
- Connect your main activities to your possible major.
- Show real impact, even on a small scale.
Leadership does not always mean official titles. It can mean starting a project, organizing an event, mentoring younger students, or improving something in your community.
3. Course Rigor and Grades
A 1490 suggests you can handle tough classes. Your transcript needs to prove it. Colleges will read your score very differently if your schedule shows:
- Multiple years of honors, AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes,
- Strong performance in core subjects, especially math and writing,
- Progression into more advanced levels over time
If your school offers limited advanced courses, that is okay. What matters is that you pushed yourself within what was available.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Your recommendation letters should give colleges a sense of you as a learner and a person.
With a 1490, teachers can reinforce the idea that you are not just strong on paper but also:
- Curious in class,
- Consistent and reliable,
- Willing to help others
Choose recommenders who have seen you think, struggle, and grow. A specific, vivid letter is far better than a generic, glowing one.
Use the 1490 SAT Score Strategically
A 1490 SAT score gives you a strong starting point at many competitive colleges. It may sit slightly below the midrange at some Ivy-plus schools, but it places you firmly in the conversation almost everywhere else.
Your next step is not chasing a perfect number. Your next step is using this score to support a thoughtful, well-balanced application: one that includes a realistic school list, strong grades and rigor, focused activities, and clear, personal essays.
If you want help turning your 1490 into a complete admissions strategy, working with an experienced counselor can make the process more focused and less confusing.
With the right plan, this score can support applications that reflect who you are, what you have done, and where you are ready to go next.
