United States Colleges Ranked by Highest SAT Score

Here are 10 of the top colleges with their SAT score requirements, and as you can see they are pretty high. If you are planning to apply to any of them, here is an overview of their SAT score requirements:

California Institute of Technology

As one of the world's leading STEM institutions, California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, has very high SAT requirements. They seek to enroll highly capable students who demonstrate academic achievement and intellectual aptitude, which is why they employ rigorous academic standards and selective admissions process.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is another esteemed university that puts an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and as such seeks only those applicants who can demonstrate exceptional aptitude and proficiency in these areas. Thus, they maintain a high SAT requirement so they can ensure the continued academic rigor and caliber of their student body.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University has a reputation for academic excellence and attracting top-tier students, and as such boasts a high SAT requirement to maintain that reputation.

This university is all about top-notch programs in different fields and pushing the boundaries of research and innovation. They're looking for students who are super smart and curious, ready to tackle tough challenges.

Yale University

Given its reputation as not just one of the enviable "Ivy League" schools but a long storied history and commitment to academic excellence, it should shock no one that Yale University has strict and high SAT requirements. With a desire to foster a competitive and enriching learning environment for all students, Yale seeks only those who have the intellectual ability, critical thinking skills, and academic potential to fit and thrive within its walls.

University of Chicago

With both a renowned faculty and a challenging curriculum, the University of Chicago has rigorous and high SAT requirements because they seek to attract only those students who can thrive in such an intellectually stimulating environment. Their commitment to excellence is palpable, and their academic standards reflect just that.

The highest possible score one can get in an SAT exam is 1600, which is also considered a perfect score. The minimum score is 400.

In order to achieve the enviable score of 1600, one needs to get 800 in the two sections, which are Math and Evidence-based reading and writing. To better understand SAT scores, one needs to look at them through percentile.

In a median percentile, meaning 50, a student's Math score is usually 520 while their Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score is 530, for a Total SAT score ranging from 1040 to 1050.

Above that, what is considered a good percentile is 75, where a student achieves 600-610 in Math and Reading and Writing for a total of 1200-1210.

The 85th percentile is also seen as good, and within this, students typically get 650-660 in the two categories for a total of 1290.

From the 95th Percentile upwards is where the real prize students reside, as those who achieve a total SAT score from 1430 to 1600 are usually privy to the best offers from the best schools.

Preparing for your SAT test well beforehand can be a powerful way to get into the previously mentioned colleges. To achieve this lofty goal, here are five of top tops that can help you achieve the highest SAT scores possible:

1. Aim for Perfection

In order to achieve a perfect score on a SAT test, you need to aim for perfection, meaning, you have to study with the thought process that you can and will get every single question right.

To put it into simpler terms, in the reading test you can miss one or two questions, in the writing test, you can miss only one question, but in Math, you have to answer every single question correctly, so the best way to get the greatest score you can is by studying with the intent of getting everything right.

When you are studying, make sure you do so with perfection in mind, constantly poring over your mistakes to ensure that not even one question takes you by surprise.

2. List your Motivation

As important as studying with dedication is, it is an unfortunate reality that people burn out, which is where listing your motivation comes into play. By writing down your specific motivations, such as what score you want, your dream college to be accepted into, and all the things you will do once you're there, you can rejuvenate your drive and fly higher, further, and faster.

Plus, whenever you feel down you can always revisit your list to remind yourself just why you are, rightfully, putting all this pressure on yourself.

3. Use Authentic SAT Materials

Though there are many SAT prep materials in the market, if you want to excel, truly excel, in the exam then you need to find and study from only the best SAT study materials. The best way to do so would be to consult with your college.

Also, referring to sample papers is the best way to start going about studying. Another great thing to do would be to talk and engage with previous highest SAT score holders be it online, offline, or on specific social media portals.

4. Focus on Quality Studying

Simply having the study materials and turning pages does not make for an achievement worth celebrating. In fact, even if you read through several SAT prep books from cover to cover, if you're just poring over them, then it's no better than not even having those books in the first place.

Quality learning and studying is the name of the game if you really want to get the best score possible. In order to do so, you need to make sure that you are grasping knowledge from several different sources and becoming more intelligent rather than just digesting information by rote.

5. Learn from your Mistakes

The reality is that you will probably make a lot of mistakes when studying for the SAT test, but as long as you are learning from them, then make as many mistakes as you want. Achieving a perfect score of 1600 isn't easy, and on the path to achieving that goal, you will surely fumble and even fail.

But it is only those among you who mull over why you fumbled and failed, and how to avoid doing that the next time around, who will be able to overcome your mistakes and reach the summit of that perfect score only a handful achieve every year.

Content Sources:

• Business Insider
• PrepScholar
• The New York Times
• Forbes
• US News Education