With a 1390 SAT Score, understanding your ranking among peers becomes imperative.
- Score Interpretation: Demystifying a 1390 SAT score today.
- Collegiate Implications: How a 1390 on the SAT can potentially affect college admissions.
- Improvement Strategies: Tips and tricks to boost a 1390 SAT score to aim higher.
Ready to make your 1390 SAT score work to your advantage? Let’s get started!
Understanding the SAT Scoring System
Questions like “What does a 1390 SAT score mean?” may crop up when a student or parent aims to understand the SAT testing and scoring system. A score such as 1390 indicates that the student has scored higher than 90-93% of their peers. This percentile understanding gives a quick snapshot of the candidate’s performance compared to others who took the test during the same period.
How is the SAT Scored?
The SAT scoring system uses a range of 400 to 1600, divided into two sections: Mathematics (Math), and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). While each section is scored on a range of 200 to 800, the cumulative total of these two sections provides the final SAT score.
To further break down:
- Math Section: A maximum of 800 points can be earned in this section, testing students on algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and some advanced math concepts.
- EBRW Section: Reading and Writing are tested collectively in this section, again with a maximum of 800 points. Critical reading, comprehension, and grammar are integral focus areas.
Therefore, a student scoring 1390 would have earned nearly 700 points in each section, placing them well above average in most high school curriculums nationwide.
Is 1390 a Good SAT Score?
To interpret the question “Is a 1390 on the SAT good?” we must measure the 1390 score against national averages and admission benchmarks of higher-ed institutions. A 1390 score is indeed well above the national average, indicating strong academic skills and knowledge across the two major areas tested on the SAT.
Against the National Average
Bear in mind that the average SAT score in the U.S. varies year by year but generally hovers around 1050-1100. In this regard, a score of 1390 is highly impressive, roughly 290-340 points above the average.
University Admissions Standards
A 1390 SAT score may also make a student competitive for a range of colleges—specifically, it positions applicants competitively for institutions like UCLA. While UCLA’s average SAT score is around 1330, if you score 1390 or higher, you’ll have a very strong chance of getting in. Other colleges where a 1390 score would be recognized as competitive include the University of Virginia, Boston University, and others.
Is 1390 a Bad SAT Score?
On the other hand, addressing questions like “Is 1390 a low SAT score?” necessitates context. For highly selective schools like MIT or top-tier Ivy League schools, a score of 1390 may fall short. The competition for admissions in such institutions is generally intense, and students’ average scores often exceed 1390.
Comparison to Top-Tier Schools
To be competitive at elite universities such as Princeton, Stanford, and MIT, often applicants require significantly higher scores. These institutions often have average SAT scores exceeding 1500, thus, while a 1390 is not a “low” score, it may not be as competitive in these particularly selective contexts.
1390 SAT Score Percentile
With a 1390 SAT score, students are positioned within the 90-93 percentile range. This implies that the aforementioned score is higher than 90-93% of their peers who undertook the same test— offering a broader perspective on where this score stands.
What Does Being in the 90-93 Percentile Mean?
In layman’s terms, if you were to line up 100 test takers, a student with a score of 1390 would have a higher score than approximately 90-93 of them. Naturally, this puts them in the uppermost tiers of all SAT test takers.
How Hard Is It to Get a 1390 SAT Score?
A 1390 SAT score falls in the 90-93 percentile, suggesting that it is a score achieved by a relatively small number of those who take the test. As such, attaining this score may require significant preparation and a clear understanding of both the subject content and the format of the test.
How to Prepare for a 1390 Score
As 1390 is a loftier score, students aiming for this range should engage in thorough preparation. This involves:
- Mastering the content: This includes understanding and practicing the types of questions that are asked in the SAT’s Mathematics, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing sections.
- Understanding the format: Students should familiarize themselves with the structure of the SAT to minimize surprises on test day and maximize their ability to tackle each section effectively.
- Practicing under real conditions: To fully prepare for the SAT, regular mock tests under actual time constraints are vital. This helps improve speed, accuracy, and the management of stress.
- Analyzing and learning from mistakes: Regularly reviewing practice tests can help identify the types of questions that are most challenging as well as notice any recurring mistakes, thus allowing for more targeted studying.
In the hunt for a 1390 SAT score, students should aim for consistent performance, balancing their efforts across both sections to get as close to 700 points in each as possible. However, remember that a test score is just one part of the overall college application. Personal essays, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and academic transcripts also play a major role in determining a successful admission.
1390 SAT Score to ACT
Understanding the SAT-ACT conversion can provide further context for grasping your performance levels across standardized tests. If we were to equate a 1390 SAT score to the ACT scale, the equivalent falls typically within the range of 30-31, both of which are in the 95th percentile.
How Does SAT Conversion to ACT Work?
SAT and ACT scores are often interchangeable, thanks to regularly updated concordance tables provided by the respective testing agencies. It’s like translating between two languages—each test has different scoring systems, but each score on one has an equivalent on the other to allow for easy comparison.
In the context of a 1390 SAT score:
- ACT Equivalent: Typically ranges between 30 and 31 on the 36-point ACT scale.
- Percentile Ranking: A score of 30-31 on the ACT also places you in approximately the top 5%, or the 95th percentile, among test-takers.
Remember that while these tests have different structures and scoring systems, they’re both designed to assess college readiness. So, a 90-93 percentile performance on the SAT should translate similarly on the ACT.
Should I Submit a 1390 SAT Score?
The question of whether you should submit a 1390 score depends largely on the colleges or programs you are applying to. Broadly speaking, a 1390 score is well above average and would therefore be a strong addition to any college application.
Admissions and Score Choice Policy
It’s crucial to understand each college’s unique admissions standards and how they handle SAT scores.
- Score Submission: Some colleges require the submission of all SAT scores, while others implement the Score Choice policy. Score Choice allows you to choose which SAT test scores you want to send to colleges, based on your best performance.
- Bettering Your Chances: As a guide, aim to reach or surpass the institution’s average or median score for admitted students. This doesn’t guarantee admission but could increase your chances.
- Holistic Review: Note that SAT scores are just one aspect considered during the admissions process. Other factors such as high school GPA, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and personal essays play significant roles too.
1390 SAT Score Colleges
When considering a 1390 score, many colleges across the US would likely welcome such a strong academic indicator. However, remember that the SAT score is just one part of your overall application.
Selective Colleges
Reputable selective colleges like the University of California, Boston University, and New York University typically have average SAT scores around or below 1390, placing you in an advantageous position.
Highly Selective Colleges
For highly selective institutions, a 1390 may place you in a competitive pool but perhaps not at the top. Universities like Dartmouth and the University of Chicago have average scores frequently exceeding 1500.
Public and Regional Schools
For many public universities and regional colleges, a 1390 is likely to make you a standout applicant and potentially place you in contention for merit-based scholarships.
1390 SAT Score Scholarships
With a 1390 score falling neatly within the 90-93 percentile range, opportunities for scholarships may surface. Many universities offer merit-based scholarships that take SAT scores into account.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit scholarships, unlike need-based, evaluate academic, artistic, or athletic excellence. Many colleges offer these scholarships as attempts to attract the best and brightest students. A high SAT score increases the odds of nabbing one of these scholarships.
Other Factors Considered
While each scholarship program has its unique criteria, they often consider:
- GPA: A strong GPA is typically essential for merit-based scholarships.
- Extracurricular activities: Involvement in community service, clubs, sports teams, or other activities can strengthen a scholarship application.
- Leadership roles: Roles that exhibit leadership, such as acting as a club president or team captain, are considered favorably.
- Essays, projects, recommendations: Each of these can contribute significantly to raising the application’s overall strength.
Remember, the SAT score is but a piece of the puzzle. However, a score of 1390 certainly helps to keep you in the competition.
Tips to Improve Your 1390 SAT Score
Though 1390 is a commendable SAT score, some may aim for an even higher level, especially if they’re targeting Ivy League schools or highly competitive programs. Here are a few strategies to consider:
Focus on Weak Areas
Identify which sections were more challenging and dedicate some focused study time to those areas. For example:
- Math Issues: Practice problem-solving, data analysis, or the specific math content areas that challenged you during the test.
- Reading/Writing Issues: Enhance vocabulary, comprehension, or grammar skills.
Develop Good Study Habits
Establish productive and sustainable study habits. This can include:
- Creating a Study Schedule: Consistent, spread-out studying is more effective than intense cramming.
- Taking Breaks: Regular short pauses can help retain information and maintain focus.
- Using Quality Study Materials: Official SAT preparation books, online tests, and SAT prep courses offer valuable insight into the actual test.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Lastly, practice makes perfect. Regularly tackling SAT-style questions, full-length practice tests, and timed sections can immensely improve your confidence, speed, and accuracy.
For more information about improving your SAT score we recommend checking out: The College Board Website
SAT Scores 400 to 1600
| 400 | 410 | 420 | 430 | 440 |
| 450 | 460 | 470 | 480 | 490 |
| 500 | 510 | 520 | 530 | 540 |
| 550 | 560 | 570 | 580 | 590 |
| 600 | 610 | 620 | 630 | 640 |
| 650 | 660 | 670 | 680 | 690 |
| 700 | 710 | 720 | 730 | 740 |
| 750 | 760 | 770 | 780 | 790 |
| 800 | 810 | 820 | 830 | 840 |
| 850 | 860 | 870 | 880 | 890 |
| 900 | 910 | 920 | 930 | 940 |
| 950 | 960 | 970 | 980 | 990 |
| 1000 | 1010 | 1020 | 1030 | 1040 |
| 1050 | 1060 | 1070 | 1080 | 1090 |
| 1100 | 1110 | 1120 | 1130 | 1140 |
| 1150 | 1160 | 1170 | 1180 | 1190 |
| 1200 | 1210 | 1220 | 1230 | 1240 |
| 1250 | 1260 | 1270 | 1280 | 1290 |
| 1300 | 1310 | 1320 | 1330 | 1340 |
| 1350 | 1360 | 1370 | 1380 | 1390 |
| 1400 | 1410 | 1420 | 1430 | 1440 |
| 1450 | 1460 | 1470 | 1480 | 1490 |
| 1500 | 1510 | 1520 | 1530 | 1540 |
| 1550 | 1560 | 1570 | 1580 | 1590 |
| 1600 |
Conclusion
With a balanced perspective, it’s clear that a 1390 score is quite competitive but not necessarily prime for every school. While this score certainly indicates strong academic skills, will be well-received at numerous colleges, and may even swing open the gates for certain scholarships, it may fall short at some top-tier schools.
A 1390 score boosts the chances of admission into many distinguished colleges and perhaps offers a stronger foot in the door for scholarships. However, students who aspire to secure a spot in ultra-competitive schools might need to aim slightly higher.
Above all, understanding the meaning and implications of a 1390 score can guide further action, whether that involves celebrating an excellent score, strategizing a retake, or navigating college admission possibilities. A high SAT score is not a golden ticket to higher education but it is certainly a crucial piece of the admission puzzle.