Is a 490 SAT score good, bad, or somewhere in between? Understand where you stand and your future prospects with this score.
- What your 490 SAT score means: Learn about the percentile ranking of a 490 score and what this implies in relation to the performance of other test-takers.
- Colleges accepting a 490 SAT score: Discover which universities might consider a 490 SAT score within an acceptable range for admission.
- Improving your 490 SAT score: Get insights on resources and strategies to take your score from the 1% percentile to a more competitive range.
Your 490 SAT score isn’t the end, but a stepping stone in your educational journey.
Understanding the SAT Scoring System
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), a staple of the US college application process, uses a scoring system that allows colleges to compare student skills on an equal footing. To understand a score of 490, one must first comprehend the SAT’s structure and scoring mechanics.
Score Structure
The SAT is divided into two main sections: Reading/Writing and Math. The Reading/Writing section further separates into Reading and Writing/Language subscores, which are combined to form a single score. The Math section combines both portions done with and without a calculator.
- Reading/Writing Score: This score ranges from 200 to 800, with 200 being the lowest possible score and 800 being the highest.
- Math Score: Like the Reading/Writing section, this also ranges from 200 to 800.
These section scores add up to provide a total SAT score, with a range from 400 (lowest possible) to 1600 (highest possible).
Percentile Ranks
Next is understanding percentile ranks. In essence, a student’s percentile rank represents the percentage of students who scored lower than that student. For instance, if a student is in the 70th percentile, they scored better than approximately 70% of test-takers.
With scores spanning from 400 to 1600, a 490 SAT score falls within the lower percentile range, specifically in the 1% percentile. Meaning, it surpasses around 1% of all SAT scores.
Is 490 a Good SAT Score?
Gauging whether a 490 SAT score is “good” inherently depends on your perspective and end goals. In the global context, it falls within the 1% percentile, which means it is lower than 99% of SAT scores.
Goals and Expectations
However, a 490 SAT score could be a good score based on personal goals and circumstances. If someone had initially struggled with elementary math and saw a marked improvement leading to a 490 score, this would definitely be an achievement worth celebrating. Perhaps the goal was simply to complete the test, in which case, a 490 is a substantial result.
College Requirements
A 490 SAT score might align with the requirements of some colleges and could be considered “good” in that context. Though acceptance rates with this score might not be high for most universities, some accept applicants in this percentile range. This scenario requires extensively researching the admission requirements of the colleges you are considering.
However, in context of prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, or Ivy League schools, a 490 SAT score would fall notably short of the typical admission standard. These highly competitive universities often demand SAT scores in the upper percentile ranges.
Is 490 a Bad SAT Score?
From a statistical perspective, a 490 SAT score may be classified as a “bad” score, as it substantially falls below the national average and doesn’t align with the general standards of many colleges.
National Averages and Benchmarks
The representative average SAT score is frequently updated and usually hovers around the mid-1000s. Therefore, an SAT score of 490 is considerably lower than the national average.
University Standards
Universities are increasingly becoming stringent with their admission criteria, favoring higher SAT scores. Institutions such as UCLA, Princeton, or Yale more often expect applicants to be in the 90th percentile or higher, with SAT scores around the range of 1300-1600. Hence, a score of 490 might fall short for these universities.
490 SAT Score Percentile
In relation to other test takers, a 490 SAT score ranks in the lower percentiles. Its percentile ranking indicates that it exceeds approximately 1% of all test results, but unfortunately falls below 99% of scores.
Comparative Performance
Being in the 1% percentile suggests that out of 100 students, approximately 99 of them would have scored higher than 490. However, understand that this doesn’t demean the effort put into earning that score, only that there is significant room for improvement to align with college admission standards better.
490 SAT Score to ACT
Comparing SAT and ACT scores can provide another insightful perspective. While these are different standardized tests used in college applications, they have similar percentile ranges.
Score Conversion
There isn’t a direct correlation between SAT and ACT scores, but a rough conversion can be made. A score of 490 on the SAT could be comparable to somewhere close to an ACT score of 15 or 16. This comparison might vary as it’s based on a score-conversion chart that correlates SAT and ACT scores across their respective percentile ranges. Understanding this mapping can help guide preparatory efforts and set realistic goals for either test.
Should I Submit a 490 SAT Score?
Whether you should submit a 490 SAT score depends on various factors such as the colleges you are applying to and your performance in other areas like GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
College Admission Criteria
Identifying the admission criteria of your target colleges significantly influences your decision to submit your SAT score. Some universities have specific SAT benchmarks, whereas others observe a more holistic approach, considering more than just your SAT score. Additionally, many colleges have moved towards test-optional policies, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
- Colleges with Low SAT Requirements: If your desired colleges accept scores around 490, then submitting your SAT score can support your application.
- Test-Optional Colleges: Some colleges do not require SAT scores as part of the application process. With a low SAT score, you might consider applying to these colleges, emphasizing your other strengths.
Note that a 490 SAT score, being in the 1% percentile, might limit your college options as fewer colleges accept scores in this range.
Holistic Candidacy
Universities increasingly consider a holistic view of students’ candidacy. Academic accomplishments certainly matter, but other elements like leadership roles, community service, curated talents, unique experiences, or compelling personal stories can also bolster university applications. If you excel in these areas, a lower SAT score might not drastically impede your chances of acceptance.
490 SAT Score Colleges
Even with a 490 SAT score, there are colleges that could still consider your application. A key part of this process is to research and find out which institutions may accept a score in this range.
Here are a few examples of universities where a 490 SAT score might be within the accepted range:
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Dickinson State University
- Johnson and Wales University
- Indian River State College
Each college will have its own distinct set of acceptance criteria, so it’s essential to verify this information directly from the respective universities.
490 SAT Score Scholarships
Securing scholarships with a 490 SAT score could be challenging as higher scores frequently grant more scholarship opportunities, yet it isn’t impossible.
There are a number of need-based and talent-based scholarships that do not require a specific SAT score. Also, some local and state scholarships may have lower SAT benchmarks. For instance:
- Local Community Scholarships: These scholarships often focus on community involvement, leadership qualities, or a student’s determination in overcoming adversity, rather than emphasizing test scores.
- Talent-based Scholarships: If you have excelled in areas like art, music, sports, or specific subjects, you may qualify for talent-based scholarships that don’t heavily consider SAT scores.
Remember to carry out diligent research to discover scholarships best suited to your scenario.
Tips to Improve Your 490 SAT Score
Securing a 490 SAT score indicates potential for significant improvement. Transforming this score isn’t an insurmountable task – it merely requires dedication, effective study strategies, and useful resources:
Effective Study Strategies
- Identify Weak Areas: Understanding where you’re struggling will help you concentrate your efforts on improving those areas.
- Practice Regularly: Regular and systematic practice can help enhance your skill set and improve your score.
- Mock Tests: Take timed tests under real test conditions. This practice improves your speed and accuracy.
Useful Resources
- SAT Prep Books: There are multiple SAT prep books that offer comprehensive content reviews and numerous practice questions.
- Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Khan Academy offer personalized SAT prep resources for free.
- Tutors: If you can afford it, consider recruiting a tutor to get personalized attention and guidance.
Remember, the journey to improve your SAT score is a marathon, not a sprint.
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
A 490 SAT score corresponds to the 1% percentile, which falls below the average score mostly accepted by universities. While it might place you on a limiting path in terms of college acceptance, it’s not a damning factor.
A good SAT score does stand advantageous, but it’s not the sole factor in shaping your future. The holistic approach universities typically adopt gives importance to other contexts of a student’s profile, like GPA, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays. Furthermore, with focused effort and the right resources, it’s possible to rise beyond a 490.
Remember, your SAT score is just a fraction of who you are and your potential to succeed. The score is not indicative of your intelligence or potential – it’s simply one aspect of your application. Attend to all parts of your application, strive to grow, stay persistent, and trust that with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your academic goals.