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Top Colleges That Accept 1540 SAT Score | Ivy Leagues & More

Last Updated on Jun 09, 2025

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The SAT is a standardized exam widely used for United States college admissions. It assesses a student's college readiness in Math, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing sections. A 1540 on the SAT is an unusual academic achievement—a mere 60 points from a perfect score. This score puts you in the top 1% of test-takers across the country, which makes your application extremely competitive to Ivy League institutions, leading private universities, and top public schools. Here in this guide, you will be able to discover colleges that take a 1540 SAT score, compare it to national averages, see what scholarships it can open up for you, and if retaking the test is worth it.

Is 1540 a Good First-Time SAT Score?

Yes—a 1540 is exceptional, especially for a first-time attempt. With most students scoring in the 1000–1100 range, your score is not just good—it’s elite. This score shows admissions officers that you’re not only academically gifted but also prepared for the rigors of top-tier college programs. If you’ve hit 1540 early, it’s smart to shift your focus to crafting standout essays, building your extracurricular profile, and securing strong recommendation letters.

How Does a 1540 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

The national average SAT score for the class of 2024 was 1024. This means your 1540 is roughly 490 points above the mean. This places you solidly in the 99th percentile, outperforming the vast majority of test-takers. For competitive universities, such a score signals academic excellence and strong college readiness.

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Should You Retake the SAT If You Score a 1540?

Probably not. A 1540 SAT score is already exceptional and unlikely to increase your admission chances significantly by retaking. Most colleges won’t distinguish much between a 1540 and a 1600 unless you're applying for ultra-selective scholarships or have personal goals.

Instead, focus on:

Polishing your essays
Deepening extracurricular impact
Securing compelling recommendations
Applying early to your top-choice schools

1540 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1540 SAT score roughly equates to an ACT score of 35, which is near-perfect on the ACT scale. This means you're equally competitive at schools that prefer either standardized test format.

College Scholarships That Accept a 1540 SAT Score

Your score qualifies you for some of the top merit-based scholarships in the country. Here are a few opportunities:

University of Alabama – Presidential Elite Scholarship: Full tuition, housing stipend, and additional financial support.
University of Southern California (USC) – Trustee Scholarship: Full-tuition merit award for top academic achievers (including SAT scores of 1540+).
Vanderbilt University – Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship: Covers full tuition and provides a summer stipend.
University of Georgia – Foundation Fellowship: Offers generous support for high-achieving students, including SAT standouts.
Duke University – Robertson Scholars Program: Full ride scholarship with leadership and enrichment funding.
Princeton University – Need-Based Aid: While not merit-based, students with high SAT scores like 1540 often qualify for generous packages.

Colleges That Accept a 1540 SAT Score

With a 1540, the doors to almost every elite university in the U.S. are wide open. Ivy League universities, leading STEM institutions, and competitive liberal arts colleges all actively accept students with scores in this range. Although acceptance is not automatic, this score places your academic record in the 75th percentile or higher at most elite schools. These are some leading colleges where a 1540 SAT score is extremely competitive:

1. Harvard University

Renowned for its rigorous academics and influential alumni, Harvard consistently ranks as one of the best universities globally.

Statistic	Value
University Name	Harvard University
SAT Score Range	1460-1580
Average GPA	4.18
ACT Score	34-36
Acceptance Rate	4.6%
Tuition Fees	$51,904
Graduation Rate	98%
Enrollment	31,000

2. Stanford University

Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford is a leading institution in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.

Statistic	Value
University Name	Stanford University
SAT Score Range	1510-1580
Average GPA	3.96
ACT Score	32-35
Acceptance Rate	4.3%
Tuition Fees	$56,169
Graduation Rate	94%
Enrollment	15,878

3. Yale University

Renowned for its elite law school and globally ranked faculty, Yale provides a superior academic experience with a robust emphasis on humanities and social sciences.

Statistic	Value
University Name	Yale University
SAT Score Range	1500-1560
Average GPA	4.19
ACT Score	33-35
Acceptance Rate	6.6%
Tuition Fees	$59,950
Graduation Rate	97%
Enrollment	12,000

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A global leader in technology and engineering, MIT is at the forefront of scientific innovation and research.

Statistic	Value
University Name	MIT
SAT Score Range	1520-1570
Average GPA	4.17
ACT Score	34-36
Acceptance Rate	6.7%
Tuition Fees	$53,790
Graduation Rate	94%
Enrollment	11,000

5. Northwestern University

With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, Northwestern is a leading university offering excellent programs in arts, sciences, and communication.

Statistic	Value
University Name	Northwestern University
SAT Score Range	1500-1560
Average GPA	3.94
ACT Score	33-35
Acceptance Rate	9.1%
Tuition Fees	$60,276
Graduation Rate	94%
Enrollment	21,000

6. Cornell University

Details	Information
University Name	Cornell University
SAT Score	1540
Average GPA	4.07
ACT Score	34
Acceptance Rate	7.7%
Admission Chance	17%
Tuition Fees	$63,200
Graduation Rate	94%
Enrollment	25,500

7. New York University (NYU)

Details	Information
University Name	New York University (NYU)
SAT Score	1540
Average GPA	3.9
ACT Score	33
Acceptance Rate	13%
Admission Chance	20%
Tuition Fees	$60,438
Graduation Rate	84%
Enrollment	58,000

8. Pomona College

Details	Information
University Name	Pomona College
SAT Score	1540
Average GPA	4.04
ACT Score	34
Acceptance Rate	7%
Admission Chance	18%
Tuition Fees	$62,326
Graduation Rate	94%
Enrollment	1,750

9. Swarthmore College

Details	Information
University Name	Swarthmore College
SAT Score	1540
Average GPA	4.05
ACT Score	34
Acceptance Rate	8%
Admission Chance	16%
Tuition Fees	$61,992
Graduation Rate	91%
Enrollment	1,600

10. Johns Hopkins University

A global leader in medical research and public health, Johns Hopkins provides a rich academic environment with a focus on scientific inquiry.

Statistic	Value
University Name	Johns Hopkins University
SAT Score Range	1530-1570
Average GPA	3.9
ACT Score	33-35
Acceptance Rate	9.2%
Tuition Fees	$63,000
Graduation Rate	94%
Enrollment	24,000

11. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

One of the top public universities, UC Berkeley offers exceptional academic programs across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in science and technology.

Statistic	Value
University Name	University of California, Berkeley
SAT Score Range	Optional
Average GPA	3.89
ACT Score	29-35
Acceptance Rate	14.8%
Tuition Fees	$14,226 (In-State) / $44,008 (Out-of-State)
Graduation Rate	92%
Enrollment	42,327

12. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)

Known for its strong liberal arts and public health programs, UNC-Chapel Hill provides a comprehensive academic experience with a vibrant campus life.

Statistic	Value
University Name	UNC-Chapel Hill
SAT Score Range	1360-1520
Average GPA	4.39
ACT Score	28-34
Acceptance Rate	23.5%
Tuition Fees	$10,556 (In-State) / $37,158 (Out-of-State)
Graduation Rate	87%
Enrollment	30,000

13.Brown University

With its flexible open curriculum, Brown encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects and develop their own academic path.

Statistic	Value
University Name	Brown University
SAT Score Range	1520-1570
Average GPA	4.09
ACT Score	33-35
Acceptance Rate	6.6%
Tuition Fees	$64,764
Graduation Rate	97%
Enrollment	9,000

You've done what millions of applicants work so hard to do. At 1540, you're a strong candidate at nearly every top U.S. university. Leverage this strength—apply to schools where you care about the mission and values, write careful application essays, and seek purposeful recommendations. This is the time to create your strongest application profile, not to worry about earning an additional couple of SAT points. Practice SAT-like full-length practice tests and personalized study planners using platforms such as Testbook. Fine-tune your strengths and gear up for the journey ahead!

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 10, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025.

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

Colleges That Accept 1540 SAT Score FAQs

Is a 1540 a good SAT score for college admissions?

Yes, a 1540 is an exceptional SAT score. It places you in the top 1% of test-takers and makes you a strong candidate at Ivy League and other elite universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Caltech.

What colleges accept a 1540 SAT score?

Top-tier schools that typically accept students with a 1540 SAT score include Harvard, Stanford, Yale, MIT, Princeton, University of Chicago, Columbia, Duke, and other elite institutions.

Should I retake the SAT if I scored 1540?

In most cases, no. A 1540 is already considered elite. Unless you're trying for a perfect 1600 or applying for scholarships that require it, it’s more strategic to focus on other application elements like essays and extracurriculars.

What is the ACT equivalent of a 1540 SAT score?

A 1540 SAT score roughly translates to a 35 or 36 on the ACT, which is also within the top percentile of ACT scores.

Are there scholarships for a 1540 SAT score?

Yes, many schools offer merit-based scholarships for high SAT scores, such as the USC Trustee Scholarship, University of Alabama's Presidential Elite Scholarship, and Vanderbilt's Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship.

How does a 1540 SAT score compare to the national average?

The national average SAT score is around 1050, so a 1540 is about 500 points higher, placing you far above average and into the top 1% of all test-takers in the U.S.