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.

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.

2. Stanford University 

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

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.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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

5. Northwestern University 

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

6. Cornell University

7. New York University (NYU)

8. Pomona College

9. Swarthmore College

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.

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.

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.

13.Brown University 

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

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!