Is 520 a Good SAT Score?
A 520 puts you at the <1 percentile of SAT takers — well below average — consider whether test-optional applications or a structured retake plan serves you better.
520 on the SAT = <1 percentile (vs. the 1029 national average).
- Score520
- Percentile (test takers)<1
- vs. national average-509 pts
- VerdictBelow average
Source: College Board 2025–26 percentile tables (test takers, past three classes).
Scores near 520
| SAT score | Percentile (test takers) |
|---|---|
| 460 | <1 |
| 480 | <1 |
| 500 | <1 |
| 520 | <1 |
| 540 | 1 |
| 560 | 1 |
| 580 | 1 |
Jump to: 470 · 510 · 530 · 570 · next milestones: 1100 · 1200
What a 520 means in practice
The national average is 1029, so a 520 sits below it by 509 points — well below average — consider whether test-optional applications or a structured retake plan serves you better. Percentiles compress at the top: 40 points around 1000 moves you ~7 percentile ranks, while 40 points past 1500 moves you one. Superscoring (mixing best section scores across dates) is accepted at most selective schools, so section-level retakes are usually the efficient move.
Frequently asked questions
Is 520 a good SAT score?
A 520 is at the <1 percentile of SAT takers — well below average — consider whether test-optional applications or a structured retake plan serves you better.
What percentile is a 520 SAT score?
<1th percentile among students who took the SAT in the past three graduating classes, per College Board tables.
Can I get into college with a 520?
Yes — admissions is a match game, not a bar exam. Most colleges admit the majority of applicants, many are test-optional, and a prep cycle typically moves scores 50-100+ points.
Sources & methodology
Sources: College Board — Understanding SAT Scores.
Percentiles are official College Board user norms; verdicts are editorial guidance, not admissions predictions.