Is 800 a Good SAT Score?
A 800 puts you at the 18 percentile of SAT takers — well below average — consider whether test-optional applications or a structured retake plan serves you better.
800 on the SAT = 18 percentile (vs. the 1029 national average).
- Score800
- Percentile (test takers)18
- vs. national average-229 pts
- VerdictBelow average
Source: College Board 2025–26 percentile tables (test takers, past three classes).
Scores near 800
| SAT score | Percentile (test takers) |
|---|---|
| 740 | 9 |
| 760 | 12 |
| 780 | 15 |
| 800 | 18 |
| 820 | 21 |
| 840 | 24 |
| 860 | 27 |
Jump to: 750 · 790 · 810 · 850 · next milestones: 1100 · 1200
What a 800 means in practice
The national average is 1029, so a 800 sits below it by 229 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 800 a good SAT score?
A 800 is at the 18 percentile of SAT takers — well below average — consider whether test-optional applications or a structured retake plan serves you better.
What percentile is a 800 SAT score?
18th percentile among students who took the SAT in the past three graduating classes, per College Board tables.
Can I get into college with a 800?
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.