Is 840 a Good SAT Score?
A 840 puts you at the 24 percentile of SAT takers — well below average — consider whether test-optional applications or a structured retake plan serves you better.
840 on the SAT = 24 percentile (vs. the 1029 national average).
- Score840
- Percentile (test takers)24
- vs. national average-189 pts
- VerdictBelow average
Source: College Board 2025–26 percentile tables (test takers, past three classes).
Scores near 840
| SAT score | Percentile (test takers) |
|---|---|
| 780 | 15 |
| 800 | 18 |
| 820 | 21 |
| 840 | 24 |
| 860 | 27 |
| 880 | 30 |
| 900 | 33 |
Jump to: 790 · 830 · 850 · 890 · next milestones: 1100 · 1200
What a 840 means in practice
The national average is 1029, so a 840 sits below it by 189 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 840 a good SAT score?
A 840 is at the 24 percentile of SAT takers — well below average — consider whether test-optional applications or a structured retake plan serves you better.
What percentile is a 840 SAT score?
24th percentile among students who took the SAT in the past three graduating classes, per College Board tables.
Can I get into college with a 840?
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.