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Colleges that Accept 1580 SAT Score
Last Updated on Jun 09, 2025
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Is 1580 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?
Absolutely—it’s exceptional. If you scored a 1580 on your first try, you're among the highest-scoring students nationwide. Most students will never see that number even after multiple attempts. A 1580 opens nearly every college door in the U.S. It also provides the opportunity to have more time to refine other aspects of your application, such as your essays and your extracurriculars. With this SAT score, you're not just applying—you're competing at the highest level. Schools know a 1580 reflects serious academic strength and test-taking mastery.
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What Colleges Accept a 1580 SAT Score?
A 1580 SAT score places you firmly at the top of the academic ladder—you're in the top 1% of all test-takers. With this elite grade, Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale are within your reach. It also makes doors of access at the best private universities like Stanford, MIT, and Caltech. Such a high score not only increases the probability of acceptance but also prepares you for leading merit-based scholarships. It’s not a guaranteed acceptance—but you’ll definitely be on the radar for elite schools, honors programs, and top scholarships.
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How Does a 1580 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?
In 2024, the average SAT score was 1024. But the national average SAT score usually lingers around a specific range, so a 1580 positions you almost 500 points ahead—an incredible margin. Your score puts you in the top 1% of nationwide test-takers. It's an unequivocal indicator that you're not simply prepared for college—you're prepared for the most competitive educational environments. Admissions officers at elite schools recognize a 1580 as a marker of exceptional academic preparation, critical thinking, and discipline. It gives you a powerful edge in a highly competitive applicant pool.
Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1580?
In most cases there is no need to retake the test. A 1580 is already an elite score, just 20 points short of perfect. Unless you're aiming for a perfect 1600 for personal satisfaction or highly competitive scholarships that require it, there’s no strategic advantage in retaking. Focus your energy on crafting an outstanding application instead.
1580 SAT to ACT Equivalent
A 1580 SAT score roughly converts to a 35–36 on the ACT. This is at the top of the ACT scoring scale, making you equally competitive if you choose to submit ACT scores instead. Colleges will view both scores as indicators of your academic excellence.
College Scholarships That Accept a 1580 SAT Score
A 1580 SAT score provides even greater possibilities for merit scholarships at highly competitive colleges. Most highly competitive colleges acknowledge the value of this score and provide generous financial assistance packages to high-scoring students.
- University of Southern California (USC) – Trustee Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship provides full tuition to outstanding students with excellent academic achievements, including students with a 1580 SAT score.
- University of Alabama – Presidential Elite Scholarship: Having a SAT score of 1580 merits students this full-tuition, room, and stipend award, making it extremely competitive and lucrative scholarship offering.
- Vanderbilt University – Ingram Scholars Program and Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship: Both scholarships provide full tuition to high-achieving students, including those who earn a 1580 on the SAT, for academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Duke University – Robertson Scholars Program: This one provides a full scholarship, covering tuition, room, board, and other perks for high-SAT-scoring students, such as a 1580. It is a highly competitive merit scholarship.
- University of Georgia – Foundation Fellowship: This is the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Georgia and provides full-ride financial aid to students who achieve top marks in the SAT, including students with a score of 1580.
- Princeton University – Need-Based Financial Aid: Princeton provides need-based financial aid packages that can meet up to 100% of tuition for students with demonstrated need. Having a 1580 SAT score places you in a very competitive position for significant support, especially for students with family incomes below $85,000.
Colleges That Accept a 1580 SAT Score
With a 1580, you’re on the radar at every elite institution. Schools like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Caltech, MIT, Columbia, and the University of Chicago welcome applicants in this score range. Even ultra-selective public schools like UNC-Chapel Hill and UC Berkeley will consider you a top-tier candidate. This score signals you’re prepared for the academic rigor and competition of these leading universities.
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech leads in science, engineering, and technology with a limited student enrollment and an emphasis on high-impact research.
Statistic | Value |
University Name | |
SAT Score Range | 1530-1580 |
Average GPA | 4.19 |
ACT Score | 35-36 |
Acceptance Rate | 6.4% |
Tuition Fees | $56,862 |
Graduation Rate | 93% |
Enrollment | 2,200 |
6. Princeton University
An extremely selective Ivy League institution, Princeton is renowned for its intimate campus community and focus on undergraduate education.
Statistic | Value |
University Name | |
SAT Score Range | 1510-1580 |
Average GPA | 4.07 |
ACT Score | 33-35 |
Acceptance Rate | 5.8% |
Tuition Fees | $53,890 |
Graduation Rate | 97% |
Enrollment | 8,500 |
7. Columbia University
Situated in New York City, Columbia offers a diverse academic environment and access to one of the world’s most dynamic urban settings.
Statistic | Value |
University Name | |
SAT Score Range | 1510-1560 |
Average GPA | 4.12 |
ACT Score | 33-35 |
Acceptance Rate | 5.0% |
Tuition Fees | $64,380 |
Graduation Rate | 96% |
Enrollment | 31,455 |
8. University of Chicago
Renowned for its intellectually demanding curriculum and research initiatives, UChicago is famous for promoting intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
Statistic | Value |
University Name | |
SAT Score Range | 1500-1580 |
Average GPA | 4.48 |
ACT Score | 34-36 |
Acceptance Rate | 6.2% |
Tuition Fees | $63,029 |
Graduation Rate | 94% |
Enrollment | 17,000 |
9. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
A prestigious Ivy League school, UPenn blends strong business, health, and liberal arts programs with a focus on interdisciplinary learning.
Statistic | Value |
University Name | |
SAT Score Range | 1500-1570 |
Average GPA | 3.9 |
ACT Score | 33-35 |
Acceptance Rate | 8.4% |
Tuition Fees | $59,974 |
Graduation Rate | 96% |
Enrollment | 21,000 |
10. Duke University
A top-tier university known for its strong programs in research, health, and business, Duke offers a vibrant academic and social community.
Statistic | Value |
University Name | |
SAT Score Range | 1520-1570 |
Average GPA | 4.13 |
ACT Score | 33-35 |
Acceptance Rate | 8.3% |
Tuition Fees | $61,331 |
Graduation Rate | 95% |
Enrollment | 15,000 |
11. 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 | |
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 |
12. 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 | |
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 |
13. 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 | |
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 |
14. 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 | |
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 |
15. 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 | |
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 |
Last updated on Jun 9, 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 1580 SAT Score FAQs
Is a 1580 SAT score enough for Ivy League colleges?
Yes, a 1580 SAT score places you in the top 1% of all test-takers and makes you a very strong candidate for Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia. However, remember that admissions are holistic, so essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars also matter.
Should I retake the SAT after scoring a 1580?
In most cases, no. A 1580 is already an elite score, just 20 points shy of a perfect 1600. Instead of retaking, focus on strengthening the rest of your application, including essays, interviews, and leadership experiences.
What scholarships can I get with a 1580 SAT score?
Many universities offer full-tuition or full-ride scholarships to students with top SAT scores. Examples include the USC Trustee Scholarship, University of Alabama’s Presidential Elite Scholarship, and Vanderbilt’s Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship.
How does a 1580 SAT score compare nationally?
A 1580 is significantly above the national average SAT score, which is around 1050–1060. It places you firmly in the top 1% of all test-takers in the country.
What is a 1580 SAT equivalent ACT score?
A 1580 on the SAT is approximately equivalent to a 35–36 on the ACT, both of which are considered top scores by colleges and universities.
Which top colleges accept students with a 1580 SAT score?
Top schools like Stanford, MIT, Caltech, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and the University of Chicago highly value applicants with a 1580 SAT score. Even highly selective public universities like UC Berkeley and UNC-Chapel Hill consider 1580 a competitive score.