Earning a 1470 on the SAT is no small feat—it signals exceptional academic ability and puts you ahead of the vast majority of test takers nationwide. With this score, you're in good shape for admission to many highly respected public and private universities. If you're considering selective universities or looking at robust merit-based scholarships, a 1470 sets you up. As you plan your next steps, consider how this score complements your overall application and where it can take you in your college journey.

Is 1470 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Absolutely! Scoring a 1470 on your initial attempt is a great feat. It makes you a very competitive candidate at top 50 schools such as Boston University, University of California–Santa Barbara, and University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. Although Ivy League and highly selective schools generally prefer scores in the range of 1500+, a 1470 places you in striking distance—particularly when combined with a high GPA, compelling essays, and stellar extracurriculars.

Tip: Having a 1470, set your sights on making the other parts of your application strong—personal statements, leadership experiences, and teacher recs can do wonders.

What Colleges Accept a 1470 SAT Score?

A 1470 SAT score is highly competitive at many prestigious institutions across the U.S. Here's a list of top colleges where this score lands within or above the middle 50% of admitted students:

• University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
• Boston University
• University of California–Santa Barbara
• University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
• University of Georgia
• Villanova University
• Boston College

These schools apply a holistic admissions approach, considering more than just test scores. With a 1470, you’re presenting a strong case academically, making you stand out in the applicant pool.

How Does a 1470 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

The national average SAT score for the Class of 2024 was approximately 1024. At 1470, you're more than 440 points higher, which puts you in the 96th to 97th percentile of all test-takers. That's a definite measure of college readiness and academic distinction.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Scored 1470?

A 1470 is already outstanding—but consider a retake if:

• You’re aiming for Ivy League schools like Harvard, Princeton, or MIT, where the average SAT is closer to 1520–1560.
• You believe you can realistically increase your score by 30–50 points with focused prep.
• You need a higher score to qualify for competitive merit-based scholarships.

If not, it’s generally better to strengthen other parts of your application such as your resume, recommendation letters, and essays.

1470 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1470 SAT score converts approximately to an ACT score of 33–34, which also places you in the top 4% of all test takers. This means you have excellent flexibility to apply to colleges that accept either test.

College Scholarships That Accept a 1470 SAT Score

Most universities provide bountiful merit scholarships to students with scores between the 1400+ SAT range. The following are among the best options for financial aid opportunities:

• University of Alabama: Merit awards begin at 1360 SAT; higher scores get better awards.
• University of Arizona; Awards the Wildcat Excellence Award starting at 1400 SAT.
• Baylor University: Offers academic scholarships for SAT scores of 1400 and above.
• University of Mississippi: Provides automatic merit aid at 1360+ SAT.
• Oklahoma State University: Tuition waivers begin at 1440 SAT.
• Temple University: Offers scholarships for students with a 1400+ SAT.

Tip: Always verify the latest scholarship criteria on the college’s financial aid website.

Top Colleges That Accept a 1470 SAT Score

A 1470 SAT puts you among the best-performing students in the country and puts you in the running for serious consideration at most competitive colleges and universities. This score frequently falls within or slightly above the middle 50% SAT range of several highly ranked institutions—both public and private. 

• Whether you are aiming for the top research schools, liberal arts colleges, or flagship state schools, a 1470 exemplifies the academic preparedness and standardized testing power that admissions committees desire. 
• Find below an in-depth comparison of some of the highest-tier institutions where a 1470 positions you as a competitive candidate, along with additional key stats such as average GPA, ACT equivalent, acceptance rates, and so on to further inform your choice.

A 1470 SAT score is an impressive feat that makes you a solid candidate at a broad spectrum of competitive colleges and universities. Although it might be slightly below the average for Ivy League institutions, it still places you in a strong position—particularly when paired with a strong application. From scholarship consideration to admission to the best public and private universities, your score indicates academic proficiency as well as college preparedness. Highlight your entire potential through your personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation to maximize your remarkable SAT score.