Scoring a near-perfect 1590 on the SAT Exam is a major achievement—it proves you’re academically strong and ready to take on rigorous college coursework. With a score like this, you’ll be a competitive applicant at some of the most prestigious colleges in the U.S., including Ivy League schools and other top-tier universities. However, it’s important to remember that the SAT is just one part of your college application. Admissions officers also consider your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. In this guide, we’ll explore the top colleges that accept a 1590 SAT score and what other factors they look for when evaluating applicants.

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Is 1590 a good SAT score for the First Time?

Scoring a 1590 on the SAT on your first try is truly incredible! It’s not just a good SAT score—it’s practically perfect, meaning you got almost every question right. Very few students reach this level, even after multiple attempts. A score like this can unlock opportunities at some of the nation’s most elite colleges, including Ivy League schools, and may even make you eligible for competitive scholarships. Achieving this on your first attempt is a huge accomplishment!

What Colleges Accept a 1590 SAT Score?

Lots of top colleges accept students with a 1590 SAT score. This includes Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, as well as other top schools like Stanford, MIT, and Caltech. A 1590 shows that you're ready for challenging classes and can really make your application stand out. But remember, even with a perfect score, colleges also look at your grades, essays, and activities when making decisions.

How Does a 1590 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

In 2024, the average SAT score was 1024, placing a 1590 score about 566 points above the average. A 1590 SAT score is way above the national average. Most students score around 1050 out of 1600, so a 1590 puts you in the top 1% of test takers. It means you did better than almost everyone else who took the test. This kind of score can really impress colleges and show them you're ready for college-level work, especially at top schools like the Ivy League or MIT.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1590?

If you score a 1590 on the SAT, there’s usually no need to retake it. A 1590 is almost a perfect score, and most colleges, including top ones like Harvard or Stanford, will be very impressed. Retaking the test to try for a 1600 isn’t likely to make a big difference in your application. Instead, focus on other parts of your application like your essays, activities, and grades.

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1590 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1590 on the SAT is equal to about a 36 on the ACT Exam, which is the highest possible score. That means if you got a 1590, you did just as well as someone who got a perfect ACT score. Both scores show that you’re really strong in math, reading, and writing, and colleges will see you as a top student ready for tough classes.

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1590 SAT Score

A 1590 SAT score can qualify you for great scholarships at top colleges. Many schools offer full or partial scholarships to high-achieving students.

• Harvard University – Need-based financial aid covering up to 100% of tuition for families earning under $85,000/year.
• Yale University – Offers generous need-based aid; many students pay little or no tuition.
• Princeton University – Full-ride financial aid for many high-achieving students from middle-income families.
• Stanford University – Covers tuition for families earning under $100,000/year with demonstrated need.
• MIT – Need-based aid; many students with high scores receive significant financial support.
• Duke University – Robertson Scholars Program (full tuition + benefits for top students).
• University of Southern California (USC) – Trustee Scholarship (full tuition for exceptional students).
• Vanderbilt University – Ingram Scholars Program and Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship (full tuition).
• University of Alabama – Presidential Elite Scholarship (full tuition + housing + stipend for 1590 SAT).
• University of Georgia – Foundation Fellowship (full-ride for top SAT scorers).

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Colleges that Accept a 1590 SAT Score

A perfect SAT score of 1590 puts you in the top 1% of test takers, giving you a strong advantage when applying to top colleges. Still, schools also look at your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters. A 1590 shows you're academically strong and makes your application even better. Below are 15 top colleges that accept students with a 1590 SAT score.

1. Harvard University

Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the most famous and respected universities in the world. It offers many different academic programs and is known for doing important research.

2. Stanford University

Stanford University is in California’s Silicon Valley and is famous for its focus on innovation, business, and technology. It has great programs and lots of opportunities for students who want to study business or tech.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is one of the best schools known for science, engineering, and technology. It has strong research programs and many opportunities for students who want to create and explore new ideas.

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech is in Pasadena, California, and is well known for its focus on science, engineering, and research. It has great programs that help students be creative and learn through real-world experiences.

5. Princeton University

Princeton, in New Jersey, focuses a lot on undergraduate students. It offers great research opportunities and creates a friendly environment where students can learn and grow.

6. Columbia University

Columbia, in New York City, is an Ivy League school known for its challenging classes and strong research programs. It offers students great opportunities to learn in a variety of subjects.

7. Yale University

Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut, is known for its great liberal arts program and focus on academic success. It gives students the chance to explore many different subjects.

8. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is known for its tough academics and focus on critical thinking. It provides a challenging environment where students can explore deep ideas and expand their knowledge.

9. Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a top school with tough admissions. A 1590 SAT score gives you a strong chance, but you'll still need excellent grades and other factors to stand out.

10. Georgetown University

Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. is great for students interested in politics, law, or global issues. It offers strong programs and chances to learn and work in government.

11. Duke University

Duke University in North Carolina is a top school known for its academics, sports, and campus life. With a 1590 SAT score, you have a strong shot at getting in.

12. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, or Penn, is in Philadelphia and is part of the Ivy League. It's known for great programs in business, law, and medicine, and helps students succeed in their careers.

13. Brown University

Brown University is in Providence, Rhode Island, and is known for letting students pick their own classes. This helps students be creative, follow their interests, and learn in their own way.

14. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is in Baltimore, Maryland, and is known for its strong medical and science programs. It focuses a lot on research and gives students great chances to learn and get hands-on experience.

15. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a well-known school in Nashville, Tennessee. It has strong programs in education, business, and health care. The school focuses on high-quality learning and great research opportunities.

Scoring a 1590 on the SAT is a big achievement and can help you get into top colleges in the U.S. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT think it's a great score, but they also care about your GPA, essays, and activities outside of class. To boost your chances of getting in, make sure your whole application is strong, not just your test score.