What Do I Need To Score?

There is no single official score goal for freshmen or sophomores, but counselors and test-prep experts often use rough benchmark scores to estimate where a student may be headed by junior year. The right target depends heavily on the student’s college goals.

General Rule Counselors Use

Early scores are best used as a trajectory indicator, not a final measure.

  • +80 to +150 points per year with normal coursework
  • +150 to +250 total from sophomore to junior year with prep
  • More if the student studies seriously

Average Benchmark Targets (SAT)

Grade Typical Benchmark Strong College Track Top College Track
Freshman 850–950 1000+ 1100+
Sophomore 950–1050 1100–1200 1250+
Junior Goal 1050–1150 1250–1350 1450+

By Target School Level

Community College / Open Admission

No SAT is usually needed, but these are still useful guideposts.

Grade Good Score
Sophomore 900+
Junior 1000+

State Universities (Typical)

Examples: CSU, CU, ASU, and similar schools.

Grade Goal
Sophomore 1050–1150
Junior 1150–1250

Competitive State / Private Schools

Examples: CU Boulder Honors, Purdue, Texas, and similar schools.

Grade Goal
Sophomore 1150–1250
Junior 1300–1400

Highly Selective Schools

Examples: BYU, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Ivy-type schools.

Grade Goal
Sophomore 1250–1350
Junior 1450+

A Simple Rule

If you want a 1300 as a junior, you should be around 1100 by sophomore year.

If you want a 1450, you should be around 1250 by sophomore year.

If you are under 1000 by sophomore year, you probably need serious prep to reach selective schools.

Helpful Reminder

Scores in 9th and 10th grade are not destiny. A lower early score does not mean a student cannot improve. What matters most is the student’s trend, coursework, and preparation.

ACT Version

Grade Average Strong Top
Freshman 18 20 23
Sophomore 19–21 23–25 27+
Junior Goal 22 26 32+
SAT and ACT score growth varies from student to student, but these ranges can help families set realistic goals.