The SAT plays a pivotal role in U.S. college admissions, measuring a student’s readiness through Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). With a 1600 as the perfect score, a 1570 is 30 points off the mark and puts you solidly in the top 1% of all examinees. It's an impressive academic feat that can get you into practically every elite school in the nation. In this article, we’ll cover the best colleges that accept a 1570 SAT score, scholarship opportunities, how this score compares to national averages, and whether it's even worth considering a retake.

Is 1570 a Good SAT Score?

Absolutely—a 1570 SAT score is exceptional. Whether you achieved it on your first or second attempt, you’re in the top echelon of applicants. This score demonstrates not just academic strength but test-taking mastery, and it signals to top schools that you are more than prepared for their rigor. A 1570 makes you a highly competitive candidate for Ivy League schools and top private institutions. While admissions officers consider more than just test scores, a 1570 certainly ensures your application won’t be overlooked.

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What Colleges Accept a 1570 SAT Score?

A 1570 makes you competitive at nearly every top-tier institution, including Ivy League universities and elite private and public colleges. While it doesn’t guarantee admission, it positions you as a top contender—especially when paired with strong essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters.

How Does a 1570 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

The national average SAT score is around 1050–1060, making a 1570 nearly 500 points higher. This places you in the top 1% of test-takers, a signal to colleges that you are extraordinarily prepared for college-level academics. Such a score reflects excellent critical thinking skills, problem-solving ability, and discipline—qualities that top colleges prioritize in applicants.

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Should You Retake the SAT If You Scored 1570?

In most situations, there’s no need to retake the SAT if you already have a 1570. A perfect 1600 might look appealing, but the return on investment is minimal compared to the effort required. Instead, your time is better spent on:

• Perfecting your college essays
• Polishing your resume and extracurriculars
• Applying for scholarships
• Preparing for interviews

Only consider a retake if you're personally driven to get a 1600 or applying for scholarships that specifically require a perfect score.

1570 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1570 on the SAT is roughly equivalent to a 35 or 36 on the ACT, which are also top-tier scores. Submitting either to colleges will demonstrate the same level of academic readiness and competitiveness.

College Scholarships That Accept a 1570 SAT Score

A 1570 not only enhances your application but also opens up top merit-based scholarships. Some schools that are particularly generous to high SAT scorers include the following:

• University of Alabama: Offers full-tuition scholarships for top scorers
• Vanderbilt University: Provides highly competitive merit scholarships
• University of Southern California (USC): SAT score helps qualify for half- to full-tuition awards
• University of Texas at Dallas: Offers full scholarships for National Merit Finalists

Colleges That Accept a 1570 SAT Score

A score of 1570 on the SAT is an exceptional achievement—leaving you just 30 points shy of a perfect 1600 and firmly situated in the top 1% of test-takers across the country. These schools, such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Yale, include students with scores in this range among those they accept on a regular basis. But not only Ivy League or private research universities—top public schools, like UC Berkeley and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, also treat 1570 as an exemplary score. Sure, it isn't a definite ticket (especially at hyper-competitive schools where holistic review carries weight), but a 1570 SAT score makes you an academic candidate in good standing and frequently places you in the consideration pool for merit scholarships, honors programs, and early admission as well.

1. Harvard University 

Prestigious for its high scholastics and powerful alumni, Harvard is always among the top-ranked universities in the world.

2. Stanford University 

Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford is a leading institution in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.

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.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A global leader in technology and engineering, MIT is at the forefront of scientific innovation and research.

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.

6. Princeton University

An extremely competitive Ivy League institution, Princeton has a reputation for being an intimate campus with a focus on undergraduate education.

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.

8. University of Chicago

Renowned for its academic intensity and research opportunities, UChicago is regarded for encouraging intellectual curiosity and sharp thinking.

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.

10. Duke University 

This is an excellent university with a good reputation for top-notch research, health, and business studies. It offers a vibrant academic and social life for students to flourish.

11. Northwestern University 

With a great focus on interdisciplinarity, Northwestern is a top-ranked university providing outstanding programs in arts, sciences, and communications.

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.

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.

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.

15. Brown University 

With its open curriculum that is flexible, Brown invites students to pursue a broad array of courses and create their own course of study.