1489 SAT Colleges: Best Schools for 1489 SAT Score

Best colleges for 1489 SAT Score are listed here. If you have achieved a SAT score of 1489, then you must choose at least 5 of the below listed colleges, as not only your chances of admissions will be good but also these colleges will be a good match for you. The following list of best suitable colleges for 1489 SAT scores is given so that you can choose a more suitable college, and may not choose a less competitive college or loose admissions because you have applied to a more competitive college.

Is a 1489 SAT Score Good for 2026?

Yes, a 1489 SAT score is considered Outstanding. Nationally, this performance puts you in the 96th-98th percentile of nearly 2 million annual test-takers.

Strategic Admissions Guidance

With a 1489, you are an extremely strong candidate for 'Public Ivies' like UC Berkeley, UVA, and the University of Michigan. While this score is within the middle 50% range for many elite colleges, if you are targeting the most selective Tier 1 schools, ensure your Math subscore is particularly high if you are a STEM major. For 2026, many of these institutions have returned to requiring scores, so your 1489 provides a significant advantage over test-optional applicants.

What does a 1489 mean for your applications?

In the 2026 admissions cycle, universities are increasingly looking for 'data-backed' proof of academic readiness. A 1489 serves as a standardized metric that complements your GPA. However, remember that admissions officers also weigh your extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and the difficulty of your high school curriculum (AP/IB classes).

To help you build a balanced college list, we have analyzed thousands of data points from the Common Data Set (CDS) to categorize the schools below into Reach, Match, and Safety categories specifically for a 1489 applicant.

Best Colleges for 1489 SAT Score

Following is the list of colleges that accept 1489 SAT Score.

LogoInstituteStateAverage SAT ScoreSAT Reading ScoresSAT Math ScoresAcceptance RateStatus
LogoInstituteStateAverage SAT ScoreSAT Reading ScoresSAT Maths ScoresAcceptance RateStatus
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts1560 740 - 780790 - 800 3.96% Reach
Duke University Duke UniversityNorth Carolina1554 730 - 770760 - 800 6.35% Reach
Stanford University Stanford UniversityCalifornia1553 730 - 780770 - 800 3.68% Reach
Harvard University Harvard UniversityMassachusetts1553 730 - 780760 - 800 3.24% Reach
Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins UniversityMaryland1553 740 - 770780 - 800 7.25% Reach
Brown University Brown UniversityRhode Island1547 730 - 780760 - 800 5.06% Reach
Yale University Yale UniversityConnecticut1547 740 - 780760 - 800 4.57% Reach
Rice University Rice UniversityTexas1546 730 - 770760 - 800 8.68% Reach
Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt UniversityTennessee1546 730 - 770760 - 800 6.67% Reach
University of Pennsylvania University of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania1546 730 - 770770 - 800 6.5% Reach
Carnegie Mellon University Carnegie Mellon UniversityPennsylvania1546 720 - 770770 - 800 11.3% Reach
Princeton University Princeton UniversityNew Jersey1546 730 - 780760 - 800 5.7% Reach
Columbia University in the City of New York Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York1540 730 - 780760 - 800 3.95% Reach
Williams College Williams CollegeMassachusetts1540 730 - 780750 - 790 8.5% Reach
Harvey Mudd College Harvey Mudd CollegeCalifornia1539 720 - 770760 - 790 13.36% Reach
Dartmouth College Dartmouth CollegeNew Hampshire1539 740 - 780760 - 800 6.38% Reach
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Franklin W Olin College of EngineeringMassachusetts1533 720 - 770770 - 790 19.14% Reach
University of Chicago University of ChicagoIllinois1532 740 - 780760 - 800 5.43% Reach
Cornell University Cornell UniversityNew York1527 710 - 770760 - 800 7.47% Reach
New York University New York UniversityNew York1527 720 - 770750 - 800 12.46% Reach
Northwestern University Northwestern UniversityIllinois1526 730 - 770760 - 800 7.21% Reach
Washington University in St Louis Washington University in St LouisMissouri1525 730 - 770770 - 800 11.76% Reach
Pomona College Pomona CollegeCalifornia1520 730 - 770750 - 790 7.02% Reach
Bowdoin College Bowdoin CollegeMaine1520 720 - 770740 - 790 9.19% Reach
University of Southern California University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia1520 710 - 760740 - 790 12.02% Reach
University of Notre Dame University of Notre DameIndiana1515 710 - 760740 - 790 12.91% Reach
Claremont McKenna College Claremont McKenna CollegeCalifornia1514 710 - 760730 - 790 10.35% Reach
Tufts University Tufts UniversityMassachusetts1513 710 - 760740 - 790 9.69% Reach
Amherst College Amherst CollegeMassachusetts1513 700 - 760720 - 790 7.26% Reach
Jewish Theological Seminary of America Jewish Theological Seminary of AmericaNew York1512 733 - 768733 - 770 50.76% Match
Swarthmore College Swarthmore CollegePennsylvania1507 710 - 770730 - 790 6.93% Reach
Georgetown University Georgetown UniversityDistrict of Columbia1507 700 - 770710 - 790 12.23% Reach
Haverford College Haverford CollegePennsylvania1506 700 - 760730 - 780 14.21% Reach
Northeastern University Northeastern UniversityMassachusetts1505 700 - 760740 - 790 6.8% Reach
Middlebury College Middlebury CollegeVermont1502 710 - 760715 - 780 12.69% Reach
Colby College Colby CollegeMaine1501 710 - 750720 - 790 7.61% Reach
Hamilton College Hamilton CollegeNew York1500 700 - 760720 - 780 11.78% Reach
Wellesley College Wellesley CollegeMassachusetts1500 720 - 770710 - 780 13.57% Reach
Boston College Boston CollegeMassachusetts1500 705 - 760730 - 780 16.66% Reach
Washington and Lee University Washington and Lee UniversityVirginia1499 700 - 753710 - 780 16.96% Reach
Barnard College Barnard CollegeNew York1495 720 - 770720 - 780 8.79% Reach
Emory University Emory UniversityGeorgia1493 700 - 760730 - 790 11.35% Reach
Emory University-Oxford College Emory University-Oxford CollegeGeorgia1487 700 - 750730 - 790 15% Reach
University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Virginia-Main CampusVirginia1487 690 - 750710 - 790 18.66% Match
Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve UniversityOhio1487 680 - 750730 - 790 27.41% Match
Vassar College Vassar CollegeNew York1487 720 - 760710 - 775 18.66% Match
Carleton College Carleton CollegeMinnesota1486 710 - 770720 - 780 16.63% Reach
Colgate University Colgate UniversityNew York1480 700 - 750710 - 780 12.43% Reach
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusGeorgia1480 670 - 760700 - 790 17.13% Reach
Grinnell College Grinnell CollegeIowa1480 680 - 750700 - 780 10.76% Reach
Bates College Bates CollegeMaine1480 700 - 750720 - 770 13.74% Reach
University of Richmond University of RichmondVirginia1474 688 - 750710 - 780 24.37% Match
Brandeis University Brandeis UniversityMassachusetts1473 680 - 750690 - 780 39.41% Match
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of Michigan-Ann ArborMichigan1473 670 - 750680 - 780 17.69% Reach
University of Rochester University of RochesterNew York1473 680 - 750710 - 790 38.91% Match
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and ArtNew York1472 670 - 740720 - 790 22.47% Match
Scripps College Scripps CollegeCalifornia1467 710 - 760680 - 750 27.91% Match
William & Mary William & MaryVirginia1465 695 - 750680 - 770 33.5% Match
University of Maryland-College Park University of Maryland-College ParkMaryland1461 670 - 740690 - 780 44.61% Match
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteNew York1457 660 - 740700 - 780 64.51% Match
Stevens Institute of Technology Stevens Institute of TechnologyNew Jersey1455 670 - 730710 - 780 46.22% Match
Smith College Smith CollegeMassachusetts1455 700 - 760670 - 760 22.86% Match
Boston University Boston UniversityMassachusetts1454 660 - 730690 - 770 14.37% Reach
Villanova University Villanova UniversityPennsylvania1454 678 - 730700 - 770 23.39% Match
Webb Institute Webb InstituteNew York1453 680 - 740720 - 770 20.77% Match
Kenyon College Kenyon CollegeOhio1451 690 - 760660 - 755 34.3% Match
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNorth Carolina1449 670 - 750680 - 780 17.11% Reach
Oberlin College Oberlin CollegeOhio1446 690 - 760670 - 770 34.87% Safety
Southern Methodist University Southern Methodist UniversityTexas1444 680 - 740690 - 770 52.25% Safety
Tulane University of Louisiana Tulane University of LouisianaLouisiana1443 680 - 750690 - 760 11.45% Reach
Hillsdale College Hillsdale CollegeMichigan1440 690 - 760670 - 760 20.58% Match
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignIllinois1440 650 - 730670 - 780 44.82% Safety
Davidson College Davidson CollegeNorth Carolina1435 670 - 740680 - 760 16.95% Reach
Occidental College Occidental CollegeCalifornia1434 690 - 750680 - 760 39.4% Safety
Babson College Babson CollegeMassachusetts1434 660 - 730690 - 780 22.35% Match
Rhode Island School of Design Rhode Island School of DesignRhode Island1433 660 - 740680 - 785 17.42% Reach
Mount Holyoke College Mount Holyoke CollegeMassachusetts1432 690 - 770660 - 770 39.76% Safety
Macalester College Macalester CollegeMinnesota1430 670 - 750670 - 750 28.42% Match
Connecticut College Connecticut CollegeConnecticut1427 700 - 750660 - 740 40.4% Safety
Wesleyan University Wesleyan UniversityConnecticut1426 660 - 750660 - 760 14.43% Reach
Binghamton University Binghamton UniversityNew York1426 650 - 730690 - 780 41.75% Safety
Reed College Reed CollegeOregon1421 690 - 750630 - 750 30.8% Safety
George Washington University George Washington UniversityDistrict of Columbia1420 670 - 740660 - 750 48.98% Safety
Lehigh University Lehigh UniversityPennsylvania1418 660 - 720680 - 770 36.98% Safety
Whitman College Whitman CollegeWashington1416 645 - 740648 - 733 47.7% Safety
Fordham University Fordham UniversityNew York1411 660 - 730660 - 750 54.13% Safety
Lafayette College Lafayette CollegePennsylvania1410 660 - 730670 - 750 33.63% Safety
Stony Brook University Stony Brook UniversityNew York1410 640 - 720680 - 780 49.14% Safety
Simpson College Simpson CollegeIowa1410 0 - 00 - 0 89.1% Safety
University of Miami University of MiamiFlorida1409 650 - 730660 - 750 18.94% Match
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FAQ for SAT Score: 1489

How does a 1489 SAT score compare to the ACT?

A 1489 SAT score is equivalent to about a 32-33 on the ACT. This places you in the top 5% of test takers, indicating solid academic abilities. However, while it’s strong, it’s important to remember that some of the most competitive schools might still expect scores closer to 1500 or higher. Don’t be discouraged—this score is still impressive and can open many doors.

What scholarships are available for a 1489 SAT score?

A 1489 SAT score can help you qualify for various merit-based scholarships, especially at public universities and some private institutions. Many state schools offer automatic scholarships for scores in this range. While this score might not automatically guarantee full scholarships at top-tier universities, you can still apply for competitive scholarships at many schools, especially with strong extracurriculars.

Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 1489 SAT score?

A 1489 SAT score can be competitive for Ivy League schools, but it may be below their average range, which is closer to 1500-1550. While Ivy League admissions are highly competitive, your application’s overall strength, including strong essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters, can make up for the slightly lower SAT score. Consider applying to a range of schools to increase your chances.

Should I retake the SAT to improve my score?

While a 1489 is a strong score, it’s always worth considering whether retaking the SAT could benefit you. If you're aiming for a higher percentile or applying to highly selective colleges that expect scores closer to 1500 or higher, a retake could help improve your chances. However, if you're applying to schools where a 1489 is within or above the middle 50% range, there may be little benefit to retaking it.

What is the national average SAT score?

The national average SAT score is around 1050, so a 1489 places you well above average. This score demonstrates excellent academic performance and shows that you're on the higher end of the bell curve. You’re definitely in a strong position compared to the general applicant pool.

Do test-optional colleges consider a 1489 SAT score if submitted?

Yes, submitting a 1489 SAT score to test-optional colleges will likely strengthen your application. Even in a test-optional policy, your SAT score can highlight your academic strengths and place you ahead of students who chose not to submit any test scores. It’s still a good idea to submit your score if it is strong enough to enhance your application.

What GPA is a 1489 SAT?

A 1450 SAT score typically correlates with a GPA of around 3.8 or higher, depending on the rigor of your coursework. This indicates that you're excelling academically and would likely be considered a strong applicant at many colleges. If your GPA and SAT score align well, it demonstrates that you can handle challenging courses and have the discipline to succeed.

Can I get into NYU with a 1489 SAT?

A 1489 SAT score is competitive for NYU, but it’s below their average range, which is closer to 1500-1550. NYU looks for well-rounded applicants with strong academic credentials, extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays. If you have these strengths, your 1450 SAT score will be a solid part of your application.

Is 1489 a good SAT score for Harvard?

While a 1489 is a good score, it’s below Harvard’s typical range, which is closer to 1550 or higher. Harvard’s admissions process is extremely selective, and a lower SAT score means you’ll need to stand out in other areas, such as leadership roles, impactful extracurriculars, and a strong personal essay. However, it’s always worth applying if you feel your application is strong overall.

Can I get into MIT with a 1489 SAT?

MIT typically admits students with SAT scores in the 1500-1600 range, so a 1489 would be below their typical threshold. While it’s still a strong score, your application will need to shine in other ways, such as through rigorous coursework, stellar recommendations, and significant achievements in STEM or other relevant areas. It’s worth considering other highly competitive schools as well.

Can I get into Princeton with a 1489 SAT score?

A v SAT score can make you competitive for Princeton, but it's on the lower end of their typical range, which tends to be 1500 or higher. With Princeton’s holistic admissions, your essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities will need to be exceptional to make up for a lower SAT score. If you have unique achievements or experiences, a 1489 can still help you stand out.

Is a 1450 SAT score good?

Yes, a 1489 SAT score is excellent! This score places you in the top 5% of all test-takers and is above the average for most universities. While it may not be in the 1600 range, it's still a very strong score that will make you a competitive applicant for a wide range of schools, including many highly selective ones.

Which colleges can I get into with a 1489 SAT score?

With a 1489 SAT score, you’re competitive at many top universities, including selective schools like UCLA, University of Michigan, and University of North Carolina. While Ivy League and highly selective schools may be more challenging to get into with this score, there are many prestigious colleges that will view you as a strong applicant. Always remember that the rest of your application will play a big role too, so make sure to showcase your full potential.

Best Colleges for SAT Score Ranges

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