Best colleges for 1559 SAT Score are listed here. If you have achieved a SAT score of 1559, 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 1559 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 1559 SAT Score Good for 2026?
A 1559 SAT score is considered Exceptional — Top 1%. Nationally, this puts you in the 99th+ percentile among approximately 1.7 million annual test-takers.
Strategic Admissions Guidance — 2026 Cycle
Let me be direct with you: a 1559 is, for all practical purposes, a perfect SAT score. You are competing at the very top of a pool of roughly 1.7 million test-takers annually, and your score has cleared the highest threshold that any admissions office uses. For Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Caltech, the SAT box is fully checked — no admissions officer will question your quantitative or verbal readiness.
What this means strategically for the 2026 cycle is that your energy must now shift entirely away from testing. A 1600 does not improve your odds at Harvard over a 1570; both scores communicate the same signal. Where you can differentiate yourself is in the narrative quality of your Common App essay, the specificity of your supplemental essays, and the depth of your extracurricular story. Admissions officers at elite schools are now asking: "Who is this person, and what would they add to our community?" — not "Can they handle our coursework?" Your score has already answered the second question for them.
One area worth monitoring: if you are a first-generation college student, an international applicant, or come from a rural or under-resourced school, your 1559 will carry even more weight as context-adjusted excellence — and many elite financial aid offices will notice. Make sure your application's "Additional Information" section tells that story.
What a 1559 Means in the 2026 Admissions Cycle
In the 2026 admissions cycle, standardized test scores have made a significant structural comeback after years of test-optional experimentation. MIT, Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, and many other elite institutions now require SAT or ACT scores for all applicants. This shift means your score carries more weight than it did in 2021–2024 — but it is not the only thing that matters. Admissions offices continue to evaluate your transcript (course rigor and grade trend), personal statement, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular story as a complete picture.
To help you identify the right college list, our team has analyzed Common Data Set (CDS) submissions from hundreds of US and Canadian universities to categorize schools into Reach, Match, and Safety tiers specifically for a 1559 applicant. See the full school list below.
Best Colleges for 1559 SAT Score
Following is the list of colleges that accept 1559 SAT Score.
| Logo | Institute | State | Average SAT Score | SAT Reading Scores | SAT Math Scores | Acceptance Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logo | Institute | State | Average SAT Score | SAT Reading Scores | SAT Maths Scores | Acceptance Rate | Status |
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University of Chicago | Illinois | 1554 | 740 - 770 | 770 - 800 | 4.79% | Reach |
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Johns Hopkins University | Maryland | 1553 | 750 - 780 | 780 - 800 | 7.56% | Reach |
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Harvard University | Massachusetts | 1553 | 740 - 780 | 760 - 800 | 3.45% | Reach |
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Stanford University | California | 1553 | 740 - 780 | 770 - 800 | 3.91% | Reach |
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Rice University | Texas | 1553 | 730 - 770 | 770 - 800 | 7.88% | Reach |
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts | 1553 | 730 - 780 | 780 - 800 | 4.74% | Reach |
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Vanderbilt University | Tennessee | 1550 | 740 - 770 | 770 - 790 | 6.28% | Reach |
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Columbia University in the City of New York | New York | 1547 | 730 - 770 | 760 - 800 | 4.23% | Reach |
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Brown University | Rhode Island | 1546 | 740 - 770 | 760 - 800 | 5.23% | Reach |
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Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania | 1545 | 730 - 770 | 770 - 800 | 11.4% | Reach |
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University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | 1545 | 730 - 770 | 770 - 800 | 5.87% | Reach |
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Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | Massachusetts | 1540 | 720 - 770 | 760 - 790 | 21.66% | Match |
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Duke University | North Carolina | 1539 | 740 - 770 | 770 - 800 | 6.78% | Reach |
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Harvey Mudd College | California | 1537 | 720 - 770 | 760 - 790 | 13.06% | Reach |
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Princeton University | New Jersey | 1535 | 740 - 780 | 760 - 800 | 4.5% | Reach |
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Yale University | Connecticut | 1534 | 740 - 780 | 760 - 800 | 4.5% | Reach |
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Dartmouth College | New Hampshire | 1533 | 740 - 780 | 760 - 790 | 6.23% | Reach |
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Washington University in St Louis | Missouri | 1530 | 730 - 770 | 770 - 800 | 11.96% | Reach |
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Swarthmore College | Pennsylvania | 1527 | 720 - 770 | 740 - 790 | 6.94% | Reach |
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New York University | New York | 1527 | 720 - 770 | 760 - 800 | 9.41% | Reach |
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Williams College | Massachusetts | 1527 | 730 - 770 | 740 - 790 | 9.99% | Reach |
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Northwestern University | Illinois | 1526 | 730 - 770 | 760 - 790 | 7.15% | Reach |
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Pomona College | California | 1520 | 730 - 770 | 750 - 790 | 6.76% | Reach |
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Cornell University | New York | 1520 | 720 - 770 | 760 - 790 | 8.16% | Reach |
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Bowdoin College | Maine | 1514 | 730 - 760 | 750 - 790 | 8.02% | Reach |
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Claremont McKenna College | California | 1514 | 710 - 770 | 740 - 790 | 11.12% | Reach |
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Emory University-Oxford College | Georgia | 1513 | 700 - 760 | 750 - 790 | 17.25% | Reach |
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Wesleyan University | Connecticut | 1513 | 720 - 770 | 730 - 770 | 17.1% | Reach |
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Vassar College | New York | 1513 | 720 - 770 | 715 - 780 | 17.73% | Reach |
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Tufts University | Massachusetts | 1513 | 710 - 760 | 750 - 790 | 10.13% | Reach |
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Wellesley College | Massachusetts | 1513 | 720 - 770 | 720 - 780 | 13.91% | Reach |
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University of Notre Dame | Indiana | 1510 | 710 - 760 | 730 - 780 | 12.38% | Reach |
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Jewish Theological Seminary of America | New York | 1507 | 730 - 779 | 710 - 780 | 45.07% | Safety |
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Emory University | Georgia | 1507 | 710 - 760 | 750 - 790 | 11.1% | Reach |
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Northeastern University | Massachusetts | 1505 | 710 - 760 | 750 - 790 | 5.65% | Reach |
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Washington and Lee University | Virginia | 1504 | 710 - 750 | 700 - 780 | 17.36% | Reach |
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Boston College | Massachusetts | 1501 | 710 - 760 | 720 - 780 | 15.65% | Reach |
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University of Southern California | California | 1501 | 700 - 760 | 740 - 790 | 10.02% | Reach |
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Case Western Reserve University | Ohio | 1501 | 700 - 750 | 730 - 790 | 28.68% | Match |
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Barnard College | New York | 1500 | 723 - 770 | 730 - 780 | 7.96% | Reach |
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Middlebury College | Vermont | 1500 | 720 - 770 | 710 - 780 | 10.37% | Reach |
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Colby College | Maine | 1500 | 710 - 760 | 730 - 790 | 6.83% | Reach |
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Haverford College | Pennsylvania | 1498 | 710 - 760 | 720 - 780 | 12.91% | Reach |
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Amherst College | Massachusetts | 1494 | 690 - 770 | 670 - 780 | 9.82% | Reach |
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Georgetown University | District of Columbia | 1494 | 700 - 770 | 690 - 780 | 13.08% | Reach |
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Carleton College | Minnesota | 1491 | 710 - 760 | 720 - 790 | 22.28% | Match |
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University of Virginia-Main Campus | Virginia | 1488 | 700 - 750 | 710 - 780 | 16.86% | Reach |
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Hamilton College | New York | 1487 | 700 - 770 | 710 - 780 | 11.77% | Reach |
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Grinnell College | Iowa | 1486 | 698 - 760 | 720 - 790 | 12.68% | Reach |
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Rhode Island School of Design | Rhode Island | 1480 | 680 - 760 | 690 - 780 | 13.81% | Reach |
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Colgate University | New York | 1480 | 710 - 750 | 720 - 780 | 11.95% | Reach |
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The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art | New York | 1480 | 680 - 740 | 720 - 780 | 19.05% | Match |
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Scripps College | California | 1480 | 720 - 760 | 700 - 770 | 33.94% | Safety |
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Webb Institute | New York | 1480 | 670 - 745 | 720 - 780 | 20% | Match |
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Smith College | Massachusetts | 1480 | 718 - 770 | 690 - 770 | 19.73% | Match |
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University of Rochester | New York | 1480 | 690 - 750 | 710 - 790 | 35.85% | Safety |
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University of Richmond | Virginia | 1474 | 690 - 750 | 720 - 780 | 23.31% | Match |
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Michigan | 1473 | 670 - 750 | 680 - 780 | 17.94% | Reach |
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Boston University | Massachusetts | 1473 | 680 - 740 | 720 - 780 | 10.85% | Reach |
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Brandeis University | Massachusetts | 1473 | 690 - 750 | 700 - 780 | 35.31% | Safety |
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Northeastern University Oakland | California | 1472 | 670 - 740 | 720 - 780 | 16.54% | Reach |
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Wake Forest University | North Carolina | 1469 | 690 - 740 | 700 - 770 | 21.56% | Match |
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Villanova University | Pennsylvania | 1466 | 690 - 740 | 710 - 770 | 25.12% | Match |
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University of Maryland-College Park | Maryland | 1463 | 670 - 740 | 700 - 780 | 44.84% | Safety |
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Occidental College | California | 1461 | 690 - 750 | 670 - 750 | 39.89% | Safety |
FAQ for SAT Score: 1559
How does a 1559 SAT score compare to the ACT?
A 1559 on the SAT is roughly equivalent to a 35 on the ACT. You’re in the top 1% of all test takers, and this level of performance is considered exceptional by nearly all universities.
What scholarships are available for a 1559 SAT score?
With a 1559, you qualify for a wide range of scholarships, including merit awards from top-tier universities, honors colleges, and private foundations. It’s a good idea to research each school’s scholarship cutoff scores.
Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 1559 SAT score?
Yes, your 1559 makes you a strong academic candidate. Ivy Leagues will appreciate your test score, but be sure your application also reflects leadership, initiative, and personal growth.
Should I retake the SAT to improve my score?
A 1559 is already an elite score. Retaking might not be worth the effort unless you’re aiming for a perfect 1600 or feel that test day didn’t reflect your true potential.
What is the national average SAT score?
The average is around 1050, so your 1559 is far above it. This places you in the top percentile nationally and makes you eligible for the most selective colleges.
Do test-optional colleges consider a 1559 SAT score if submitted?
Yes, test-optional schools will view your 1559 very favorably. It strengthens your application and shows that you can handle rigorous academic challenges.
What GPA is a 1559 SAT?
A 1559 SAT score typically aligns with a GPA of around 3.9 to 4.0. Still, colleges assess your full transcript—course difficulty and consistency are also important.
Can I get into NYU with a 1559 SAT?
Definitely. NYU’s average SAT range is much lower than 1559, so your score would be considered excellent. Just make sure to keep your essays and application compelling.
Is 1559 a good SAT score for Harvard?
It’s an excellent score for Harvard, though just slightly below their typical 75th percentile (around 1580–1600). Your chances are strong if the rest of your profile stands out.
Can I get into MIT with a 1559 SAT?
Yes, a 1559 is competitive for MIT. Focus on highlighting your passion for STEM through projects, coursework, and recommendations to complement your strong test performance.
Can I get into Princeton with a 1559 SAT score?
You’re in a great position for Princeton. Use your essays and application to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership, and commitment to service to complete your profile.
Is a 1559 SAT score good?
Absolutely! A 1559 is a perfect SAT score, placing you in the top 1% of test takers. This score significantly strengthens your application to Ivy League and top-tier universities. Colleges will view this as evidence of outstanding academic ability.
Which colleges can I get into with a 1559 SAT score?
With a 1559, you are a competitive applicant at all top universities including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale. Your score opens doors to nearly every prestigious institution. Other factors like essays and extracurriculars still matter, but your score is not a limiting factor.