Average SAT Score in California: Scores and Context 2026

What is the average SAT score in California?

The average SAT score in California is about 1096 for the class of 2025, with roughly 26 percent of graduates taking the test. That puts California comfortably above the national average of 1029. But there is a twist that makes the California number unlike any other state: the state's two giant public university systems, the University of California and California State University, no longer look at SAT scores at all.

So a California student needs two answers, not one: what the state average is, and whether the SAT even matters for their plans. This guide covers both. For how California stacks up against the rest of the country, see our average SAT score by state rankings, and for the national picture, our average SAT score guide.

California's average SAT in context

California sits above the national average, and the reason is participation. Only about a quarter of California graduates take the SAT, and that group skews toward students aiming at out-of-state schools and selective private colleges, who tend to prepare heavily. When only the most motivated testers sit for the exam, the average rises. The same effect shows up across every state, which is why a state average says more about who takes the test than about school quality. You can see the full pattern in our SAT by state rankings.

California's SAT participation has also been falling, and that is directly tied to the policy change covered next. With the state's largest universities ignoring scores, fewer students bother to test, leaving an even more self-selected pool.

Do California colleges require the SAT?

For the two largest systems, the answer is a clear no, and this is the single most important fact for any California student:

• University of California (UC): all nine undergraduate campuses are test-blind. SAT and ACT scores are not considered in admissions at all, even if you submit them. The UC Board of Regents adopted this test-free policy in 2021, as announced by the University of California. It still stands for 2026, though some UC faculty have proposed requiring an SAT or ACT math score from STEM applicants starting in the 2027-28 cycle, a change that has not been adopted.
• California State University (CSU): the 23-campus system is also test-blind, having permanently eliminated SAT and ACT scores from admissions in 2022. Details are on the CSU admissions site.

Test-blind is stronger than test-optional. Test-optional means you may submit scores and they will be considered if you do. Test-blind means the scores are not looked at no matter what. If UC and CSU are your only targets, your SAT score will not affect your admission decision.

Where the SAT still matters for California students

Test-blind UC and CSU does not mean the SAT is useless in California. It still carries real weight in several situations:

• Out-of-state public universities. Many flagships outside California still use the SAT, and some have returned to requiring it. If you are considering schools in other states, your score matters.
• Private colleges in and out of California. Selective privates such as Stanford, USC, and Caltech, along with many private colleges nationwide, consider or require scores. Policies vary by school and change year to year, so check each one.
• Scholarships and honors programs. Many merit scholarships and university honors colleges still use SAT scores as a qualifier, even where admissions do not.
• National Merit. The PSAT/NMSQT route to National Merit recognition is unaffected by UC and CSU policy.
• Course placement. Some colleges use scores to place you out of intro courses or into honors sequences.

In short, if your entire college list is UC and CSU, the SAT is optional for you. If it includes anything else, a strong score still helps. Our guide to SAT scores for colleges shows the ranges different schools look for.

What is a good SAT score in California?

Because UC and CSU are test-blind, a "good" SAT score in California is defined by your other targets, not by the state average. The right benchmark is national percentiles and your specific colleges' middle-50% ranges, not the 1096 California average.

• Beating the national average of 1029 puts you in the top half of test takers nationwide.
• Selective private and out-of-state schools typically look for scores in the 1300 to 1500 range.
• The most competitive colleges often see middle-50% ranges of 1450 to 1550.

See where any score lands in our good SAT score guide, and convert a practice result with our score calculator.

Should California students still take the SAT?

Use this simple rule. Take the SAT if your college list includes any out-of-state schools, private colleges, or scholarship programs that use scores. You can skip it only if you are certain your list is limited to UC and CSU. Because plans change, many California students still take it once as insurance, so they keep every door open. If you do test, prepare properly: a strong score opens scholarships and out-of-state options that test-blind UC and CSU admissions never will.

Prepare for your best score

Whether the SAT is required for your list or just a backup, your score is something you can improve with focused practice. Start a free SAT practice quiz to find your baseline, then drill the question types that cost you the most points. Work through full-length SAT practice on Larry Learns to build toward a score that keeps your options open.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Average SAT Score in California

What is the average SAT score in California?

The average SAT score in California is about 1096 for the class of 2025, above the national average of 1029. Roughly 26 percent of California graduates take the SAT, and that self-selected group tends to score higher than the national pool.

Do California colleges require the SAT?

The University of California and California State University are both test-blind, meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions at all. Many out-of-state public universities and private colleges still use scores, so it depends on your college list.

Is the SAT worth taking for California students?

Yes, if your list includes any out-of-state schools, private colleges, or scholarship programs that use scores. If you are only applying to UC and CSU, the SAT will not affect your admission, though many students still take it once to keep their options open.

What is a good SAT score in California?

Since UC and CSU ignore scores, a good score is best measured against national percentiles and your target colleges. Beating 1029 puts you in the top half nationally, and selective out-of-state and private schools often look for 1300 to 1500.

Why is California's average SAT higher than the national average?

Only about a quarter of California graduates take the SAT, and they tend to be students targeting selective and out-of-state schools who prepare heavily. That self-selected group pushes the state average above the national figure.

Does the PSAT still matter in California?

Yes. The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for National Merit recognition, which is independent of UC and CSU admissions policy. It is also useful practice for students who plan to take the SAT for other colleges.