The number of points needed to get into a top high school in America in 2026 can vary widely depending on the specific school and its admission criteria. Generally, students aiming for top-tier high schools will need to score well above the national average on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, maintain a strong GPA, and often demonstrate exceptional extracurricular activities or talents. For example, the average SAT score for admission to a top high school in 2026 might be around 1500-1600, with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. However, these figures can be significantly higher for schools with highly competitive admission processes. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that the average SAT score for students admitted to the nation's most selective colleges in 2024 was 1510, suggesting that a similar score range could be expected for top high schools. The exact number of points required will also depend on the school's holistic review process, which may include factors like teacher recommendations, essays, and interviews.