Is a 1180 SAT Score Good for College Applications?

An 1180 SAT score falls in the middle range for many colleges, placing you at approximately the 67th percentile of all test takers. For schools like Penn State and Ohio University, this score puts you within their typical admitted student range. Penn State's middle 50% SAT range is typically 1160-1360, while Ohio University's range is 1080-1270, making your 1180 competitive for both institutions.

Your score can be considered good for many public universities and regional colleges, though it may fall below the average for highly selective institutions. For Penn State specifically, your 1180 places you near the lower end of their typical admitted student range, while at Ohio University, you're comfortably within their average acceptance range.

Whether you should retake the SAT depends on several factors. If you're targeting Penn State and want to strengthen your application, a higher score could improve your chances of admission. Consider retaking the test if you feel you can improve your score by at least 50-100 points through additional preparation. Many students see score improvements on their second attempt after becoming familiar with the test format and timing.

Remember that colleges evaluate applications holistically. Your GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation also play crucial roles in admission decisions. If your other application components are strong, an 1180 SAT score won't necessarily hinder your chances at schools like Penn State or Ohio University. Focus on highlighting your academic strengths and unique qualities in other parts of your application while deciding if retaking the SAT aligns with your college goals.