Is a 1320 SAT Score Good Enough?

A 1320 SAT score is a strong achievement that puts you above the national average and in a competitive position for many colleges. This score places you in approximately the 88th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 88% of all test takers. For context, the national average SAT score typically hovers around 1050, so your score of 1320 demonstrates strong academic capability.

Your 1320 SAT score will be competitive for admission at many well-regarded colleges and universities. Most state flagship universities consider this score well within their target range, and it meets or exceeds the middle 50% range for many selective institutions. However, for highly selective schools like Ivy League institutions or top-tier engineering programs, where median scores often exceed 1400, you might find yourself slightly below their typical admitted student profile.

When deciding whether to retake the SAT, consider your target schools' middle 50% range of accepted students' scores. If your score falls within or above this range for your preferred colleges, you can confidently focus on other aspects of your application. These elements include maintaining a strong GPA, crafting compelling essays, securing meaningful recommendations, and developing your extracurricular activities.

Rather than fixating on retaking the test, your time might be better spent strengthening other components of your college application if your target schools typically accept students with SAT scores around 1320. Many universities now take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they value leadership experiences, community involvement, and personal achievements alongside standardized test scores. Additionally, with the growing test-optional movement, some students choose not to submit scores in this range, instead emphasizing other academic and personal accomplishments.