1040 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Texas State and Georgia State both enroll plenty of students around a 1040 SAT. That puts you around the 56th percentile, with more than 1,300 colleges still in range. That's a workable starting point, even if you later decide to test again.
How 1040 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 48th - higher than about 48% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 1050 - the typical national score.
- ACT equivalent: ~20 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,373 schools (622 target, 367 reach, 384 safety).
Is a 1040 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1040 SAT is a decent score with a lot of doors still open. You are only a few points off the national average, about where a 20 ACT lands, so you are running with the middle of the pack.
San Jose State (1010-1240), Washington State (1020-1210), and Florida Atlantic (1040-1200) all have middle 50% ranges that include 1040. You are in range at those schools, not stretching.
Your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations still matter as much as this number. If you are eyeing Arizona State or Michigan State, those stay tougher because their usual SAT bands start higher.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1040 SAT
University of North Texas (980-1230), West Virginia University (1010-1220), Cal State Long Beach (1020-1240), and Florida Gulf Coast (1040-1200) all overlap a 1040 in their usual SAT bands. Those are realistic matches, not moonshots. If you want a safer admit, Norfolk State and similar schools sit well below your score.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Grand Valley State (940-1190) and San Francisco State (930-1130) both include 1040 in their middle 50%. You have a good shot at schools in this group.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
San Diego State (1090-1300) and the University of Kentucky (1070-1290) usually enroll students above a 1040. Possible, but tougher to get into.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Alabama State (749-967) and Texas Southern (800-1000) typically sit well below a 1040. Odds look strong, and you have hundreds of backups in this range.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1040 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1040 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1040 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1040?
At 1040, a retake is often worth the effort if you can study with a plan. A modest gain can lift you off the bottom of many target ranges and make some reaches more realistic. If senior year is already packed and you are happy with the schools that fit 1040, you can apply with this score.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| A modest gain can unlock stronger public universities | Takes time away from grades and activities |
| Moves you off the low end of target ranges | No guarantee of a big jump |
| Helps if you want more selective schools | Hundreds of colleges already fit a 1040 |
Serious prep often adds about 50-100 SAT points. Drill your weaker section, take a few timed practice tests, and review every miss so you are not repeating the same mistakes.
Send the 1040 if you are ready to apply, or schedule one focused retake if you want more breathing room.
1040 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1040 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 980 | 18 |
| 1000 | 19 |
| 1020 | 19 |
| 1040 | 20 |
| 1060 | 21 |
| 1080 | 21 |
| 1100 | 21 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1040 SAT places you in about the 48th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 48% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1040 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1030 and 1050
- Browse the equivalent 20 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026