1140 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Arizona State and San Diego State both enroll plenty of students around your 1140 SAT. That's a solid score, around the 73rd percentile, and it matches more than 1,400 colleges. You have a wide set of well-known publics and private colleges where this number is a real fit.
How 1140 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 68th - higher than about 68% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 1050 - you're above the typical score.
- ACT equivalent: ~23 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,455 schools (739 target, 187 reach, 529 safety).
Is a 1140 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1140 SAT is a good score for well-known publics like Texas Tech and Appalachian State. Texas Tech's middle 50% is 1090-1280, so you are comfortably in range. Appalachian State (1120-1280) has you near the low end, which is still a good shot.
More selective schools such as Florida State (1270-1410) and Penn State (1240-1420) usually want higher scores, so they are reaches. An 1140 is below those middle 50% bands, which makes admission tougher.
Colleges also weigh your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, not just the SAT. A stronger rest of the application can matter as much as a few extra test points.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1140 SAT
Your 1140 overlaps the middle 50% at Arizona State (1100-1320) and San Diego State (1090-1300). It also lines up with the University of Kentucky (1070-1290). Michigan State and the University of Alabama ask for more, so treat them as harder gets. Below you will see good-fit schools, tougher ones, and likely backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
An 1140 is inside the middle 50% at Texas Tech (1090-1280) and the University of Kentucky (1070-1290). You have a good shot at this group.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Florida State (1270-1410) and Clemson (1240-1410) typically look for higher SAT scores. An 1140 can still be considered, but getting in is tougher.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
You have hundreds of backups at this score. Your 1140 is above the middle 50% at Georgia Southern (986-1133) and well above it at Cal State Los Angeles (870-1060).
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1140 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1140 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1140 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1140?
A retake is optional with a 1140, not something you have to do. If you want a better shot at more selective publics like UT Austin or Florida State, another test date can help. If schools already in your range are enough, you can apply with this score and put the hours into grades and essays.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Time away from grades and activities |
| Could move you closer to flagship score bands | Score gains are not guaranteed |
| A second sitting is low-risk with prep | Your 1140 already fits many colleges |
With focused prep, many students gain about 50-100 SAT points. Take official practice tests, review the question types you miss, and split time between math and reading if both need work.
Apply with the 1140 if your targets already fit, or prep for a retake if you want more selective options.
1140 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1140 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1080 | 21 |
| 1100 | 21 |
| 1120 | 21 |
| 1140 | 23 |
| 1160 | 24 |
| 1180 | 24 |
| 1200 | 25 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1140 SAT places you in about the 68th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 68% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1140 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1130 and 1150
- Browse the equivalent 23 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026