1160 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Texas A&M and Arizona State are right in range for a 1160 SAT. You're around the 76th percentile, with more than 1,400 colleges that fit this score. That's a strong score, and you're in a good spot.
How 1160 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 74th - higher than about 74% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 1050 - you're above the typical score.
- ACT equivalent: ~24 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,468 schools (738 target, 151 reach, 579 safety).
Is a 1160 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1160 SAT is a good score, and it lines up with well-known state universities. San Diego State's middle 50% runs 1090-1300, and Texas Tech's is 1090-1280, so you overlap both ranges.
A few popular schools will be tougher to get into. UT Austin's middle 50% starts at 1250, and UCLA starts at 1300, so those stay reaches. University of Houston (1160-1340) is a closer match - you're at the low end of its usual band.
Colleges still look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, not just this number. A 1160 will not carry a thin application, but strong grades can help at schools where you are near the bottom of the range.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1160 SAT
Look at Arizona State (1100-1320) and the University of Kentucky (1070-1290) as good-shot schools, then decide how far you want to stretch toward Penn State or Virginia Tech. Those last two usually enroll students with higher SAT scores, so they are tougher to get into even if the rest of your application is strong. The tables below group colleges by how your 1160 compares.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 1160 is inside the middle 50% at Texas A&M (1150-1400) and San Diego State (1090-1300). You have a good shot at both if your grades are in the same ballpark.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Clemson (1240-1410) and Florida State (1270-1410) typically enroll students above a 1160. Admission is possible, but those schools are tougher to get into and the rest of your application has to work harder.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
You land clearly above the middle 50% at Georgia Southern (986-1133) and Sam Houston State (930-1120). Odds look strong at both, and there are hundreds of backups in this range.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1160 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1160 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1160 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1160?
A retake is optional at 1160. It helps most if you are aiming at more selective publics where this score sits below the middle 50%. If you already like the colleges that match 1160, you can apply with this number.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May pull some selective publics closer to target range | Time away from grades and activities |
| Useful if you want a stronger shot at UT Austin | Another test date is not guaranteed to help |
Focused prep often raises an SAT score by about 50-100 points. Spend time on the section that pulled you down, take a few timed practice tests, and review every miss. Steady work over several weeks beats a last-minute cram.
Apply with 1160 if your targets already look solid, or prep for a retake if you want a better shot at more selective schools.
1160 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1160 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1100 | 21 |
| 1120 | 21 |
| 1140 | 23 |
| 1160 | 24 |
| 1180 | 24 |
| 1200 | 25 |
| 1220 | 25 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1160 SAT places you in about the 74th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 74% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1160 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1150 and 1170
- Browse the equivalent 24 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026