1190 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Michigan State and Texas A&M both take plenty of students with a 1190 SAT. You're around the 80th percentile, which is a strong result, and it matches about 1,480 colleges. You're in a good spot to look through the familiar names below.
How 1190 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 1,484 schools (686 target, 119 reach, 679 safety).
Is a 1190 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1190 SAT is a good score. San Diego State's middle 50% is about 1090-1300, and the University of Alabama's is 1170-1400, so you're inside both bands.
Admissions still look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, not just the test. A 1190 helps, but it is one piece.
Schools like Florida State (middle 50% 1270-1410) and Penn State (1240-1420) usually want scores starting higher. Those stay tougher to get into even with a strong application.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1190 SAT
You'll see big-name publics in every bucket. Your 1190 overlaps the middle 50% at the University of Houston (1160-1340), the University of Kentucky (1070-1290), and Texas Tech (1090-1280). UT Austin (1250-1510) and Clemson (1240-1410) typically enroll higher scorers, so those are possible but harder. The tables sort good-fit schools from long shots and backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your score is inside the middle 50% at the University of Arizona (1150-1420) and the University of Hawaii at Manoa (1081-1293). Those are realistic targets where you have a good shot.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Ohio State and Virginia Tech post middle 50% bands of 1310-1480 and 1280-1450, both above a 1190. You can still apply, but both are tougher to get into.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
A 1190 is clearly above the middle 50% at Cal State Fullerton (1000-1180) and Georgia Southern (986-1133). These are comfortable backups where your odds look strong.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1190 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1190 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1190 SAT
View by state:
Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1190?
A 1190 already gives you a lot of solid colleges, so another SAT is optional. Consider a retake if you want a better shot at selective publics like Florida State or UT Austin. If you're happy with your current targets, you can stop here.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Time away from grades and activities |
| Useful if practice tests already run higher | Score gains are not guaranteed |
Focused prep often adds about 50-100 SAT points. Drill the section that hurt you most, take a few timed practice tests, and review every miss. A short prep course or tutor can help if you stop improving on your own.
Apply with the 1190 if your target colleges already fit, or prep for one more test date if those higher reaches matter to you.
1190 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1190 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1130 | 23 |
| 1150 | 23 |
| 1170 | 24 |
| 1190 | 24 |
| 1210 | 25 |
| 1230 | 26 |
| 1250 | 26 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1190 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 1190 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1180 and 1200
- Browse the equivalent 24 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026