Colleges for a 1280 on the SAT

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Is a 1280 SAT Score Good?

If you?ve scored a 1280 on the SAT, you?re likely wondering just how good that score is. A 1280 places you in the 89th percentile of all test-takers, meaning you?ve scored higher than 89% of students nationwide. Given the national average SAT score is approximately 1010, your 1280 is about 270 points above average. For college admissions officers, this score signals a strong academic performance and suggests you?re well-prepared for the rigors of college coursework. In terms of the ACT, which some students prefer, a 1280 translates to roughly a 27. This score gives you a competitive edge in many college applications, though standards can vary significantly between institutions.

Colleges that Accept a 1280 SAT Score

With a 1280 SAT score, you?re in a favorable position to apply to a wide range of colleges, from public universities to private institutions. Schools like The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University, and Clemson University typically admit students within this score range. Private colleges such as Baylor University, Howard University, and Syracuse University also fall into this category. While highly selective institutions like the University of Florida, the University of Michigan, and UCLA might be considered reach schools, your score still makes you a competitive applicant. Below, you?ll find a comprehensive list of 379 colleges where a 1280 is within the typical score range for accepted students.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1280?

If you?re contemplating retaking the SAT to boost your 1280 score, it?s essential to consider your target schools and how much you aim to improve. Significant score increases are possible with diligent preparation?typically around 50-100 points. If you?re eyeing top-tier universities where the average admitted score is higher, a retake might be worthwhile. However, it?s also important to balance this with other aspects of your application like extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Improving your SAT score is just one piece of the puzzle; enhancing your overall application can be equally impactful.

Scholarship Opportunities with a 1280 SAT

A 1280 SAT score opens doors not just to college admissions but also to scholarships. Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships for students with strong academic achievements. While amounts and criteria vary, a score of 1280 can qualify you for scholarships that offset tuition costs significantly. Schools may use this score to award academic excellence scholarships, and some private organizations also offer financial aid to students within this score range. Exploring these opportunities can lessen the financial burden of college, allowing you to focus on your studies and future career.

Ready to explore your college options? Below is a detailed list of 379 popular colleges where a 1280 SAT score is within the typical range of accepted students. This list includes renowned public institutions like The University of Texas at Austin and Florida State University, as well as private colleges such as Baylor University and Howard University. Whether you?re looking for a public or private college, use this comprehensive resource to find your best-fit institution.

Popular colleges to consider with a 1280 SAT

Displaying 379 colleges where your 1280 SAT score is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Search, filter and sort this list or view by admission chance for 1,278 target schools (good chance), 195 reach (harder) schools and 3,348 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

List of Colleges for a 1280 on the SAT
School SAT Score Range
The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX

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1230 to 1500
Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

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1210 to 1370
Clemson University

Clemson, SC

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1220 to 1410
Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

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1100 to 1320
University of Georgia

Athens, GA

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1220 to 1420
Penn State Main Campus

University Park, PA

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1210 to 1390
Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

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1240 to 1430
Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

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1160 to 1360
The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

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1130 to 1410
University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

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1200 to 1360
San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

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1090 to 1300
Auburn University

Auburn University, AL

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1220 to 1380
University of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

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1230 to 1430
Baylor University

Waco, TX

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1230 to 1410
University of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

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1200 to 1453
The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

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1170 to 1330
North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

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1280 to 1460
University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

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1070 to 1290
Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

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1200 to 1470
University of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

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1230 to 1460
Texas A&M University College Station

College Station, TX

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1150 to 1390
University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI

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1070 to 1290
University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

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1140 to 1370
University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

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1160 to 1390
Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

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1090 to 1280
University of Houston

Houston, TX

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1160 to 1330
University of California Davis

Davis, CA

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1160 to 1400
University of South Carolina Columbia

Columbia, SC

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1180 to 1380
Colorado State University Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

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1080 to 1290
Howard University

Washington, DC

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1050 to 1290

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