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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3,402 safety (easier) schools you can consider.
School | SAT Score Range | |
---|---|---|
The University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX |
1230 to 1500 | |
Florida State UniversityTallahassee, FL |
1210 to 1370 | |
Clemson UniversityClemson, SC |
1220 to 1410 | |
Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ |
1100 to 1320 | |
University of GeorgiaAthens, GA |
1220 to 1420 | |
Penn State Main CampusUniversity Park, PA |
1210 to 1390 | |
Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA |
1240 to 1430 | |
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI |
1160 to 1360 | |
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL |
1130 to 1410 | |
University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL |
1200 to 1360 | |
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CA |
1090 to 1300 | |
Auburn UniversityAuburn University, AL |
1220 to 1380 | |
University of California IrvineIrvine, CA |
1230 to 1430 | |
Baylor UniversityWaco, TX |
1230 to 1410 | |
University of Washington Seattle CampusSeattle, WA |
1200 to 1453 | |
The University of TennesseeKnoxville, TN |
1170 to 1330 | |
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC |
1280 to 1460 | |
University of KentuckyLexington, KY |
1070 to 1290 | |
Purdue University Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN |
1200 to 1470 | |
University of California Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA |
1230 to 1460 | |
Texas A&M University College StationCollege Station, TX |
1150 to 1390 | |
University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI |
1070 to 1290 | |
University of ArizonaTucson, AZ |
1140 to 1370 | |
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder, CO |
1160 to 1390 | |
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX |
1090 to 1280 | |
University of HoustonHouston, TX |
1160 to 1330 | |
University of California DavisDavis, CA |
1160 to 1400 | |
University of South Carolina ColumbiaColumbia, SC |
1180 to 1380 | |
Colorado State University Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO |
1080 to 1290 | |
Howard UniversityWashington, DC |
1050 to 1290 |
Continue your college search for colleges matching your SAT score.
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