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When determining if a 1290 SAT score is good, it?s important to consider how it compares to other test-takers and how college admissions officers view it. A 1290 places you in the 90th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 90% of all students who took the SAT. This score is significantly above the national average SAT score of about 1010, marking it as a strong performance. In terms of ACT equivalency, a 1290 SAT score roughly translates to a 27, further highlighting your academic achievement. This score indicates a commendable level of readiness for college-level coursework, reflecting positively on your analytical and reasoning skills.
With a 1290 SAT score, you have a wide range of college options available to you, spanning various levels of prestige and selectivity. Many public universities, such as The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University, Clemson University, Arizona State University, and the University of Georgia, typically admit students with scores around 1290. Private colleges, including Baylor University, Pepperdine University, Howard University, Syracuse University, and the University of San Francisco, also fall within this range. Though selective, these institutions are accessible with your score. If you're aiming for more elite institutions, consider University of Florida, University of Michigan, and University of California, Los Angeles as potential reach schools.
Whether you should retake the SAT depends on your college goals and target schools. If you?re aspiring to gain admission to more competitive institutions, such as Ivy League schools, you might consider retaking the test to improve your score. On average, students see an increase of 30-70 points on a retake, though higher gains are possible with diligent preparation. If you believe a higher score is within reach, the effort may open doors to more selective colleges. Additionally, consider bolstering your application through strong extracurriculars, a compelling personal essay, and glowing letters of recommendation to enhance your admissions prospects.
A 1290 SAT score can qualify you for various merit-based scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement. Many universities offer such scholarships to attract high-achieving students, and a 1290 score places you in a favorable position. Schools often provide automatic scholarships based on SAT scores and GPAs, while others may require a separate application. Look into the specific scholarship opportunities at your target schools and explore national scholarship programs where your score and academic record could make you a competitive candidate. These awards can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education.
For a comprehensive list of 352 popular colleges where a 1290 SAT is within the typical score range of accepted students, including both public and private institutions, you can explore the full list below. This list includes examples such as The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University, and Baylor University, along with reach schools like the University of Michigan and UCLA. Use this resource to identify the schools where your score aligns well and to guide your application strategy.
Displaying 352 colleges where your 1290 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 1,197 target schools (good chance), 192 reach (harder) schools and 3,498 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 | |
University of HoustonHouston, TX |
1160 to 1330 | |
University of California DavisDavis, CA |
1160 to 1400 | |
University of South Carolina ColumbiaColumbia, SC |
1180 to 1380 | |
Pepperdine UniversityMalibu, CA |
1285 to 1480 | |
Colorado State University Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO |
1080 to 1290 | |
Howard UniversityWashington, DC |
1050 to 1290 |
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