970 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
You're in range at places like Georgia State and Towson, and more than 1,200 colleges match a 970 SAT. This score is a workable starting point with hundreds of accessible options. Plenty of students land at solid schools from here.
How 970 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 34th - higher than about 34% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 1050 - the typical national score.
- ACT equivalent: ~18 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,241 schools (406 target, 472 reach, 363 safety).
Is a 970 SAT Score Good?
A 970 SAT is a workable score, even if it is not in the stronger range. It lands a bit under the national average, but it is not a dead end.
San Francisco State (930-1130), the University of Memphis (915-1180), and Cal State LA (870-1060) all enroll students right around this mark. At those schools, 970 is in range of the middle 50%.
Your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations still matter a lot. A stronger transcript can carry more weight than this test number at many of these colleges.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 970 SAT
From Georgia State (940-1180) and Towson (950-1235) to Sam Houston State (930-1120), a 970 SAT overlaps the usual admitted range at a lot of well-known universities. Alabama State and Miami Dade sit even more comfortably as backups. The tables below group more than 1,200 matches into schools that are a good fit, ones that are harder to get into, and likely backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Grand Valley State (940-1190) and Cal State Chico (970-1170) both have a 970 SAT at the low end of the middle 50%. You still have a good shot if the rest of your application holds up.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Arizona State (1100-1320) and San Diego State (1090-1300) typically look for higher SAT scores. A 970 is below those bands, so getting in is possible but tougher.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
You are clearly above the middle 50% at Alabama State (749-967) and Albany State (740-900). There are hundreds of backups at this score, so your odds look strong.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 970 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 970 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 970 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 970?
A retake is often worth it with a 970, especially if you did not prep much the first time. A modest gain can move more selective publics from reach into target territory. If the colleges already in range feel like a fit, you can apply with this score.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective public universities | Time away from grades and activities |
| Can turn some reach schools into targets | Score may not jump without real prep |
Students who prep seriously often pick up about 50-100 SAT points. Work through official practice tests, review the math and reading questions you miss, and give yourself a few weeks of consistent study rather than a last-minute cram.
Apply with 970 if your current matches feel right, or put in a focused month of prep and try again.
970 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 970 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 910 | 16 |
| 930 | 17 |
| 950 | 17 |
| 970 | 18 |
| 990 | 19 |
| 1010 | 19 |
| 1030 | 20 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 970 SAT places you in about the 34th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 34% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 970 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 960 and 980
- Browse the equivalent 18 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026