1130 SAT to ACT Score: Conversion + Test Tips

Got an 1130 on the SAT and wondering how that stacks up on the ACT? According to official concordance tables, an 1130 SAT to ACT translates to roughly a 23 ACT score. Whether you’re trying to decide which score to submit to colleges, comparing how you did on each test, or considering switching exams altogether, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

We’ll not only walk you through the SAT-to-ACT conversion process, but also help you understand what an 1130 SAT score means in terms of college admissions competitiveness. Plus, we’ll share proven strategies to improve your performance—whether you choose to stick with the SAT or give the ACT a shot.

• 1130 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?
• How Good Is Your 1130 SAT/23 ACT Score?
• SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?
• How to Ace the SAT/ACT
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

1130 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?

According to the official SAT-ACT concordance tables, an 1130 SAT to ACT score conversion comes out to about a 23. While this may not land you in the Ivy League, it’s a respectable score that keeps you competitive at many public universities and a wide range of moderately selective private colleges.

Understanding the 1130 SAT to ACT conversion can give you a clearer sense of your college admissions outlook. It can also help you decide which test score to submit, refine your college list, and focus your prep efforts where they matter most. Since admissions officers often rely on these conversions to compare applicants fairly, knowing how your score stacks up can offer a strategic advantage.

Curious how your 1130 compares across the board? Check out the complete SAT-to-ACT conversion chart below to get the full picture.

This chart offers a quick and easy way to compare SAT scores with their ACT equivalents. Asterisks (*) highlight the suggested SAT scores to use when only one score needs to be matched. For example, if you received a 24 ACT score, it would be an 1180 on the SAT. 

How Good Is Your 1130 SAT/23 ACT Score?

An 1130 SAT score puts you just above the national average, but what does this score really say about your college options?

1130 SAT percentile

An 1130 SAT score puts you in about the 67th percentile, meaning you outperformed nearly two-thirds of test-takers nationwide. An 1130 SAT is a strong, above-average score—particularly among college-bound students—and it demonstrates that you have the academic foundation to succeed at a wide range of colleges.

While it may not place you in the top tier of applicants, it’s still a respectable score that can unlock opportunities at many regional public universities and a variety of less selective private institutions.

Based on concordance data, the 1130 SAT to ACT equivalent is about a 23, which offers a helpful reference point when deciding which score to submit or how to build a stronger application.

23 ACT percentile

A 23 on the ACT—the equivalent of an 1130 SAT to ACT conversion—places you in about the 75th percentile, meaning you scored better than nearly three-quarters of test-takers nationwide. While it may not be considered elite, it’s still a strong, above-average score that reflects solid academic potential.

This level of performance can make you a competitive applicant at many public universities and a broad range of private colleges, particularly if it’s backed by a strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and a compelling personal statement.

For schools that emphasize holistic admissions, your 1130 SAT or equivalent ACT score provides a firm foundation—especially when combined with other standout elements in your application.

Is 1130 SAT/23 ACT enough for top schools?

An 1130 SAT score, or its ACT equivalent of 23 ACT score, sits comfortably above the national average—typically around 1050 for the SAT and 20 for the ACT. Understanding where your 1130 SAT to ACT conversion falls within the typical score ranges for different colleges is a smart step toward developing a realistic and effective application strategy.

Curious how your score compares to the nation’s most competitive schools? Let’s dive into what Ivy League colleges really look for in standardized test scores and how your 1130 fits into the bigger picture:

While an 1130 SAT score—or its ACT equivalent of 23—falls below the typical range for Ivy League schools (where admitted students often score 1440+ on the SAT or 32+ on the ACT), your 1130 SAT to ACT conversion still reflects a strong academic foundation.

It’s crucial to understand that top-tier colleges use a holistic admissions process. Test scores are just one factor among many. Admissions committees also consider your GPA, the difficulty of your coursework, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, recommendations, and your overall story as an applicant.

If you’re aiming for selective or competitive schools, think beyond the numbers. Use your application to highlight your unique strengths, leadership, personal growth, and commitment to your goals. Your 1130 SAT to ACT score can help get your foot in the door—but it’s how you tell your story that can truly set you apart.

SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?

Still debating whether the SAT or ACT is the better fit for you? With an 1130 SAT to ACT conversion score of about a 23, you’re starting from a solid position, but choosing the test that best aligns with your strengths could give you an even greater edge.

It’s not about which test is easier—it’s about which format complements your test-taking style. Some students thrive on the ACT’s fast-paced, data-heavy structure, while others perform better with the SAT’s more measured pace and emphasis on reasoning.

What’s the SAT like?

The SAT is now fully digital and takes about 2 hours and 14 minutes, divided into two main sections:

• Reading & Writing: 54 questions in 64 minutes
• Math: 44 questions in 70 minutes

Key SAT features include:

• An adaptive format that adjusts question difficulty as you go
• More time per question, ideal for thoughtful test-takers
• No science section or optional essay, keeping it streamlined

If your 1130 SAT to ACT conversion has you hovering around a 23, that score already puts you above average, but testing the waters with the ACT might reveal untapped potential.

What about the ACT?

The ACT remains mostly paper-based (though digital options are expanding) and lasts about 2 hours and 55 minutes, not including breaks. It includes four required sections and an optional essay:

• English: 75 questions in 45 minutes
• Math: 60 questions in 60 minutes
• Reading: 40 questions in 35 minutes
• Science: 40 questions in 35 minutes
• Writing (optional): 1 essay in 40 minutes

Why some students prefer the ACT:

• It rewards speed and quick decision-making
• The science section is more about reading charts and experiments than recalling scientific facts
• The format is predictable, which makes it easier to prepare for

Which test fits you better?

Stick with the SAT if you:

• Prefer more time per question
• Excel in reading comprehension and multi-step math
• Appreciate a computer-adaptive test experience

Try the ACT if you:

• Work well under time pressure
• Like clearer, more direct questions
• Are confident interpreting data, graphs, and experiments

In the end, colleges accept both exams equally—what matters most is where you perform your best. Your 1130 SAT to ACT score gives you a solid foundation, but exploring both formats and playing to your strengths could be the key to boosting your score and broadening your college options. Strategic, focused prep can transform a decent score into a standout result.

How to Ace the SAT/ACT

An 1130 SAT (or 23 ACT) score places you above the national average—a clear signal to colleges that you’re prepared for college-level work. But whether you’re aiming to boost that score, take advantage of superscoring, or simply present the most competitive application possible, having a smart test prep strategy is essential.

Here’s how to level up your performance and expand your college options:

1. Treat practice like the real thing.

The best way to build testing confidence? Simulate actual test-day conditions. Time yourself strictly, stay focused, and take the full practice test in one uninterrupted sitting.

• Time each section exactly as it appears on the official SAT
• Put your phone away—no distractions, no snacks
• Use College Board practice tests or Khan Academy resources

College Board reports that just six hours of focused, realistic practice can significantly boost your score. Practicing under pressure builds stamina, sharpens pacing, and eases test anxiety—skills that are crucial for both the SAT and ACT.

2. Target your weak spots.

You don’t need a perfect score—just progress in the right places. Use your practice test results to identify which types of questions trip you up.

• Struggle with multi-step math or algebra?
• Confused by punctuation or sentence structure in the writing section?

Focus your study on those problem areas. Even small improvements can lead to a 50–100 point boost—which could raise your 1130 SAT to ACT score from a 23 to a 25 or higher. ACT research backs this up: targeted practice drives faster gains than generalized studying.

3. Master your timing strategy.

The SAT gives you more time per question than the ACT, but that doesn’t mean you can relax. Learn when to move on from time-consuming questions, then return if time allows. And always leave a few minutes for review at the end of each section.

If you’re considering switching to the ACT—which is known for its brisk pace—these timing skills are even more critical. Time management is a make-or-break factor on both tests.

4. Prioritize questions that you know.

One of the most common mistakes? Spending too much time on the hardest problems. In reality, the bulk of your score comes from nailing the easy and medium-difficulty questions.

Secure those points first. Only then should you take a shot at the more advanced ones. With a smart strategy, your 1130 SAT to ACT standing becomes a springboard, not a ceiling.

5. Build a study plan that works for you.

Don’t cram—it doesn’t stick. A consistent, sustainable routine beats last-minute marathons every time.

• Study 30–45 minutes, 4–5 times a week
• Take a full-length practice test every 2–3 weeks
• Use your results to refine your focus

Spaced repetition and intentional review turn a solid 1130 SAT to ACT score into something even stronger. With focused effort, you’ll not only improve your test performance—you’ll also build the academic confidence that carries into college and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 1130 a good SAT score?

It depends on where you’re applying to. An 1130 SAT score is above the national average, which typically hovers around 1050, so yes—it’s a good score, especially if you’re targeting regional public universities, many private colleges, or schools with test-optional policies.

However, if you’re targeting Ivy Leagues, an 1130 SAT score falls short of what they typically admit which is usually around 1400+.

2. What are the top schools I can apply to with an 1130 SAT/ 23 ACT score?

With an 1130 SAT or 23 ACT score, you’re in range for many solid schools, especially regional public universities, less selective private colleges, and test-optional institutions.

You can consider applying to the University of Alabama, Arizona State University, University of Iowa, West Virginia University, Kent State University, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Georgia Southern University, University of New Mexico, Louisiana State University, and Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

3. What’s the difference between the SAT and ACT?

The SAT focuses more on evidence-based reading, writing, and math, with no dedicated science section and more time per question. The ACT includes English, math, reading, and science sections, is faster-paced, and has an optional essay. Both are accepted equally by colleges.

Takeaways

• An 1130 on the SAT is equivalent to a 23 on the ACT, which places you in the 67th percentile.
• Colleges take a holistic approach to admissions. They consider not just your test scores but also your GPA, the difficulty of your coursework, personal essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and standout achievements to get a full picture of your potential and character.
• Want to maximize your college admissions chances—including at top-tier schools like the Ivy League? Our personalized SAT and ACT tutoring services offer expert, goal-driven support to help you strengthen every part of your application.