1140 SAT to ACT Score: Conversion + Test Tips

Got an 1140 on the SAT? That’s roughly equivalent to a 23 on the ACT. Understanding how your score compares across both tests is key to making smart decisions about test submission and college applications. In this guide to 1140 SAT to ACT score conversion, we’ll break down what your score means, how colleges view it, and whether retaking a test might boost your chances.

• 1140 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?
• How Good Is Your 1140 SAT/23 ACT Score?
• SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?
• How to Ace the SAT/ACT
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

1140 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?

With an 1140 SAT score, you’re in a solid range for many colleges. According to the SAT-ACT concordance tables, a 1140 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 23 on the ACT. While it may not place you in the top tier of applicants, it’s still a respectable score that many colleges will consider.

Admissions officers use these conversions to ensure fair comparisons between students, regardless of which test they took. Want to see exactly how your 1140 SAT score compares to other scores? Check out the full conversion chart below:

The chart above 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 got a 24 ACT score, it would be an 1180 on the SAT.

How Good Is Your 1140 SAT/23 ACT Score?

An 1140 on the SAT is a solid score, placing you above average among test-takers nationwide. But you’re likely wondering: What does this score mean for your chances at college admissions, particularly at selective schools? Let’s break it down and see how it affects your application.

1140 SAT percentile

An 1140 on the SAT places you in roughly the 73rd percentile, meaning you’ve scored higher than about 73% of all high school juniors and seniors across the country. Among students who actually take the SAT, which is called the User Group Percentile, an 1140 SAT/23 ACT score puts you around the 69th percentile.

23 ACT percentile

A 23 ACT score puts you in approximately the 75th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 75% of test-takers nationwide.

Is 1140 SAT/23 ACT enough for top schools?

With a national average SAT score of about 1050 and an ACT score around 20, your 1140 SAT score is above average, putting you in a solid position compared to most test-takers. While it may not put you in the top 1%, it still makes you a competitive applicant for many colleges.

If you’re aiming for Ivy League schools, it’s important to look at their expected test scores:

As you can see, most Ivy League admits score at least 1440 on the SAT or 32+ on the ACT, so while your 1140 SAT score is a good start, it doesn’t put you in the top range for those highly selective schools.

That said, an 1140 SAT score can still make you a strong applicant to many competitive schools. Keep in mind that Ivy League schools take a holistic approach to admissions. They consider everything from your grades and coursework to your extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations. Your score is a solid academic foundation, but what truly sets you apart is showing what makes you unique beyond just the numbers.

Use your score as a starting point to highlight your passions, leadership, and the impact you’ve made in your school or community.

SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?

Scoring an 1140 on the SAT means you’re doing better than most test-takers, but you’re still not in the top-tier range. If you’re debating whether to stick with the SAT or try the ACT, it’s not about which one is “easier”—it’s about which format suits your strengths best. Many students score differently on the two tests, even those who are high achievers.

Let’s break down the basics of both tests to help you decide which one fits you:

What’s the SAT like?

The SAT is now a digital test that lasts about 2 hours and 14 minutes, with two main sections:

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

Key things to know:

• The SAT adjusts its difficulty based on your performance. Get a question right, and the next one might be harder.
• You get more time per question, so it’s good if you like to take your time.
• There’s no science section, and the essay has been removed.

What’s the ACT like?

The ACT is a paper-based test (for now) and lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes, not including breaks. It includes:

• 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 it:

• It’s great if you work well under time pressure.
• The science section is more about interpreting data than recalling facts.
• The test format is consistent, so you know what to expect.

Should you stick with the SAT or try the ACT?

Stick with the SAT if you:

• Like having more time to work through each question.
• Excel at understanding complex readings and solving tougher math problems.
• Prefer a test that adapts to your performance.

Try the ACT if you:

• Are good at managing your time and working quickly.
• Prefer straightforward questions and shorter passages.
• Feel comfortable analyzing charts, graphs, and data.

No matter which test you choose, remember that consistent practice, a solid strategy, and playing to your strengths are key to turning a good score into a great one.

How to Ace the SAT/ACT

While a 1140 SAT score puts you above average, there’s always room for improvement—and with smart strategies, you can boost your performance even further. Whether you’re aiming for a higher score, considering retaking the test, or just looking to improve your test-taking skills, here’s how you can sharpen your approach and raise your score:

1. Simulate real test conditions.

Treat practice tests like the real thing. This means:

• Timing yourself strictly for each section.
• Eliminating distractions (put your phone away!).
• Completing the entire test in one sitting.

Research shows that students who practice under real test conditions—like using Khan Academy’s resources for 6+ hours—improve their scores. Simulating test-day conditions helps you build focus and reduce nerves.

2. Focus on your weak areas.

Don’t waste time reviewing things you already know well. Instead:

• Review the questions you missed in practice tests.
• Identify patterns in your mistakes, whether they’re tricky math problems, reading comprehension, or grammar rules.

Targeted practice on areas where you struggle is the quickest way to improve. Focusing on your weak spots can lead to significant score increases.

3. Master time management.

Both the SAT and ACT require you to think quickly. Top test-takers excel at managing their time, especially with the pressure of completing questions quickly. Practice:

• Knowing when to skip a question and come back to it later.
• Budgeting time for each section and question type.
• Finishing early enough to review your answers.

Good pacing ensures you don’t rush through easy questions or leave any unanswered, which could hurt your score.

4. Focus on the easier questions first.

Many students who score well spend too much time on the hardest questions. But here’s the thing: it’s easy to make mistakes on the medium and easier questions too! These questions actually make up a large portion of your score, and they’re simpler to get right if you stay focused and careful.

The strategy? Secure the easy points first. If you have time left at the end, go back to tackle the harder ones.

5. Start early and study smart.

Whether you’re retaking the test or just aiming to improve a bit, starting your study sessions early and spreading them out is always more effective than cramming at the last minute. Here’s a simple study plan:

• Study for 30–45 minutes daily, 4 or 5 days a week.
• Take a full practice test every couple of weeks.
• Use your practice test results to guide what to focus on each week.

This approach helps you learn better and retain information longer by spreading out your study time rather than trying to learn everything all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 1140 a good SAT score?

An 1140 SAT score is considered above average. It typically places you in the 73rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 73% of students who took the test.

Ultimately, whether an 1140 is a “good” score depends on your college goals. It may be a strong score for certain schools, but if you’re targeting more competitive institutions, you may want to aim for a higher score.

2. What are the top schools I can apply to with a 1140 SAT/ 23 ACT score?

With an 1140 SAT and a 23 ACT score, you’re positioned well for many regional and mid-tier colleges and universities. While these scores may not be competitive for the most selective schools, you still have a range of great options.

Some schools you can choose to apply to include: Michigan State University, University of Alabama, and University of Arizona.

3. How many times can I take the SAT/ACT?

You can take the SAT or ACT multiple times, with no limit on the number of attempts. Most students take the SAT 2-3 times, typically once in the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year. Similarly, students often take the ACT 2-3 times.

While both exams allow for multiple retakes, colleges may require you to send all your scores, though some offer score choice or superscoring, where they consider your highest section scores across test dates.

Takeaways

• An 1140 on the SAT is equivalent to a 23 on the ACT, which places you in the 73rd percentile.
• A 1140 SAT score is a solid foundation, but it may not be competitive enough for the most selective universities, such as Ivy League schools, where applicants typically score much higher.
• While your SAT score is an important part of your application, top-tier schools also heavily weigh factors like extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendation letters.
• To strengthen your college application and improve your chances of getting into more competitive schools, consider investing in SAT or ACT tutoring. With personalized guidance and strategies, you can boost your test scores and enhance your overall profile.