1180 SAT to ACT Score: Conversion + Test Tips

Got an 1180 SAT score? That translates to roughly a 24 on the ACT, according to official concordance tables. While it’s not a perfect score, it’s a solid performance that places you above average nationwide. If you’re weighing which test score to submit, comparing your results, or simply curious about how the two exams stack up, this 1180 SAT to ACT guide has you covered.

We’ll break down the conversion process, explain what an 1180 SAT score or 24 ACT score really means in today’s college admissions landscape, and share tips to help you improve—no matter which test you take

• 1180 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?
• How Good Is Your 1180 SAT/24 ACT Score?
• SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?
• How to Ace the SAT/ACT
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

1180 SAT to ACT: What’s the Equivalent Score?

According to the official SAT-ACT concordance tables, an 1180 SAT score converts to a 24 on the ACT. While not Ivy League territory, this score places you solidly above the national average and makes you a competitive applicant for many colleges—especially public universities and less selective private schools.

Understanding the 1180 SAT to ACT conversion can help you evaluate your standing, decide which score to submit, and better plan your next steps in test prep or college applications. Admissions officers often use these conversions to compare applicants fairly, so knowing where your score fits in can be a strategic advantage.

Want to see how your score stacks up across the board? Explore the full SAT-to-ACT conversion chart below.

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 got a 22 ACT score and you want to convert it, it would be an 1110 on the SAT.

How Good Is Your 1180 SAT/24 ACT Score?

Scoring an 1180 on the SAT (or 24 on the ACT) puts you comfortably above the national average (around 1050 for the SAT and 20 for the ACT)—but how do admissions officers view a score like this? And how much does it impact your chances at different types of schools? Let’s break it down:

1180 SAT percentile

An 1180 SAT score places you in approximately the 74th percentile, meaning you scored better than nearly three-quarters of test-takers nationwide. That’s a strong performance—especially within the SAT User Group, which includes college-bound students—and shows you’re academically prepared for a wide range of colleges.

While it’s not among the highest scores, it’s certainly respectable and gives you a solid foundation to build on or submit confidently, depending on your target schools.

24 ACT percentile

A 24 on the ACT places you around the 79th percentile, meaning you scored better than nearly three out of every four test-takers. While it’s not a perfect 36, a 24 is a solid, above-average score that demonstrates strong academic ability.

It can make you a competitive applicant at many public universities and a number of private colleges, especially when paired with a strong GPA, extracurriculars, or personal statement.

Is 1180 SAT/24 ACT enough for top schools?

An 1180 SAT score, or its ACT equivalent of 24, reflects solid academic ability. While these scores won’t typically put you in serious contention for Ivy League schools—where admitted students often score in the 1450+ range on the SAT—they can still open doors at many strong regional universities and selective public colleges.

Understanding how your 1180 SAT to ACT conversion compares to college score ranges is key to building a smart application strategy. Curious how your 1180 SAT score stacks up against score expectations at Ivy League schools? Let’s take a closer look at what competitive colleges are really looking for in standardized test scores:

As you can see, an 1180 on the SAT (or 24 on the ACT) is below the typical range for Ivy League admissions, where most accepted students score around 1440 on the SAT or 32 on the ACT.

Keep in mind: elite schools take a holistic approach to admissions, considering more than just test scores. They evaluate your coursework rigor, GPA, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and overall character. An 1180 or 24 is a good start, but it’s the unique qualities you bring beyond the numbers that truly make a difference.

If you’re aiming for selective colleges, focus on highlighting your passions, leadership skills, and personal growth alongside your test scores. Your 1180 SAT (which converts to ACT of 24) score can open doors—but it’s your full story that will get you through.

SAT vs ACT: Which One Should You Take?

Scoring an 1180 on the SAT—which converts to about a 24 on the ACT—reflects solid academic achievement and a strong foundation for many colleges. But you might still be wondering whether the SAT or ACT better suits your test-taking style, or if switching tests could improve your score even more.

When deciding between the SAT and ACT, it’s less about which test is “easier” and more about which format plays to your strengths. Many students find they perform differently depending on timing, question style, and content focus.

What’s the SAT like now?

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

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

Key features include:

• An adaptive format, where question difficulty adjusts based on your performance
• More time per question compared to the ACT, which suits those who prefer a steadier pace
• No science section or optional essay, making it more streamlined

With your 1180 SAT to ACT equivalent score of 24, you’re doing well, but it’s worth considering whether the ACT might align better with your test-taking preferences.

What’s the ACT like?

The ACT is traditionally paper-based (though digital options are expanding) and lasts about 2 hours and 55 minutes, excluding breaks. It includes four sections plus 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 quick, focused test-takers who thrive under time pressure
• The science section emphasizes data interpretation rather than memorization
• The format is consistent across test dates, making it easier to prepare strategically

Which test should you choose?

Stick with the SAT if you:

• Prefer a less rushed pace with more time per question
  Excel in critical reading and multi-step math problems
• Like the idea of an adaptive test that adjusts to your skill level

But the ACT might be worth trying out if you:

• Are a fast reader and test-taker who handles pressure well
• Prefer straightforward questions and shorter reading passages
• Feel confident analyzing charts, graphs, and scientific data quickly

At the end of the day, both the SAT and ACT are respected by colleges nationwide. Your 1180 SAT to ACT score shows you’re on solid footing—but exploring both formats and aligning your prep with your strengths is the best way to boost your confidence and your scores. Focused practice and strategic preparation will turn a good score into a great one.

How to Ace the SAT/ACT

With an 1180 SAT score—roughly equivalent to a 24 on the ACT using the 1180 SAT to ACT conversion—you’ve shown strong academic potential. Your score places you above the national average and signals to many colleges that you’re ready for college-level work. That’s an accomplishment worth being proud of.

But whether you’re aiming to boost your score further, retake the test for superscoring opportunities, or just want to make sure you’re submitting your strongest possible application, having a smart strategy is still essential.

Even solid scorers can benefit from refining their test-day game plan. Here’s how to level up your performance and open even more doors in the college admissions process:

1. Practice like it’s the real thing.

Don’t just study—simulate the test. Replicating official testing conditions helps your brain and body adapt to the pressures of test day.

• Time each section exactly.
• No phone, no snacks, no pauses—take it in one sitting.
• Use official practice tests or tools like Khan Academy.

In fact, College Board data shows that students who practiced just six hours under realistic conditions saw measurable score jumps. This approach builds endurance, improves pacing, and helps reduce anxiety.

2. Identify and tackle your weak spots.

You don’t need to relearn everything—you just need to optimize.

• Review your practice tests and circle where you lost points.
• Find patterns: Are you missing multi-step math problems? Getting tripped up by grammar rules?
• Focus your prep sessions on these exact areas.

Even small gains in weaker sections can help boost your total score by 50–100 points. Even a few point improvements can matter, especially if you’re trying to increase consistency. ACT data shows that targeted review is the fastest way to make noticeable progress.

3. Master your timing strategy.

The SAT gives you more time per question than the ACT, but that doesn’t mean time management isn’t crucial.

• Learn to move on from time-draining questions and come back later.
• Aim to leave a few minutes at the end of each section to review answers.
• Build a steady pace that keeps you confident without rushing.

If you ever consider trying the ACT, know that its fast pace requires you to be even sharper with time. Practicing under pressure helps for both tests.

4. Focus on the questions you should get right.

Here’s something many students miss: most of your score comes from low to medium difficulty questions. You don’t need to get every hard question right to raise your score.

• Prioritize the ones you know you can get right.
• Save tougher questions for the end—only tackle them after securing all the easier points.
• Avoid spending too long on any one item.

Consistency here can turn an 1180 into a 1250 or higher—and may shift your 1180 SAT to ACT equivalent up a point or two as well.

5. Build a study plan that works for you.

Cramming the week before the test? That’s a recipe for burnout. A steady, smart prep schedule works better:

• Study 30–45 minutes per session, 4–5 days a week.
• Take a full-length practice test every 2–3 weeks.
• Use those results to adjust what you study next.

Spaced repetition and focused review are how strong students turn solid scores into standout ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 1180 a good SAT score?

Whether an 1180 SAT score is considered “good” really depends on your college goals. If you’re aiming for most state universities, liberal arts colleges, or schools with acceptance rates above 40–50%, an 1180 is often well within the typical accepted range.

However, if you’re targeting highly competitive schools—such as Ivy League institutions or top 50 universities—an 1180 may fall below the typical threshold. These schools often look for SAT scores starting around 1400 or higher.

2. What are the top schools I can apply to with an 1180 SAT/ 24 ACT score?

With an 1180 SAT or 24 ACT score, you’re in a strong position to apply to a range of solid colleges. Public universities like the University of Oregon, University of Alabama, Colorado State, and University of Arizona are within reach, offering respected programs and flexible admissions.

Many private and liberal arts colleges—such as Hofstra, St. John’s, University of Redlands, and Goucher—are also worth considering, especially if they’re test-optional or take a holistic approach.

Regionally strong schools like Appalachian State, James Madison, and Ball State combine good academics with supportive learning environments.

5. How many times can you take the SAT/ACT?

You can take the SAT and ACT as many times as you want, but we recommend taking them for 2-3 times max. Colleges usually don’t penalize you for multiple attempts and often consider your highest score or use superscoring (taking your best section scores across multiple test dates).

Takeaways

• An 1180 on the SAT is equivalent to a 24 on the ACT.
• It’s not just about test scores. Colleges also consider your GPA, the difficulty of your coursework, personal essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and other achievements to get a fuller picture of who you are as a student and individual.
• Want to improve your overall college application and increase your chances of getting into your dream school? Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring services for personalized and expert guidance.