Is 980 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

Is 980 a good SAT score? Realistically, a 980 SAT score sits below the national average of 1050. While it may not place you among the top scorers, it still provides a useful benchmark for assessing your college admissions options.

In this post, we’ll break down what a 980 SAT score really means, consider whether retaking the test could boost your chances, highlight colleges that typically align with this score range, and offer practical strategies to strengthen your overall application.

• How Good Is a 980 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 980 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your 980 SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 980 SAT Score?

Is 980 a good SAT score good? Generally, a 980 SAT score is considered below the national average. The score places you around the 44th percentile, meaning you scored higher than roughly 44% of test-takers.

While this may feel discouraging, it’s important to keep things in perspective. A 980 SAT score is only slightly below the average of 1050 and still leaves room for many college opportunities.

That said, if your goal is highly selective schools—like Ivy League universities or top 50 national institutions—you’ll need to adjust your expectations. These schools usually expect SAT scores well above 1440, often reaching 1550 or higher, making a 980 SAT score far from competitive for those campuses.

To help you better understand your options, let’s take a look at a comparison table of average SAT scores at Ivy League schools:

As we’ve seen, a 980 SAT score falls well below the typical range for Ivy League institutions. Most of these schools report middle 50% SAT scores between 1440 and 1580, meaning even students at the lower end of that range are scoring significantly higher.

With a 980 SAT score, gaining admission to top-tier universities is a steep challenge, especially at schools that still place strong emphasis on standardized test results. In these competitive admissions processes, every part of your application—grades, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations—matters, and test scores remain a critical component.

The good news is that many colleges now offer test-optional policies, giving more weight to your overall achievements and personal story. You might also consider retaking the SAT to raise your score or focus on strengthening other areas of your application.

By understanding where your 980 SAT score positions you, you can make informed decisions about your next steps—whether that means building a realistic college list, planning a retake, or enhancing other parts of your application to boost your chances.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 980 SAT Score

Wondering where a 980 SAT score can take you? While it falls below the national average, many colleges and universities still welcome students in this score range. Let’s explore the types of schools where your 980 SAT score could make you a competitive applicant:

Students with a 980 SAT score still have strong college options, especially at schools that are test-optional or use a holistic admissions process.

Many of the schools mentioned above are regional or liberal arts institutions that emphasize accessibility and inclusivity in their admissions processes, which is why they may consider applicants with a 980 SAT score.

Institutions like Georgia State University, Texas State University, Kean University, Virginia Union University, and Central State University consider GPA, essays, and extracurriculars alongside test scores, allowing students with lower SAT results to remain competitive.

Similarly, liberal arts colleges such as Albion College, Elmhurst College, Trinity Christian College, and the University of Saint Joseph prioritize well-rounded applicants, personal statements, and community involvement over standardized testing.

The University of Illinois Springfield also evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic performance and personal achievements.

In short, a 980 SAT score doesn’t close doors. By highlighting strengths in other areas of your application, you can still gain admission to a variety of colleges that value potential beyond test scores.

Here’s a quick overview of the top five schools:

• Georgia State University. A large public research university known for its strong programs in business, public health, and criminal justice. It stands out for its diverse student body and urban campus, offering numerous opportunities for internships and industry connections in Atlanta.
• Texas State University. A public university celebrated for its programs in education, business, and engineering. Located between Austin and San Antonio, it provides students with access to vibrant cultural and professional opportunities. The university is also known for its research in environmental science and freshwater ecology.
• Kean University. Recognized for its strong education, nursing, and business programs. It emphasizes experiential learning through internships and research opportunities. The university also stands out for its diverse community and commitment to social mobility.
• Virginia Union University. A historically Black university with notable programs in business, social work, and performing arts. It is known for fostering leadership and civic engagement among students. The university emphasizes a supportive, community-focused learning environment.
• Central State University. An HBCU recognized for its programs in agriculture, education, and STEM fields. The university emphasizes student success through small class sizes and personalized support. It is also known for its strong tradition of community service and leadership development.

Should You Retake the SAT?

If you’ve scored a 980 SAT, you might be wondering whether it’s worth retaking the test. While a 980 is a solid starting point, improving your score could open doors to more colleges and strengthen your overall application—especially if you’re aiming for schools with higher average SAT ranges.

Why consider retaking the SAT

You should consider retaking the SAT if you want to:

• Aim for higher-tier colleges. A 980 SAT score may limit options at schools with higher averages.
• Boost your score. Focused prep can improve your score by 50–200 points.
• Strengthen your application. Higher SAT scores complement grades, essays, and extracurriculars.
• Overcome test-day issues. Retaking helps if stress or mistakes affected your first score.
• Qualify for scholarships. Some merit-based awards require scores above 980.
• Master weak areas. Targeted study can showcase your true academic ability.

When a retake may not be necessary

You may want to skip retaking the SAT if you’re:

• Applying to test-optional schools. Here, submitting your SAT score is not required. If you believe your 980 SAT score doesn’t fully represent your potential, you can focus on other aspects of your application, like your GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities. Schools such as Amherst College and Swarthmore offer this option.
• Applying to test-blind schools. Here, SAT scores are not considered at all. The University of California system, for example, has a test-blind policy.

If your target schools are highly selective or require higher SAT scores, it may be wiser to focus on enhancing other aspects of your application. With a 980 SAT score, you can still make a strong impression by crafting a compelling personal statement, securing impactful letters of recommendation, and showcasing your unique achievements.

How to Improve Your 980 SAT Score

Is 980 a good SAT score? While it may be below the national average, there’s plenty of room for improvement with the right strategy. In this section, we’ll explore proven methods to boost your SAT score.

Whether you’re aiming for a higher score or simply want to perform your best, these tips will help you take your SAT preparation to the next level.

1. Set a realistic target score.

If you currently have a 980 SAT score, aim for a target that aligns with the middle 50% range of your preferred colleges. For highly selective schools, this might mean setting your sights on 1440 or higher. Having a clear goal helps you structure your prep effectively.

2. Maximize official practice tools.

Use the College Board’s official resources, including their partnership with Khan Academy, for personalized, free SAT practice. These tools offer practice questions, instructional videos, and full-length tests tailored to your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Take timed, full-length practice exams.

Simulate real test conditions with full-length, timed tests. This builds stamina and familiarity with the SAT format. Review each test carefully to learn from mistakes and pinpoint areas for improvement.

4. Target your weakest sections.

Focus extra effort on the subjects where your 980 SAT score is lowest, whether it’s math, reading, or writing. Concentrated practice on weaker areas can result in significant score gains.

5. Stick to a consistent study schedule.

Short, regular study sessions often outperform occasional marathon sessions. Schedule distraction-free prep time each week to maintain steady progress.

6. Analyze and learn from errors.

After each practice session, carefully examine incorrect answers. Understanding why you missed questions and how to correct them is crucial to boosting your score.

7. Master time management.

During practice tests, work on pacing yourself to ensure you have enough time to answer all questions. Avoid spending too much time on any single question, as this can negatively impact your overall score. Know the structure and pacing:

• Reading & Writing: 54 questions in 64 minutes (~1:11 per question)
• Math: 44 questions in 70 minutes (~1:36 per question)

Simulate real test conditions with full-length practice tests every 2–3 weeks to improve your speed, endurance, and comfort with the format.

8. Plan ahead and register early.

Popular test dates and locations can fill quickly. Register early and create a prep schedule based on your test date to stay on track toward improving your 980 SAT score.

9. Prioritize your health.

Sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet play a major role in focus and stress management. Maintaining your physical and mental well-being supports optimal brain performance.

10. Consider working with a tutor.

If self-study isn’t enough, a tutor can offer personalized guidance, identify your weak spots, and provide targeted strategies to help raise your 980 SAT score efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 980 SAT score good?

A 980 is generally not a good SAT score. It places you around the 44th percentile, meaning you scored higher than only 44% of test-takers.

2. What is a 980 SAT to ACT score equivalent?

A 980 on the SAT is equivalent to an 18 on the ACT.

3. Is a 980 SAT score good enough for Ivy League schools?

A 980 SAT score is well below the typical range for Ivy League schools. While test-optional policies at some Ivy League schools do give more weight to other parts of your application—like grades, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations—a 980 SAT score alone is unlikely to make you competitive.

If your goal is the Ivy League, you would either need to retake the SAT and aim for a much higher score and focus on building an exceptionally strong overall application.

Takeaways

• A 980 SAT score is generally not a good SAT score. It is lower than the national average and puts you in the 44th percentile.
• While a 980 SAT score may not unlock opportunities at the most competitive schools, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s only one aspect of your application. Many colleges still consider your score, and with the growing number of test-optional or test-blind schools, you have more flexibility in how you present your qualifications.
• Some of the standout schools you can apply to with a 980 SAT score include: Georgia State University, Texas State University, Kean University, Virginia Union University, and Central State University.
• If you’re determined to improve your score, focusing on your weaknesses, staying consistent with your study plan, and considering a retake could help boost your chances.
• Want to improve your SAT score to improve your chances of getting into your dream school? Check out our private consulting program for personalized and expert guidance.