Is 1010 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

So, you received a 1010 SAT score—now what? Is 1010 a good SAT score, or should you be thinking about a retake?

Your next steps depend on what kind of schools you’re aiming for. A solid score means you can shift your focus to other parts of your application, while a lower score might mean it’s time to hit the books again. Of course, SAT scores aren’t everything—extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations also matter—but they’re still a key factor.

In this guide, we’ll break down whether a 1010 is a good SAT score, what it means for your college options, and whether retaking the test is the right move for you. Let’s dive in!

• How Good Is a 1010 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1010 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1010 SAT Score?

Getting a 1010 SAT score places you around the 49th percentile, meaning you did better than 49% of test-takers. That’s slightly lower than the national average (1050), and while it’s good enough for admission to many colleges, it might not be competitive for more selective schools.

Each year, the definition of a “good” SAT score shifts as more students apply to competitive programs. For highly selective schools, the median SAT scores are often well above 1300 or even 1400, meaning applicants with a 1010 SAT score would likely need strong extracurriculars, essays, and GPA to compensate.

Why is a 1010 SAT score considered acceptable at some schools but not at others? It all comes down to where you’re applying. Many regional universities and less competitive colleges accept students with scores in this range, but if you’re aiming for more selective schools—especially the Ivies or elite private colleges—a 1010 may not be enough to stand out.

To give you a better idea of how competitive Ivy League admissions are, here’s a look at their typical SAT score ranges:

If you compare a 1010 SAT score to the average scores of admitted students at Ivy League schools, the difference is quite substantial. A 1010 SAT score falls well below the middle 50% range for these institutions—often by 430 to 570 points.

This means that gaining admission with this score would be extremely rare unless you have outstanding extracurriculars, exceptional essays, or unique personal circumstances that set you apart.

That said, a 1010 SAT score can still get you into a good college! Many universities accept students with this score, and an increasing number of schools have test-optional policies, meaning your application can be competitive even without SAT scores.

The key is researching schools where your score aligns with their admissions criteria and focusing on other aspects of your application to strengthen your chances.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 1010 SAT Score

Wondering what colleges you can get into with a 1010 SAT score? While this score is slightly below the national average, plenty of great schools accept students in this range.

1. Georgia State University 

Acceptance rate: 52%

Average tuition cost: $4,742 (in-state)

SAT range: 900-1200

If you’re looking for a vibrant, urban college experience, Georgia State University (GSU) might be the perfect fit. Located in the heart of Atlanta, GSU offers strong programs in business, computer science, and healthcare, making it a great choice if you want access to internships and job opportunities in a major metropolitan area.

One of the coolest things about GSU is its commitment to student success—it has been nationally recognized for helping students from all backgrounds graduate at higher rates. You’ll also be studying in a city filled with Fortune 500 companies, music hubs, and cultural landmarks.

Famous alumni? Ludacris, the award-winning rapper and actor, got his start here, along with CNN anchor Robin Meade.

2. Texas State University

Acceptance rate: 89%

Average tuition cost: $12,220 (in-state)

SAT range: 990-1180

At Texas State University, you’ll find the perfect balance of college-town charm and big-school energy. Located in San Marcos, halfway between Austin and San Antonio, Texas State is known for its education, business, and criminal justice programs. If you love the outdoors, you’ll be right at home—the San Marcos River runs through campus, making tubing and kayaking popular activities.

Texas State also boasts one of the largest student populations in Texas, so you’ll never run out of ways to get involved. And here’s a fun fact—President Lyndon B. Johnson is an alum, making Texas State the only Texas university to have produced a U.S. president!

3. Kean University

Acceptance rate: 77%

Average tuition cost: $7,150 (in-state)

SAT range: 910-1150

If you want a high-quality education near the opportunities of New York City—without the sky-high tuition—Kean University is worth a look. Located in Union, New Jersey, just a short train ride from NYC, Kean is known for its education, psychology, and business programs. One of its standout features is Kean Ocean, a partnership with Ocean County College that lets students earn a four-year degree at a lower cost.

Kean is also home to Liberty Hall Museum, where you can explore Revolutionary War-era history right on campus! Notable alumni include actor Kal Penn and New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Jaynee LaVecchia.

4. Virginia Union University

Acceptance rate: 98%

Average tuition cost: $5,265

SAT range: 750-1010

Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia Union University (VUU) combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to social justice and leadership. This HBCU has a tight-knit campus that encourages students to make an impact both inside and outside the classroom.

VUU is known for its business, criminal justice, theology, and cybersecurity programs. Civil rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker and Congressman Henry Marsh are two of its famous alumni.

5. Rust College

Acceptance rate: 79%

Average tuition cost: $6,692

SAT range: 440-1339

Rust College is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country, and its small but mighty community is all about promoting student success. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, you’ll get the personalized attention you need to thrive.

Rust College has strong programs in biology, business administration, education, and social work. The inspiring journalist and civil rights activist, Ida B. Wells, studied at Rust!

Should You Retake the SAT?

A 1010 SAT score is slightly below the national average (typically around 1050), but whether you should retake it depends on the colleges you’re aiming for.

When to retake

You might want to retake the SAT if your target schools have higher score ranges. Many competitive colleges have middle 50% SAT scores above 1200-1300, so improving your score could increase your chances of admission.

If you have time to prepare and can focus on your weak areas, you might be able to boost your score by 200-300 points. This could also unlock scholarship opportunities, as many schools offer merit-based financial aid for students scoring 1200 or higher.

When to skip the retake

However, retaking the SAT might not be necessary if your schools are test-optional or if your 1010 aligns with their average SAT range. Many colleges no longer require standardized test scores, so you might be better off focusing on your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars to strengthen your application.

Additionally, if you’ve already prepared extensively and standardized testing isn’t your strong suit, it may be smarter to invest your time elsewhere rather than stressing over another SAT attempt.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you want to boost your 1010 SAT score, here are some of our tried and tested strategies:

1. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

If your SAT score isn’t what you hoped for, it’s okay to feel a little disappointed—especially after all the effort you put into studying. But a 1010 is still a solid score, and plenty of colleges accept students in this range.

More importantly, it’s a great starting point for improvement if you decide to retake the test. Take a deep breath, stay positive, and remember—you have options!

2. Take a break if you need one.

If you’ve been studying non-stop, now might be the perfect time to step back and recharge. A mental reset can help you come back more focused and motivated for your next attempt. Just make sure to keep an eye on college application deadlines so you have enough time to retake the test if needed.

3. Reflect on your prep.

Be honest with yourself—how much did you actually prepare? If you didn’t study much, putting in more effort next time could lead to a big score boost. If you did study but didn’t see the results you wanted, think about what worked, what didn’t, and how you can adjust your strategy for better results.

To prepare effectively for the SAT, it’s important to understand the test’s structure and manage your time wisely. The SAT consists of two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The Reading and Writing section includes 54 questions to be completed in 64 minutes, averaging about 1 minute and 11 seconds per question. The Math section comprises 44 questions over 70 minutes, allowing approximately 1 minute and 35 seconds per question.

Pro tip: Take a practice SAT one month before your test date to see where you stand.

4. Pick a new test date.

If you’re ready to try again, go ahead and sign up for another SAT date that fits your schedule. Just make sure you have enough time to prepare properly and get your scores back before college applications are due.

5. Get ready to improve your score.

With plenty of room for improvement, a higher SAT score is definitely within reach! Here’s how to make the most of your prep time:

• Strengthen your vocabulary. A strong vocabulary helps with reading comprehension and answering questions quickly. Start reviewing common SAT words to sharpen your skills.
• Always answer every question. There’s no penalty for guessing, so even if you’re unsure, make an educated guess instead of leaving it blank.
• Stick to a study routine. Consistency is key! Even a few hours per week can make a big difference if you stay committed.
• Use official SAT prep materials. The College Board’s practice tests are the closest thing to the real exam, so use them to get familiar with question types and test format.
• Consider a tutor or prep course. A tutor can provide personalized guidance and help you target your weaknesses more efficiently. They can also teach you test-taking strategies that can maximize your score.

No matter what, a 1010 SAT score doesn’t define you, and there are plenty of great colleges where you can thrive. If you’re happy with your score, focus on strengthening the other parts of your application. If you want to aim higher, set a plan and go for it—you’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 1010 SAT score good?

Whether a 1010 is “good” depends on your college goals. If you’re aiming for highly selective universities, you might need a higher score to be competitive. However, if your target schools have average SAT scores in this range, a 1010 could be perfectly fine.

2. What is 1010 SAT to ACT score?

A 1010 SAT score is equivalent to an ACT composite score of 19.

3. Is the SAT harder than the ACT?

It depends on your strengths. The SAT focuses more on reading comprehension and problem-solving, while the ACT is faster-paced and includes a science section. The SAT also allows more time per question, but the math section has some no-calculator questions.

If you struggle with timing, the SAT might be a better fit, but if you prefer straightforward questions, the ACT may be easier.

Takeaways

• A SAT score of 1010 places you in the 49th percentile.
• Some of the schools you can apply to with a 1010 SAT score include Georgia State University, Rust College, and Texas State University.
• While 1010 may not be competitive for highly selective schools, it’s still a solid foundation—especially if you have strong grades, extracurriculars, and essays to support your application.
• Want to improve your SAT score to improve your chances of getting into top universities? Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring services for personalized and expert guidance.