Is 1050 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

If you received a 1050 SAT score, you’re probably wondering if that’s good enough. It’s a big deal because it shapes your next moves. A strong score lets you shift focus to other parts of your application, but a weaker score might mean you need to consider retaking the test.

Of course, admissions decisions aren’t just about SAT scores, but they do carry a lot of weight. In this blog, we’ll dig into whether a 1050 SAT score stacks up, what steps you should take next, whether retaking is a good idea, and how you can use your results wisely.

• How Good Is a 1050 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1050 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1050 SAT Score?

Scoring a 1050 on the SAT puts you right around the national average—and in the 55th percentile—which means you did better than half of the students who took the test. That’s a solid starting point, especially if you’re looking at public universities or less competitive colleges where scores in this range are commonly accepted.

But here’s the thing: what counts as a “good” SAT score really depends on where you’re applying. Each year, more students aim for top-tier programs, and that shifts the expectations. At highly selective schools—think Ivies or elite private colleges—the average SAT scores are usually much higher, often in the 1300 to 1500+ range.

So if those schools are on your list, a 1050 SAT score alone probably won’t cut it. You’d need to lean heavily on strong essays, extracurriculars, and a high GPA to help balance things out.

To help put things into perspective, let’s take a look at the typical SAT score ranges for Ivy League schools so you can see how your score compares:

If you compare a 1050 SAT score to the average scores of admitted students at Ivy League schools, the difference is quite substantial. A 1050 SAT score falls well below the middle 50% range for these institutions—often by around 400 to 500 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 1050 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 1050 SAT Score

Wondering what colleges you can get into with a 1050 SAT score? Here are some of the best schools you can apply to:

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. Howard University

Acceptance rate: 35%

Average tuition cost: $35,810

SAT range: 1060-1290

As one of the most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Howard University has been an institution for Black excellence and leadership for over 150 years.

Known for its strong programs in law, business, and the arts, Howard consistently produces top professionals in a variety of fields. Its School of Communications has trained some of the biggest names in media, while its College of Medicine is a leading force in healthcare education.

What makes Howard truly special is its deep-rooted history in civil rights and social justice, with graduates who have shaped politics, culture, and activism. Notable alumni include Vice President Kamala Harris and author Ta-Nehisi Coates.

5. Savannah College of Art and Design

Acceptance rate: 84%

Average tuition cost: $42,165

SAT range: 1050-1280

If you dream of turning your creativity into a career, SCAD is one of the best places to do it. This top-ranked art and design school offers cutting-edge programs in fashion, animation, architecture, and digital media, with strong industry connections that help students land jobs at companies like Disney, Pixar, and Vogue. SCAD’s state-of-the-art facilities include the SCAD Digital Media Center and The Hive, a collaborative space for student innovation.

The university is also famous for its annual SCAD Film Festival, which attracts A-list celebrities and gives students direct exposure to the entertainment industry. Notable alumni include fashion designer Christopher John Rogers, filmmaker Julie Dash, and Johanna Ottosson, an acclaimed game artist for Ubisoft.

Should You Retake the SAT?

Whether you should retake the SAT with a 1050 SAT score 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 1050 SAT score 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.

Also, 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 do think about retaking the SAT, careful preparation is key. Here’s how you can maximize your efforts and aim even higher:

1. Identify your weaknesses.

Your SAT score report is your best tool for improvement—it highlights exactly where you struggled. Whether it’s time management, stress handling, or specific question types, pinpointing patterns in your mistakes is crucial.

The SAT assesses five key skills:

• Performing under pressure
• Managing time effectively
• Understanding and following instructions
• Scanning for key information
• Problem-solving creatively

If you haven’t taken the SAT yet, don’t worry! Practice tests from the College Board and Khan Academy can give you similar insights.

2. Find the best learning strategy for you.

Before jumping into prep, ask yourself: How do I learn best?

• Do you prefer interactive instruction or self-study?
• Do you retain information better through visual aids or auditory explanations?
• Do you thrive in structured environments, or do you need flexibility?

Whether you excel with hands-on engagement or prefer solitary study sessions—knowing your preferences will empower you to tailor your approach and optimize your study habits.

3. Set a target score.

Aiming high is great, but set a realistic and strategic goal based on your dream schools:

• A 1450+ SAT score places you in the top 4-6% of test-takers, making you competitive for many top universities.
• For Ivy League schools, the average admitted SAT score is around 1500-1550, so you may need a bigger boost.

4. Register early.

SAT test centers fill up fast, especially in major cities. Register as soon as possible to secure a convenient location and avoid unnecessary travel stress on test day.

5. Stick to a study plan.

Cramming won’t cut it. Start preparing at least two months in advance with a structured schedule:

• Take full-length practice tests every few weeks to gauge progress.
• Focus on weak areas instead of just reviewing everything.
• Practice under timed conditions to simulate test day.

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

6. Track your progress.

Studying for hours doesn’t guarantee improvement—analyzing your mistakes does.

• Identify consistent errors (like always missing algebra-based math problems).
• Use a score tracker to see which sections improve over time.
• Adjust your strategy based on performance trends.

7. Prioritize self-care.

• Your brain needs rest and fuel to perform at its best.
• Sleep at least 8-9 hours per night—even pro athletes swear by it.
• Eat brain-boosting foods (protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs).
• Stay hydrated to keep your mind sharp.

8. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Even legendary athletes like Michael Jordan didn’t start at the top—they got there through consistent effort. Every practice test and study session builds your skills. Progress happens in small steps, so don’t get discouraged by occasional setbacks.

9. Retake the SAT (if needed!).

If you’re not satisfied with your score, retaking the SAT could be a game-changer. We recommend taking it 2-3 times max to avoid burnout.

10. Hire a private tutor.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 1050 SAT score good?

Whether a 1050 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 1050 could be perfectly fine.

2. What is 1050 SAT to ACT score?

A 1050 SAT score is equivalent to an ACT composite score of 20.

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

• While a 1050 SAT score 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.
• Some of the top schools you can apply to with a 1050 SAT score include Georgia State University, Texas State University, and Kean University.
• Our SAT/ACT tutors can help you develop the best strategies to tackle the SAT and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.