Is 1070 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

Got your SAT results and wondering, “Is 1070 a good SAT score?” You’re not alone. Your SAT score plays a big role in college admissions, scholarships, and future job opportunities, so it’s normal to question where you stand.

This blog will break everything down for you. We’ll review how a 1070 SAT score compares to other test-takers, which colleges accept a 1070, whether you should retake the test, and how to improve your score if needed.

• How Good Is a 1070 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1070 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1070 SAT Score?

A 1070 SAT score isn’t bad, but it’s not top-tier. To understand where you stand, you need to look at percentiles. Percentiles show how your score compares to other students who took the test.

• Nationally representative percentile. A 1070 places you in the 61st percentile, meaning you scored higher than 61% of all U.S. high school students, including those who don’t typically take the SAT.
• User group percentile. A 1070 places you in the 58th percentile among students who actually took the SAT in recent years, meaning you scored higher than 58% of them.

Since the average SAT score is around 1050, your 1070 puts you just above that mark. While it won’t guarantee admission to highly competitive schools, it’s still a solid score that can get you into many great colleges.

If you’re dreaming of Ivy League or other highly competitive schools, though, a 1070 is on the lower side. Check out the SAT score ranges for some of the toughest colleges to get into:

Looking at these numbers, you might think, “Whoa, that’s way higher than my score!” Don’t stress. The SAT is just one part of your college application, and many schools are now test-optional.

If you have a strong application overall, skipping the SAT score won’t necessarily hurt your chances. On the flip side, if you think your 1070 highlights your academic strengths, go ahead and submit it!

Colleges You Can Get into with a 1070 SAT Score

A 1070 SAT score gives you a good shot at various colleges. Here are some schools where you’d be a competitive applicant:

1. Clark Atlanta University

Acceptance rate: 65%

SAT range: 880-1120

If you’re looking for a school with a strong sense of community and a rich history, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) could be a perfect fit. Located in the heart of Atlanta, CAU is part of the Atlanta University Center, the largest consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country. That means many networking opportunities, cultural events, and a vibrant social scene.

CAU is especially known for its business, communications, and social sciences programs. If you’re into media, their Mass Media Arts program is one of the best, with a strong focus on journalism, digital media, and public relations. Plus, being in Atlanta, home to major media companies and Fortune 500 headquarters, gives you access to amazing internship opportunities.

2. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

Acceptance rate: 90%

SAT range: 910-1180

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a great choice for a big-school experience with a small-town feel. The Carbondale campus is surrounded by nature, making it a great place if you love hiking, biking, or just chilling outdoors.

Academically, SIU is strong in aviation, engineering, and business. If you’re into flying, their Aviation Management and Flight program is one of the best in the country. With a focus on hands-on learning, SIU provides internship opportunities and research projects that give students real-world experience.

3. University of North Texas

Acceptance rate: 72%

SAT range: 980-1230

Creativity and innovation are big deals at the University of North Texas (UNT). Located in Denton, Texas, UNT is known for its music, arts, and business programs. If you love music, their College of Music is one of the top-ranked in the country, and the campus has a lively music scene with concerts and festivals year-round.

Beyond the arts, UNT also has strong business and engineering programs. With its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth, you’ll have access to major corporations, tech companies, and startups for internships and job opportunities. Plus, the campus has a fun, laid-back vibe with plenty of activities to keep you busy.

4. Texas State University

Acceptance rate: 89%

SAT range: 980-1190

If you want a mix of city life and outdoor adventures, Texas State University (TXST) is a great option. The campus is located in San Marcos, Texas, along the San Marcos River, where students go tubing and kayaking between classes.

Academically, TXST is known for its education, business, and health sciences programs. Its education program is one of the best in Texas, making it a great choice if you’re planning to become a teacher. TXST also has strong connections to Austin and San Antonio, which means lots of job and internship opportunities in tech, government, and healthcare.

5. University of Nevada, Reno

Acceptance rate: 85%

SAT range: 1070-1310

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is perfect if you want a school with a beautiful campus, strong academics, and access to outdoor adventure. Reno is just a short drive from Lake Tahoe, so if you love skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, you’ll have endless options for weekend fun.

UNR is particularly strong in engineering, journalism, and business. Their Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering is highly regarded. If you’re into journalism, the Reynolds School of Journalism offers amazing hands-on experience in digital media and broadcasting.

Should You Retake the SAT?

Deciding whether to retake the SAT depends on your goals. Consider your target school’s score range and scholarship opportunities to make an informed decision. Here’s how to figure it out:

Reasons to retake the SAT

• You want to apply to more competitive schools. If your dream college has an average SAT score of 1200 or higher, retaking the SAT could boost your chances.
• You didn’t prepare much for the first test. A structured study plan could help you raise your score if you took the SAT without much studying.
• You need a higher score for scholarships. Some schools offer merit-based scholarships for students with scores above a certain threshold.

Reasons to keep your score

• Your target schools accept a 1070. You may not need to retake the test if your chosen colleges already accept students within this score range.
• You’d rather focus on other application strengths. Your GPA, extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and essays can make up for a lower SAT score.
• You’ve already taken the test multiple times. If your score hasn’t improved after several attempts, you may want to focus on other parts of your application.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you decide to retake the SAT, here are some strategies to help you boost your score and achieve your target percentile:

1. Identify your weak areas.

The first step is figuring out what’s tripping you up. Take a full-length practice test and go over your mistakes. Are you struggling with tricky algebra problems? Running out of time on the reading section? Once you know what needs work, you can focus your studying on the areas that will make the biggest impact.

2. Study smarter, not harder.

Instead of cramming for hours, set up a consistent schedule and aim for 3-4 weekly study sessions. You don’t have to do it alone. The College Board and Khan Academy offer free official SAT prep materials, including practice questions and personalized study plans. Take advantage of them!

3. Use test-taking strategies.

Even if you don’t know the answer, you can improve your chances using smart strategies. Eliminate wrong answers to increase the odds of guessing correctly. Manage your time by skipping tough questions and coming back later. And make sure you’re familiar with different question types so nothing catches you off guard on test day.

4. Take full-length practice tests.

Practicing in real test conditions will boost your confidence and stamina. Try to take at least 3-4 full-length SAT practice tests before test day. Treat them like the actual exam. Use a timer, follow the breaks, and take them in a quiet space. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel when it’s time for the real thing.

5. Consider a tutor or SAT prep course.

If you’re struggling to improve independently, a tutor or structured SAT prep course might be worth looking into. They can provide personalized strategies, tips, and feedback tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Some schools even offer free prep programs, so check out your options!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 1070 SAT score actually good?

It depends on what you’re aiming for. A 1070 is slightly above average, so it’s not bad! You’re in the 58th percentile of SAT test-takers, which means you did better than over half of them. You’ll probably need a higher score if you’re aiming for highly competitive schools. But for many solid colleges, a 1070 is acceptable. If you’re happy with your school options, you might not need to retake it!

2. Can I get into a good college with a 1070 SAT score?

Absolutely! There are plenty of great schools where a 1070 puts you in a competitive range. Schools like Clark Atlanta University, Texas State, and the University of Nevada, Reno, are just a few options where you’d be a strong applicant. Plus, many colleges are test-optional now, so if your grades, extracurriculars, and essays are solid, you can still get into amazing schools even without submitting your SAT score.

3. How much can I improve my SAT score if I retake it?

On average, students who put in solid study time improve their scores by about 100-200 points. If you didn’t study much the first time, you might see an even bigger jump with focused prep. The key is figuring out where you lost points (math, reading, timing issues?) and working on those areas specifically. Taking full-length practice tests and using free resources like Khan Academy can make a huge difference.

4. Should I focus on raising my SAT score?

It depends on where you want to go. If your dream school has a higher SAT average, boosting your score could help. But colleges look at way more than just test scores. Your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters play a big role. If your SAT is good enough for your target schools, focusing on things like a strong personal statement or standout activities might be better instead of stressing over a few extra SAT points.

Takeaways

• A 1070 SAT score puts you in the 58th percentile, meaning you did better than 58% of students who took the test, and you’re slightly above the national average of 1050.
• With a 1070, you can still get into plenty of great colleges, including Texas State University and the University of Nevada, Reno.
• Retaking the SAT makes sense if you’re aiming for more competitive schools or scholarships, but if your target colleges accept 1070, you might not need to.
• If you want to boost your score, focus on your weak areas, use test-taking strategies, and take full-length practice tests to improve your confidence and performance.
• Want to turn your 1070 SAT score into a competitive edge? A college admissions expert can help you boost your score, refine your application, and maximize your chances at top schools!