If you got an 1130 SAT score, you’re probably wondering, “Is this a good score?” And more importantly, “What should I do next?” A solid score means you can shift your focus to the rest of your application, while a lower one might have you considering a retake.
Every year, around 2 million high schoolers take the SAT, hoping to boost their chances of getting into their dream schools. Along with the ACT, it’s designed to give admissions officers a sense of how well you might handle college-level coursework.
Your SAT score plays a big role in college admissions. It’s not the only factor, but it can definitely make a difference. The higher your score, the better your chances at more competitive schools. So, is an 1130 SAT score enough? Should you retake the test? And where can you apply with that score? Let’s break it all down so you can make the best decision for your college journey.
- How Good Is an 1130 SAT Score?
- Colleges You Can Get into with an 1130 SAT Score
- Should You Retake the SAT?
- How to Improve Your SAT Score
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
How Good Is an 1130 SAT Score?
Scoring an 1130 on the SAT puts you in the 67th percentile—which means you’ve scored higher than 67% of test-takers. That’s not bad at all! You’re above average, and for many colleges, this score is solid. But if you’re aiming for highly competitive schools, it might not be enough to make you stand out.
Here’s where things get a little tricky. Why is an 1130 SAT score considered just okay at some schools but totally acceptable at others? It all depends on where you’re applying. More selective colleges—especially those in the top 50 or Ivy League range—tend to attract students with much higher SAT scores. In that competitive pool, an 1130 SAT score might not be strong enough to boost your application.
Each year, the definition of a “good” SAT score keeps shifting, especially as more students aim for top-tier schools. At highly selective universities, the median SAT scores are usually well above 1350, often reaching into the 1500+ range.
To give you a better idea of how competitive Ivy League admissions are, here’s a look at their typical SAT score ranges:
| School | 25th Percentile SAT Composite | 50th Percentile SAT Composite | 75th Percentile SAT Composite |
| Harvard | 1500 | 1550 | 1580 |
| Yale | 1500 | 1540 | 1560 |
| Princeton | 1510 | 1540 | 1560 |
| Columbia | 1470 | 1495 | 1530 |
| UPenn | 1500 | 1540 | 1570 |
| Brown | 1500 | 1530 | 1560 |
| Cornell | 1470 | 1520 | 1550 |
| Dartmouth | 1440 | 1520 | 1560 |
If you compare an 1130 SAT score to the average SAT scores of admitted students at Ivy League schools, the gap is quite significant. An 1130 SAT score falls well below the middle 50% of admitted students at these schools—by 300 to 450 points. This suggests that admission with this score would be extremely rare unless other factors (such as exceptional extracurriculars, strong essays, or unique personal circumstances) make up for it.
But that doesn’t mean an 1130 SAT score won’t get you into a great college! Plenty of schools accept students with this score, and some even have test-optional policies.
Colleges You Can Get into with an 1130 SAT Score
Scored an 1130 on the SAT and wondering what colleges are within reach? While this score may not land you in the Ivy League, plenty of great schools welcome students with an 1130 SAT score. Let’s explore some of the best colleges that fit your range!
1. Arizona State University
Average tuition cost: $33,270 (in-state)
SAT range: 1120-1380
If you’re considering Arizona State University (ASU), you’re in for a campus experience in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. ASU is known for its innovative spirit and commitment to cutting-edge research across disciplines. They offer a wide range of programs, but their sustainability initiatives and business programs stand out.
ASU is also home to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, a training ground for future media leaders. Notable alumni include CEO of GoDaddy Blake Irving and astronaut Bruce McCandless II.
2. University of Alabama
Average tuition cost: $31,858 (in-state)
SAT range: 1110-1360
If you’re looking for a school that integrates strong academics with powerhouse athletics, the University of Alabama (UA) delivers on both fronts. UA boasts top-notch programs in engineering, business, and law, with their football team bringing home plenty of national championships.
The university’s STEM Path to MBA program is particularly impressive, allowing students to earn both a technical degree and an MBA in just five years. But what really sets Alabama apart is its deep-rooted football culture—game days in Bryant-Denny Stadium are an experience like no other.
Notable alumni include Harper Lee, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as famous athletes like Derrick Henry and Joe Namath.
3. University of Tampa
Average tuition cost: $34,408
SAT range: 1090-1260
The University of Tampa (UT) offers the perfect combination of academic excellence and waterfront living, making it a great choice for students who want both a rigorous education and an active lifestyle.
Business majors thrive here, especially in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, thanks to UT’s Sykes College of Business, which connects students to Tampa’s booming corporate scene. The university also has a strong focus on marine science, taking advantage of its coastal location for research and hands-on learning.
One of the most unique aspects of UT is its historic Plant Hall, a former luxury hotel that now serves as the university’s centerpiece. Famous alumni include actor Channing Tatum, sportscaster Jay Gruden, and Grammy-winning musician Aaron Gillespie.
4. Howard University
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
Average tuition cost: $41,630
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?
An 1130 SAT score is slightly above the national average (typically around 1050-1070), but whether you should retake it depends on the schools you’re aiming for.
When to retake the SAT
You should consider retaking the SAT if your target schools have higher SAT ranges. Many competitive colleges have middle 50% SAT scores above 1200-1300, and increasing your score could boost your chances of admission.
If you have time to prepare and can focus on improving weak areas, you might significantly raise your score, potentially by 100-200 points. This could also open up scholarship opportunities, as many schools offer merit-based financial aid to students with higher SAT scores, often starting at 1200 or 1300.
When to skip retaking
On the other hand, retaking the SAT may not be necessary if your schools are test-optional or if your score aligns with their average SAT range. Many colleges no longer require standardized test scores, meaning you could focus on strengthening other parts of your application, such as your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars.
Additionally, if you’ve already studied extensively and find that standardized testing isn’t your strong suit, it might be better to invest your time in other aspects of your college application rather than stressing over a retake.
How to Improve Your SAT Score
If you want to improve your 1130 SAT score, here are five effective strategies:
1. Identify weak areas and focus your study.
Review your SAT score breakdown to determine which sections need the most improvement. If math is your weakness, spend extra time on algebra and problem-solving. If reading is a challenge, practice comprehension and vocabulary strategies.
2. Follow a structured study plan.
Set a consistent study schedule and stick to it. Use official SAT practice tests from the College Board and aim to complete at least one full-length test per week. Track your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly.
3. Use high-quality study resources.
Invest in SAT prep books like those from The Princeton Review, Kaplan, or Barron’s. Online platforms like Khan Academy (which partners with the College Board) offer free, customized practice plans based on your previous SAT scores.
4. Improve time management and test-taking strategies.
Learn to pace yourself by practicing under timed conditions. Focus on eliminating wrong answer choices quickly, using process-of-elimination techniques, and understanding when to skip and return to difficult questions.
5. 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. Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring service for personalized guidance!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an 1130 SAT score good?
An 1130 SAT score is slightly above average, but whether it’s considered “good” depends on your college goals. The national average SAT score typically falls around 1050-1070, so an 1130 puts you ahead of many test-takers. However, for more competitive colleges, this score may be on the lower end.
2. What is 1130 SAT to ACT score?
An 1130 SAT score is equivalent to an ACT composite score of 23.
3. How many times should you take the SAT?
Most students take the SAT 2-3 times to maximize their score. Colleges typically consider your highest score, and some allow superscoring, which means they take the highest section scores across multiple test dates. However, taking it too many times (4+ attempts) may not be necessary unless you see significant improvement.
4. 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.
5. Should you take the SAT even if a college is test-optional?
Yes, if you think your SAT score will strengthen your application. Many test-optional schools still consider SAT scores for scholarships and admissions decisions. If your SAT score is within or above their average range, submitting it can give you an advantage. However, if your score is low, focusing on other aspects like your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars might be a better strategy.
Takeaways
- An 1130 SAT score is a solid starting point, placing you slightly above the national average. It can open doors to a wide range of colleges, especially those that are moderately selective or test-optional.
- If you’re aiming for more competitive schools or merit-based scholarships, retaking the test and improving your score might be a good strategy.
- Some of the schools you can apply to with an 1130 SAT score include Arizona State University, University of Alabama, and Howard University.
- Want to improve your 1130 SAT score? Book a free consultation with us today to learn more about our expert coaching and personalized advice.
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