Is 1200 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

You’ve just opened your SAT results, which is 1200. It’s not a low score, but you may have hoped for something higher. You might be asking: Is 1200 a good SAT score? Would it be enough to get into a good college, or should you retake the test?

With a 1200 SAT score, you’re well above average among test-takers. With 1028 as the national average, your score already puts you ahead of most. But what does it mean for your college prospects? Whether you’re trying to make sense of your score, checking out colleges, or considering a retake, this guide breaks it down to help you plan your next move. Let’s dive in!

• How Good Is a 1200 SAT Score?
• 1200 SAT to ACT Equivalent
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1200 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1200 SAT Score?

A 1200 SAT score places you in the 81st percentile nationally, meaning you outperformed 81% of high school juniors and seniors, even those who don’t usually take the test. While this isn’t considered a top-tier score, it still ranks you higher than a significant number of students. Out of 1600, a 1200 score reflects your math, reading, and writing aptitude and proves your readiness for college-level coursework.

With a 1200 SAT score, you have access to a wide range of colleges and universities, especially those with a more moderate admissions process. That said, your score might not be competitive for Ivy League schools and other top-tier universities. Here’s a quick rundown of the SAT ranges at the Ivies:

1200 is a decent enough SAT score, but how competitive it is depends on the colleges you’re interested in.

1200 SAT percentile

So how does a 1200 score rank among other scores, and how important is it in college admissions? Let’s take a look:

• National percentile. A 1200 SAT score ranks in the 81st percentile—landing you in the top 19% of 11th and 12th graders.
• User group percentile. You’re in the 76th percentile, which means you scored better than 76% of students who actually took the SAT in the last three years. With nearly 2 million students taking the SAT, your score positions you comfortably ahead, showcasing a strong performance compared to most.

While 1200 may not be a standout score, it gives you a good fighting chance for admission at many public and private universities across the country. It shows strong foundational knowledge and skills, which is crucial for success in any academic field.

Keep in mind that most schools review applications holistically, which means your SAT results are just one part of your application. A 1200 SAT score can be a promising start to your college application journey, especially when paired with an impressive GPA, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.

1200 SAT to ACT Equivalent

The ACT is another standardized test that aids in admissions by evaluating the academic ability of prospective students. A 1200 SAT score converts to a 25 ACT, a fairly good score that indicates a strong grasp of the subject areas covered.

While the SAT places high importance on vocabulary and critical reading skills, the ACT focuses on math and science. Most schools accept both SAT and ACT scores, so remember to choose the test that best highlights your abilities and strengths.

Understanding how ACT scores convert to SAT (and vice-versa) is important, as each college has specific score expectations. This information would help you know where you stand and where to improve to get into your target school.

Also, remember that many colleges practice superscoring, where they take your best scores across several test dates. If you decide to retake the test, you can combine your best performances for an overall higher score.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 1200 SAT Score

Here’s a list of top universities where a 1200 SAT score puts you in the running for admission. These reputable schools value quality education, from the curriculum to the faculty, and a 1200 score makes you a viable candidate.

Howard University

Acceptance rate: 35%

SAT range: 1110–1290

Howard is among the world’s best-known Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It has produced thousands of African-American graduates who have made a significant impact in many different areas of society, including actor Chadwick Boseman, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The university is a top spot for Black students who go on to excel in fields such as medicine, law, education, and engineering. As a result, admissions are competitive, and you’ll need to build a well-rounded application to wow admissions officers. Your 1200 SAT score already improves your shot at getting in, so focus on your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essay to make your application as strong as possible.

With a stunning campus in Washington, D.C., students have easy access to internships in the public and private sectors and plenty of opportunities to explore various career paths while in college. Howard is also a leader in STEM education, so consider this if you’re pursuing a medical or engineering degree. You can apply for the BISON STEM Scholar Program or explore more scholarships for Black females to help you achieve your goals.

University of Oklahoma

Acceptance rate: 76%

SAT range: 1140-1330

Do you want to study in a university with a “true college feel?” The University of Oklahoma boasts world-class academic programs, a vibrant campus life, and a strong culture of school spirit. Life as a Sooner means striking a balance between excelling academically and enjoying social activities, especially with over 500 university-wide student clubs and organizations.

The Great Reading Room, officially called the Peggy V. Helmerich Great Reading Room, provides students with a quiet study space amid beautifully carved architecture. This, in addition to the university’s many iconic campus buildings, makes it one of the many schools that look like Hogwarts.

OU is located in Norman, an affordable college town and one of the best places to live in America, according to TIME magazine. You’ll feel right at home here if you want a fulfilling college experience within a stunning campus and a diverse, tight-knit community.

Liberty University

Acceptance rate: 99%

SAT range: 1060-1300

If you’re passionate about religion, then Liberty University is a great choice. Liberty University’s School of Divinity stands out as one of the top colleges for religion, offering world-class education in biblical counseling, chaplaincy, and Christian ethics. The university encourages students to engage in community service and practical ministry opportunities to equip them with the values, knowledge, and skills to truly become Champions for Christ.

Apart from religion, Liberty also offers a variety of courses for those who are interested in integrating their Christian beliefs with a traditional liberal arts degree, such as history, psychology, and creative writing.

You’ll also be excited to learn that most of the university’s degrees are 100% online, which means you don’t need to move or travel to their Lynchburg campus to attend classes and receive superior education.

University of Alabama

Acceptance rate: 76%

SAT range: 1170-1400

The University of Alabama stands out for many reasons, from its legendary football team and giant Greek presence to its long history of academic achievement. Located in Tuscaloosa, the UA is the state’s flagship research institution, educating and graduating more students than any other school in Alabama.

UA is the perfect place for neurodivergent students, as the university offers specialized support services to help with academic, social, and daily living skills. If you’re a young athlete, you’ll also want to look into Alabama, as it’s the top college with the most NFL players. Its rigorous football program and high-level coaching can be a great starting point for your NFL career.

With a 76% acceptance rate and a record-breaking total enrollment of over 40,000 for the 2024 fall semester, Alabama admissions have become somewhat more selective in the past year. That means you’ll need to craft a balanced application that highlights your other strengths, such as your GPA, extracurricular involvement, and personal leadership qualities, in addition to your 1200 SAT score.

University of Kentucky

Acceptance rate: 92%

SAT range: 1080-1290

The University of Kentucky is a land-grant university with highly regarded agriculture, health sciences, and business programs. It’s one of only eight universities in the U.S. with a research center, teaching campus, and medical center in one central location, Lexington.

Founded in 1865, the UK’s student population and campus have grown significantly, making it the largest public university in the state. It offers more than 200 academic programs, so college-bound students like you can find plenty of available opportunities in different fields.

The University of Kentucky has a lively campus culture, including a thriving Greek life and a deep pride in school spirit, where watching a Wildcats basketball game is considered a rite of passage. It also has one of the best college dance teams in the country, with many former members eventually becoming NFL cheerleaders, if that’s something that interests you.

Should You Retake the SAT?

Choosing whether to retake the SAT after getting a 1200 score depends on your personal college goals. If you’re aiming to get into highly selective schools where the average SAT ranges are considerably higher, then retaking the test might be worth it. Generally, students can improve their scores by several points with dedicated preparation.

However, if a 1200 score is already in line with the colleges you’re interested in, then perhaps you can find other ways to boost your college application. As mentioned earlier, your SAT score is only one area that admissions officers look for. You’ll want to increase your GPA, build solid extracurriculars, and write an amazing essay to maximize your chances of getting into your dream school.

Many colleges have also adopted test-optional policies, meaning they don’t require SAT scores for admission. Check with your target schools to find out if they require or recommend submitting standardized test scores. This information will help you decide whether to retake the exam or focus on perfecting other aspects of your application.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you decide to retake the SAT, do your best to prepare and make the most of it by following these tips:

1. Analyze your previous performance.

Analyze your score report to identify your weakest points, then focus your study efforts on these areas to improve your overall performance and achieve your target score. Go over the sections or question types where you struggled the most, then allocate enough time to study them daily. If you prepare early, you’ll be able to understand and learn from your mistakes in a way that will ensure success.

2. Use official SAT resources.

Take advantage of the wealth of resources available to improve your SAT results, such as practice tests from the CollegeBoard and tailored study plans from Khan Academy. These resources mimic the actual test format, so you’ll be more familiar with the question types, length, and overall structure to give you more confidence on test day.

3. Practice regularly.

Take consistent, full-length practice tests to improve your pacing, time management, and stamina for test day. Practicing under real exam conditions can help reduce anxiety as you adjust your test-taking approach. Additionally, reviewing your performance after each practice exam can highlight patterns and common errors in specific topics or question types, which you can address early on to avoid repeating them on test day.

4. Get help from a tutor.

If you’re having a hard time understanding a particular topic or concept, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified tutor, teacher, or mentor. You can bank on their experience and expertise to help you gain clarity and find guidance to stay on track with your goals.

At AdmissionSight, our top-notch tutors can help you tackle the most challenging sections of the SAT through personalized strategies and support. Your tutor will work closely with you to identify your weak areas, build a solid grasp of the subjects, and practice effectively through mock exams. With our comprehensive SAT tutoring program, you’ll see a vast improvement in your score with just a few sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 1200 SAT score good?

A 1200 SAT score is above average and opens doors to many public and private universities. However, it’s important to weigh this against admissions requirements to determine if it’s enough to get you into your school of choice.

2. What percentile is a 1200 SAT score?

A SAT score of 1200 ranks in the 81st percentile nationally, meaning you are in the top 19% of 11th and 12th graders. This percentile demonstrates your above-average academic skills and makes you a competitive candidate for colleges with more moderate admissions requirements.

3. How does a 1200 SAT compare to the ACT?

A 1200 on the SAT converts to a roughly 25 ACT composite score. Both scores are above average, so you did well compared to other students. Some students perform better on one test than the other, so consider taking the exam that aligns with your abilities or learning style.

4. Should I retake the SAT if I scored a 1200?

If you’re not satisfied with a 1200 score on the SAT, you can always retake it and aim for a higher score. While 1200 is by no means a bad score, it may not be competitive for highly selective colleges. If you prepare well, a retake can improve your score and significantly strengthen your application.

Takeaways

• A 1200 SAT score places you in the 81st percentile, meaning you performed better than 81% of high school junior and senior students nationwide. The average SAT score is 1028, so 1200 is above average.
• A 1200 converts to roughly a 25 ACT score, showing you have a solid understanding of key subject areas.
• Some schools you can apply to are Howard University, University of Oklahoma, and University of Kentucky, where a 1200 score is considered competitive.
• If you want to get into more selective schools, consider retaking the SAT to improve your score and boost your application.
• Get expert guidance and individualized strategies through AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program to give you an edge in the rigorous college application process.