Is 1210 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

So, you just got your SAT results, and your score is 1210. Now you’re wondering what that means: Is a 1210 SAT score good? Will it get you into the colleges you’re aiming for? Should you retake the test? These are all important questions; you’re not alone in asking them.

This blog will break it all down for you. We’ll explain where a 1210 SAT score ranks, what colleges you can get into, whether you should consider retaking the SAT, and how to improve your score if you decide to take it again. Let’s get started!

• How Good Is a 1210 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1210 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1210 SAT Score?

A 1210 SAT score is solid, but how “good” it is depends on your college goals. The key to understanding your score is looking at SAT percentiles.

Your SAT percentile indicates how your score compares to other test-takers. A score of 1210 places you in the 82nd percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than 82% of all U.S. high school students.

In terms of the user group percentile, which includes students who actually took the SAT, a 1210 ranks in the 77th percentile. This means that you performed better than 77% of this group.

A 1210 SAT score is above average, as the average SAT score is around 1050. However, it is not in the top tier for highly competitive schools.

If you’re aiming for Ivy League or top-tier schools, a 1210 is on the lower side. Here’s a look at the SAT score ranges for some of the most competitive colleges:

Even at the lower end (25th percentile), Ivy League schools expect scores way above 1210. So if you dream to attend one of these, you might want to aim higher with a retake.

But if you’re looking at moderately competitive schools, a 1210 makes you a strong candidate! Many great colleges accept students with scores in this range, especially if you have a strong GPA, extracurriculars, and essays.

Also, many schools are now test-optional, meaning they don’t require SAT scores. If your GPA, activities, and essays are strong, you might not even need to submit your SAT score! But a 1210 still keeps you competitive for many schools if you do.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 1210 SAT Score

A 1210 SAT score opens up a lot of great college options! While it may not be in the range for Ivy League schools, many well-respected universities welcome students with this score. Here are some great schools where you’d be competitive, along with what makes each unique.

1. University of Houston

Acceptance rate: 70%

SAT range: 1150-1330

The University of Houston (UH) is a great choice if you’re looking for a big-city environment with strong academic programs. The school is known for its business, engineering, and hospitality programs. The Bauer College of Business is highly regarded, and its location in Houston, a major hub for energy, finance, and healthcare, gives students access to valuable real-world experience.

UH also stands out for its diversity and innovation. The student body is one of the nation’s most diverse. If you’re interested in research, UH is a Tier One research university with plenty of opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects. Plus, with a strong athletics program and an active student life scene, you’ll find plenty to get involved in beyond academics.

2. University of South Carolina

Acceptance rate: 61%

SAT range: 1180-1380

Located in Columbia, USC is well known for its international business, engineering, and sports management programs. In fact, its international business program is consistently ranked among the best in the country, making it a great choice if you’re interested in global markets or entrepreneurship. The Darla Moore School of Business provides access to top-notch faculty, study abroad programs, and internship opportunities.

Beyond academics, USC has a strong sense of community and a lively campus atmosphere. The Gamecocks have a passionate fan base, and football season is a big deal. Columbia offers a blend of Southern charm and urban amenities, with plenty of restaurants, outdoor activities, and cultural events.

3. University of Central Florida

Acceptance rate: 43%

SAT range: 1190-1350

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the country, so if you want a big-school experience with many opportunities, this could be the perfect fit.

UCF is well known for its engineering, computer science, and hospitality programs. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is one of the best in the world, making UCF a top choice if you’re interested in the hotel, tourism, or event planning industries. Its strong STEM programs also attract students looking to break into tech, especially with major companies like Lockheed Martin and Siemens nearby.

Campus life at UCF is full of energy, with over 650 student organizations, Division I sports, and a beautiful campus in Orlando. Living in Orlando also means access to theme parks, entertainment, and a growing job market in aerospace and digital media industries. 

4. University of Tennessee

Acceptance rate: 46%

SAT range: 1190-1340

The University of Tennessee (UT) is a great choice if you’re looking for a strong academic school with a big-time sports culture.

UT is best known for its supply chain management, engineering, and nursing programs. The Haslam College of Business has one of the nation’s top-ranked supply chain management programs, making it an excellent choice for logistics, operations, or analytics. The Tickle College of Engineering also offers strong aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering programs.

Beyond academics, UT has an unbeatable college town atmosphere in Knoxville. Game days at Neyland Stadium are legendary, with over 100,000 fans cheering on the Vols. The city is surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, which means plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. 

5. Baylor University

Acceptance rate: 51%

SAT range: 1210-1400

Baylor University is particularly known for its pre-med, business, and law programs. If you’re considering medical school, Baylor’s pre-med track is highly respected, and students benefit from close connections with healthcare institutions. The Hankamer School of Business also has a strong reputation, offering finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing programs.

Located in Waco, Texas, Baylor offers a smaller-town feel while providing plenty of student opportunities. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and strong traditions, including the Baylor Line, which gives first-year students a special role in football games. 

Should You Retake the SAT?

Should you retake the SAT or stick with your 1210? It depends on your goals.

When you should retake the SAT

• You’re aiming for competitive schools. If your dream college has an average SAT score above 1250, improving your score could make a difference.
• You think you can do better. Maybe you didn’t study as much as you wanted or had a bad test day. A retake could be worth it if you believe you can improve with more prep.
• You want better scholarship opportunities. Many schools offer merit scholarships based on SAT scores; even a small increase can help you qualify for more aid.

When you should keep your score

• Your target schools accept a 1210. If your score already puts you in the middle or upper range for your colleges, you’re in a good position.
• You’d rather focus on other parts of your application. Essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation can also greatly impact. If studying for another SAT would take away from strengthening those areas, it may not be worth it.
• You’ve already taken the SAT multiple times. Focusing on other parts of your application might be a better strategy if you’ve taken the test a few times and your score hasn’t improved.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you’re considering retaking the SAT, the good news is that you can improve your score with the right approach. The key is consistently focusing on your weaknesses, practicing consistently, and using the best available resources.

Here’s how to boost your score and feel more confident on test day!

1. Figure out your weak spots.

Take a practice test to see which sections are giving you trouble. Are tricky math word problems costing you points, or do reading passages slow you down? Once you know your weak areas, you can focus your studying where it matters most.

2. Create a study plan.

Don’t just cram a few days before the test, make a plan and stick to it. Set aside specific days to study, use College Board’s official SAT prep materials, and stay consistent. A solid routine will help you improve faster than last-minute studying.

3. Use test-taking strategies.

Sometimes, it’s not just what you know but how you take the test. Learn to eliminate obviously wrong answers, manage your time wisely, and recognize common question patterns. Even small strategy tweaks can make a big difference in your final score.

4. Use free resources like Khan Academy.

Khan Academy offers free SAT prep with the College Board if you’re looking for extra practice. You can take personalized quizzes, watch video explanations, and get step-by-step help on tricky problems. Using these resources can help you study smarter without spending a dime.

5. Consider an SAT prep course or tutor.

If self-study doesn’t give you the desired results, you might need extra help. An SAT prep course or tutor can give you personalized strategies and feedback to help you improve. If that’s not in your budget, look for free online study groups or school-based prep programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 1210 SAT score good enough for scholarships?

Yes, a 1210 SAT score can qualify you for merit-based scholarships at many colleges. Some schools have automatic scholarships for students who score above a certain threshold, so check your target schools’ financial aid pages. Even if your score isn’t high enough for automatic scholarships, a strong GPA and extracurriculars can boost your chances of earning additional aid.

2. Should you submit a 1210 SAT score to test-optional schools?

If your SAT score is above the average for the colleges you’re applying to, submitting it can strengthen your application. Many test-optional schools still consider SAT scores when awarding scholarships or making admissions decisions. Focusing on other parts of your application, like essays and extracurriculars, might be better if your score is below the school’s average.

3. Can I get into a good college with a 1210 SAT score?

Yes! A 1210 SAT score makes you a competitive applicant for many great colleges. Schools like the University of Houston, University of South Carolina, University of Central Florida, University of Tennessee, and Baylor University all accept students with similar scores. These universities offer strong business, engineering, hospitality, and more programs, vibrant campus life and career opportunities. 

4. How many times should you take the SAT?

Most students take the SAT two or three times to improve their score while avoiding burnout. Retaking the test can be helpful, but after three attempts, it’s better to focus on other parts of your application. If your score isn’t improving, working with a tutor or changing your study strategies can make a difference before retaking it.

Takeaways

• Your 1210 SAT score is above average. You’re in the 82nd percentile nationally and the 77th percentile among SAT test-takers, meaning you did better than most students!
• A 1210 keeps many college doors open for you, especially for solid schools like the University of Houston, UCF, and Baylor, but it’s on the lower side for Ivy League schools.
• Retaking the SAT could be good if you aim for highly competitive colleges, think you can improve, or want better scholarship opportunities.
• You can boost your score with smart strategies, like focusing on weak areas, using free resources like Khan Academy, and practicing with official SAT prep.
• Want to make the most of your 1210 SAT score? A college admissions expert can help you craft a compelling application, highlight your strengths, and maximize your chances at your target schools.