Is 1230 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

So, you’ve taken the SAT, and now you’re staring at your score, wondering: “Is 1230 a good SAT score?” It’s a fair question; you’re not alone in thinking about it. The SAT can be a huge part of the college application process, and figuring out where your score stands is an important step.

This blog will explain exactly how a 1230 SAT score stacks up, what colleges might accept, and whether you should retake the test. We’ll also review some helpful strategies to improve your score if you give it another shot.

• How Good Is a 1230 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1230 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1230 SAT Score?

Your SAT percentile tells you how your score stacks up against other students. The higher your percentile, the better you did compared to everyone else who took the test.

A 1230 SAT score puts you in the 84th percentile nationally and the 80th percentile among actual SAT test-takers in recent years. That means you did better than 84% of all high school students in the U.S., even those who never took the SAT. But if we only look at students who sat for the test, you outperformed 80% of them.

So, is a 1230 a good score? Well, it’s definitely above average. The average SAT score is around 1050, so you’re already ahead of the game. But whether a 1230 is “good” depends on the colleges you aim for.

If you’re dreaming of Ivy League or highly competitive schools, a 1230 is on the lower side. Here’s a quick look at the SAT score ranges for some top-tier schools:

As you can see, even at the lower end (25th percentile), Ivy League schools typically expect scores way above 1230. If your sights are set on these schools, you might want to aim for a higher score. But if you’re looking at moderately competitive schools, a 1230 makes you a strong candidate. 

Also, many colleges are now test-optional, meaning they don’t require SAT scores. If your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays are strong, you might not even need to submit your SAT score! But if you do, a 1230 still keeps you competitive.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 1230 SAT Score

A 1230 SAT score opens up a lot of great opportunities! While it might not land you a spot at the most competitive schools, there are still plenty of amazing universities where you can get in and thrive. Here are some solid schools that fall within your score range:

1. Michigan State University

Acceptance rate: 84%

SAT range: 1150–1350

If you’re looking for a big school with tons of school spirit, Michigan State University (MSU) could be a great fit. It has a huge campus, strong athletics, and an energetic student atmosphere that make college life exciting. Academically, MSU is known for its Eli Broad College of Business, top-ranked supply chain management program, and highly respected engineering and agriculture programs.

With over 1000 student organizations, there’s something for everyone, from entrepreneurship and esports to outdoor adventure clubs. Plus, their strong focus on experiential learning means you’ll have plenty of internships, study abroad options, and real-world projects to prepare you for your career.

2. The University of Alabama

Acceptance rate: 76%

SAT range: 1170-1400

If you’re all about big football culture, school traditions, and warm weather, The University of Alabama should be on your list. Known for its legendary Crimson Tide football team, this school offers a lively campus atmosphere and a strong sense of community.

Beyond sports, Alabama excels academically, especially in business, law, and engineering. The Culverhouse College of Business is highly respected, offering strong accounting, finance, and marketing programs. Alabama also stands out for its generous scholarships, making it a great choice for out-of-state students seeking financial aid.

3. University of Tennessee

Acceptance rate: 46%

SAT range: 1190-1340

The Volunteer spirit is strong at the University of Tennessee (UT), where students take pride in their campus, teams, and community. With gorgeous mountain views and a prime location in Knoxville, UT, gives you a mix of city life and outdoor adventure.

Academically, UT is best known for its supply chain management, business, and engineering programs. The Haslam College of Business consistently ranks among the top in logistics and operations, making it a great choice if you’re interested in global commerce. UT’s partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory gives students cutting-edge research, internships, and hands-on learning in STEM fields.

4. University of Georgia

Acceptance rate: 37%

SAT range: 1220-1420

If you’re looking for a school with strong academics, an exciting campus vibe, and top-tier athletics, the University of Georgia (UGA) could be a great fit. Located in Athens, one of the best college towns in the U.S., UGA offers a mix of big-school energy and small-town charm. With tons of student organizations, concerts, and local restaurants, there’s always something happening.

UGA is especially well known for its business, journalism, and veterinary medicine programs. The Terry College of Business is highly ranked, and the Grady College of Journalism is one of the best in the country for media and communications. And if you’re a sports fan, nothing beats game day at Sanford Stadium, where you’ll cheer on the Bulldogs alongside thousands of passionate fans.

5. Penn State University

Acceptance rate: 54%

SAT range: 1220-1400

Penn State is known for its school spirit, traditions, and massive campus life, making it a great choice for a classic college experience. With over 275 majors, a main campus in State College, and smaller branch campuses, you’ll find the right fit no matter your desire. 

Academically, Penn State stands out in engineering, business, and information sciences and technology (IST). The Smeal College of Business is highly ranked, especially for supply chain management, and the College of Engineering is one of the best in the country. Plus, Penn State students participate in THON, the largest student-run philanthropy event in the world, giving you a chance to make a real impact while in school.

Should You Retake the SAT?

Now that you know your score, you might wonder if it’s worth retaking the SAT. The answer depends on your goals. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

When to retake the SAT

• You’re aiming for more competitive schools. If your dream school has an average SAT score higher than 1230, retaking the test could improve your chances.
• You think you can do better. If you didn’t prepare as much as you could have or felt off on test day, retaking the SAT with better prep could help.
• You want to qualify for more scholarships. Some colleges and scholarship programs offer better financial aid for students with higher SAT scores.

When to keep your score

• Your target schools accept a 1230. If your score is already in the range for the colleges you’re interested in, retaking the test might not be necessary.
• You’d rather focus on other parts of your application. If studying for another SAT would take time away from strengthening your essays or extracurriculars, it might not be worth it.
• Standardized testing isn’t your strength. Focusing on your GPA and other application components could be a better strategy if you’ve taken the SAT multiple times and haven’t seen much improvement.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you’re considering retaking the SAT, don’t stress. You can improve your score with the right strategies. The key is to study smarter, not harder, to walk into test day feeling confident and ready. Here are some tips to help you boost your score:

1. Identify your weaknesses.

Before diving into studying, take a full-length practice test to determine where you’re losing points. Are tricky algebra problems slowing you down? Do you struggle with reading long passages? Once you know what’s holding you back, you can focus on improving those areas instead of wasting time on things you already understand.

2. Set a study plan.

Cramming at the last minute won’t help much, so make a study schedule and stick to it. Try to study for a few hours each week before your test. Use resources like Khan Academy, which offers free SAT prep through the College Board, or grab an SAT prep book to work through practice problems. If you need extra help, consider a tutor or an online course.

3. Take more practice tests.

The best way to get comfortable with the SAT is to take full-length, timed practice tests. This helps you get used to the pacing, question types, and time limits, so you’re not caught off guard on test day. Plus, you’ll start to see patterns in the test, which can make answering questions feel easier and more predictable.

4. Learn test-taking strategies.

Even if you don’t know every answer, smart strategies can help you score higher. Learn how to eliminate wrong answers, guess strategically (there’s no penalty for wrong answers!), and manage your time so you don’t run out before finishing a section. Small changes like these can add up to big improvements.

5. Consider a tutor.

If you struggle to improve independently, a tutor can give you a major boost. They can help you focus on your weak areas, teach new strategies, and keep you accountable with a structured plan. Even if you don’t want to commit to a full tutoring program, a few sessions might help you fine-tune your approach and gain extra confidence before test day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get into a good college with a 1230 SAT score?

Absolutely! A 1230 SAT score gives you plenty of solid college options. While it might not be high enough for Ivy League schools, many well-respected universities, like Michigan State, Penn State, and the University of Georgia, consider a 1230 a competitive score.

The key is to research each school’s SAT range and see where you fit. If your dream school has an average SAT score slightly higher than 1230, strong grades, extracurriculars, and essays can help balance things out.

2. Should I retake the SAT if I scored a 1230?

That depends on your goals! If you’re aiming for schools with average SAT scores around 1300 or higher, retaking the test could help increase your chances. But if your target schools accept a 1230 or are test-optional, focusing on other parts of your application like your essays, recommendation letters, and activities might be a better use of your time. 

3. How hard is it to improve a 1230 SAT score?

With the right approach, raising your SAT score from 1230 is achievable. A 70-point increase translates to just 2–3 additional correct answers per section, meaning small improvements can have a big impact. 

Take full-length practice tests to identify your weak areas and focus your study time accordingly to boost your score. Free resources like Khan Academy or high-quality SAT prep books can help refine your skills before test day. Consistent practice and targeted review will make a noticeable difference.

4. Does a 1230 SAT score qualify me for scholarships?

Yes! Many colleges offer merit scholarships for students with SAT scores in the 1200–1300 range, especially if you have a strong GPA. Some schools have automatic scholarship programs where higher SAT scores mean bigger awards.

Even if a 1230 doesn’t get you the highest scholarship tier, combining it with great grades and extracurriculars can improve your chances of earning financial aid. Always check the scholarship pages of the colleges you’re interested in.

Takeaways

• A 1230 SAT score is above average, putting you in the 84th percentile nationally, meaning you did better than most test-takers, but it may not be competitive for Ivy League schools.
• You can still get into great colleges, like Michigan State, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Penn State, where a 1230 makes you a strong candidate.
• Retaking the SAT depends on your goals, so if you’re aiming for more competitive schools or scholarships, another try could help. However, if your target schools accept a 1230, focusing on other parts of your application might be smarter.
• You can boost your score with the right strategies, like identifying weak areas, making a study plan, taking timed practice tests, and using test-taking tricks to maximize your points.
• Want to maximize your chances at top-tier schools? A college admissions expert can refine your application, enhance your narrative, and ensure your strengths shine, giving you the competitive edge you need.