Is 1250 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

So, you’ve taken the SAT, and now you’re staring at your score, wondering: Is 1250 a good SAT score? It’s a common question; the answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no. Whether 1250 is a strong score depends on a few factors, your college goals, the schools you aim for, and whether you think you can do better.

This blog will explain exactly what a 1250 SAT score means. We’ll look at how your score compares to other test-takers, what colleges you can get into with a 1250, whether you should retake the test, and how to improve your score if you give it another shot. Let’s dive in!

• How Good Is a 1250 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1250 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1250 SAT Score?

First, let’s talk about percentiles. Your SAT percentile tells you how your score compares to other students. The higher your percentile, the better you did compared to everyone else who took the test.

A 1250 SAT score puts you in the 86th percentile nationally and the 82nd percentile among actual SAT test-takers in recent years. That means you did better than 86% of all high school students in the U.S., even those who never took the SAT. But among those who actually took the test, you outperformed 82% of them.

So, is a 1250 a good SAT score? Well, it’s definitely above average. The average SAT score is around 1050, so you’re already ahead. But how good it is depends on where you want to go.

If you’re aiming for Ivy League schools or highly selective colleges, a 1250 is on the lower end. Just take a look at the typical SAT ranges for Ivy League schools:

Even at the 25th percentile, Ivy League schools expect scores well above a 1250. If these schools are on your radar, you might want to aim for a higher SAT score.

But if you’re applying to moderately competitive schools, a 1250 makes you a strong applicant. For example, at the University of Kentucky, the SAT range is 1080-1290, meaning your score is near the top of that range. That could give you a competitive edge, especially for merit-based scholarships or honors programs.

And if you’re looking at state universities or less competitive schools, a 1250 is more than enough to put you in a great position, potentially even for financial aid opportunities.

It’s also important to remember that many schools are now test-optional. That means you might not need to submit your SAT score if you have strong grades, extracurriculars, and essays.

At the end of the day, your SAT score is just one piece of your college application. A 1250 might not open every door, but it can get you into a great school where you’ll thrive!

Colleges You Can Get into with a 1250 SAT Score

A 1250 SAT score opens doors to many great colleges. Here are some schools where your score falls within or near their typical admitted student range:

1. University of Kentucky

Acceptance rate: 92%

SAT range: 1080-1290

If you’re aiming for the University of Kentucky, your 1250 SAT score puts you near the top of their admitted range. UK is known for its College of Engineering, Gatton College of Business and Economics, and top-ranked healthcare programs, especially in pharmacy and nursing.

If you’re a basketball fan, you’ll be stepping into Wildcat Nation, home to one of the most legendary NCAA basketball programs.

With a strong SAT score like yours, you’ll have a solid shot at merit scholarships and maybe even a spot in the Lewis Honors College, where you’ll get smaller class sizes and extra academic perks.

In fact, at UK, 38% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1, so you’ll actually get to know your professors.

2. Arizona State University

Acceptance rate: 90%

SAT range: 1140-1380

With your 1250 SAT score, you land comfortably in ASU’s range, making you a competitive applicant. ASU is famous for its W.P. Carey School of Business, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and cutting-edge programs in sustainability and space exploration (they even work with NASA!).

ASU is also one of the top research universities, meaning you’ll have opportunities to work on real-world projects, even as a freshman. And with over 300 sunny days a year, you’ll enjoy a vibrant campus life in Tempe, Arizona. 

3. Penn State University

Acceptance rate: 54%

SAT range: 1220-1400

Penn State is all about school spirit and academic excellence. Your 1250 SAT score puts you in the mix of admitted students, giving you a strong shot at one of their world-renowned programs, like business (Smeal College of Business), engineering, and computer science. If you’re interested in journalism or broadcasting, Penn State’s Bellisario College of Communications is one of the best in the country.

One of the coolest things about Penn State? Their huge alumni network is one of the world’s largest, which can help you land internships and jobs after graduation. Plus, with their legendary THON event (the world’s largest student-run philanthropy event), Penn State is great if you love getting involved in campus life. 

4. Indiana University Bloomington

Acceptance rate: 80%

SAT range: 1170-1400

Indiana University Bloomington is the place to be if you’re into business, music, or media. Your 1250 SAT score is right in their admitted range, which makes you a great candidate. IU is home to the Kelley School of Business, one of the top-ranked undergraduate business programs in the U.S. They also have the Jacobs School of Music, a dream school for musicians, and strong journalism and public affairs programs.

Beyond academics, IU has an absolutely gorgeous campus, with historic buildings, nature trails, and an incredible college-town vibe in Bloomington. Whether you’re into Greek life, sports, or student organizations, there’s something for everyone here.

5. Michigan State University

Acceptance rate: 84%

SAT range: 1150–1350

Michigan State University is a great option if you’re looking for a big school with big opportunities. MSU is known for its Eli Broad College of Business, Engineering, and top-tier journalism and communications programs. If you’re considering a career in media, sports management, or international relations, MSU’s programs are some of the best in the country.

On top of that, MSU has one of the best study abroad programs in the U.S., allowing you to travel and learn around the world. Plus, as a Big Ten school, you’ll be part of a huge sports culture, with football and basketball games that bring the whole campus together. 

Should You Retake the SAT?

Now comes the big question: Should you retake the SAT to try for a higher score? It depends on your goals. Here’s how to decide:

Reasons to retake the SAT

• You’re aiming for more competitive colleges. Retaking the test could improve your chances if your dream school has an average SAT score above 1300.
• You think you can improve. A retake could boost your score if you didn’t study much the first time or feel like test-day nerves got the best of you.
• You want to qualify for scholarships. Some colleges and private organizations offer merit scholarships based on SAT scores, and a higher score could mean more financial aid.

Reasons not to retake the SAT

• Your score is already good for your target schools. If your 1250 is within or above the average range for the colleges you’re applying to, you don’t need to stress about retaking the test.
• You’re applying to test-optional schools. Many colleges no longer require SAT scores at all. If your school of choice is test-optional, you might not need to retake the SAT.
• You’d rather focus on other parts of your application. If retaking the SAT would take time away from writing strong essays or improving your GPA, it might not be worth it.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you decide to retake the SAT, you’ll want a solid strategy to improve your score. Here’s how to do it:

1. Figure out your weak areas.

Take a practice test and see where you lost the most points. Was it the math section, reading comprehension, or time management? Once you know your biggest struggles, you can focus on improving those areas.

2. Use official SAT practice tests.

The best way to prep is by using official SAT practice tests from the College Board. These are the real deal, so you’ll get used to the format, timing, and question types. And don’t forget about Khan Academy. They’ve partnered with the College Board to offer free, personalized SAT prep. The more you practice with real SAT questions, the more confident you’ll feel when test day rolls around!

3. Practice under timed conditions.

One of the biggest challenges of the SAT is managing your time. Set a timer when you practice to get used to the pressure of answering questions quickly. The better you get at pacing yourself, the less stress you’ll feel when taking the test.

4. Work on test-taking strategies.

Raising your SAT score isn’t just about studying harder, it’s also about being smart with your approach. Learn how to eliminate obviously wrong answer choices, pace yourself so you don’t rush at the end, and guess strategically when unsure (since wrong answers don’t hurt your score). These little tricks can add up to big improvements.

5. Consider an SAT prep course or tutor.

If self-study isn’t cutting it, an SAT prep course or tutor can help target your weak spots. Even a few sessions can give you test-taking strategies and personalized tips to boost your score. Sometimes, having an expert guide can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 1250 SAT score good enough for scholarships?

Yes! Many colleges offer merit scholarships for scores around 1250, especially state universities and moderately competitive schools. If you’re aiming for more aid, check each school’s scholarship requirements, some may offer extra money if you improve your score even slightly.

2. Can I get into a top college with a 1250 SAT score?

It depends on what you mean by “top college.” If you’re considering Ivy League schools, a 1250 is lower than their usual admitted range, so you’d need an amazing GPA, essays, and extracurriculars to stand out. But for strong public universities and private colleges, a 1250 makes you a competitive applicant!

3. Should I retake the SAT if I got a 1250?

That depends on your goals! A retake might be worth it if your target schools have average SAT scores above 1300 or you think you can improve with more practice. But if your 1250 already puts you in a good spot for your chosen schools, focusing on essays, extracurriculars, and GPA might be a better move.

4. How hard is it to improve a 1250 SAT score?

Improving your SAT score takes effort, but it’s definitely doable! Focusing on weak areas, using official SAT practice tests, and studying smarter (not harder) can help you increase your score. Even a 50-100 point increase can make a difference for scholarships and college admissions!

Takeaways

• Your 1250 SAT score is solid, putting you in the 86th percentile nationwide, but whether it’s “good” depends on your college goals.
• With a 1250, you’re in a great spot for schools like Arizona State, Penn State, and Indiana University, and you might even qualify for merit scholarships.
• If your dream school has an average SAT score above 1300, retaking the test could improve your chances, but if your target schools are test-optional, focusing on essays and GPA might be a smarter move.
• Boosting your score is totally possible by practicing with official SAT tests, improving weak areas, and using smart test-taking strategies like pacing yourself and eliminating wrong answers.
• If you’re aiming for top-tier schools and want a competitive edge, a college admissions expert can help you craft a standout application by strengthening your essays, extracurriculars, and overall strategy.