Is 1320 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

So, you’ve got your SAT score—1320! It’s a moment of anticipation and then bam, you’re holding it. But now you’re wondering, is a 1320 SAT score good enough? Should you retake the test?

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about your 1320 SAT score, the schools you can aim for, and the top strategies you can employ to improve your 1320 SAT score moving forward. Let’s dive in!

• How Good Is a 1320 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 1320 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 1320 SAT Score?

Scoring a 1320 on the SAT puts you in the 88th percentile—meaning you’ve outperformed 88% of test-takers. That’s a big deal! While you’re still scoring higher than most test takers, though, it’s not quite enough to make you a strong contender for the most competitive colleges.

Here’s where things get tricky. Why is a 1320 SAT score sometimes considered just “average”? It all comes down to the schools you’re aiming for. The Ivy League, top 10 universities, and other elite institutions attract some of the highest-scoring students from across the country and the world. In that competitive pool, a 1320 doesn’t stand out as much.

Each year, the bar for what’s considered a “good” score keeps rising. These days, a 1550 is often seen as the starting point for an excellent SAT score—everything above that is just an extra boost. For schools like Harvard and Yale, the median SAT scores are usually well above 1350, often soaring into the 1500+ range. So while your 1320 SAT score is strong, you might need to aim higher if those top-tier schools are on your radar.

To give you a better idea of how competitive Ivy League admissions are, here’s a look at their typical SAT score ranges:

There are millions of students applying to colleges across the country, and spots—especially at top schools—are extremely limited.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 1320 SAT Score

A 1320 SAT score gives you access to a wide range of colleges across the U.S. While it may not be competitive for the most selective schools like the Ivy League, it’s still a strong score that can help you get into many excellent universities.

Here are list of colleges accepting a 1320 SAT Score:

1. The Pennsylvania State University

Acceptance rate: 56%

Average tuition cost: $19,800 (in-state)

SAT range: 1250-1430

If you’re looking for a school with serious school spirit, Penn State is it. From the legendary THON (the world’s largest student-run philanthropy) to packed Beaver Stadium football games, you’ll never run out of energy here.

Penn State is renowned in engineering, business (Smeal College of Business), and agriculture. Their meteorology program is also one of the best in the country! Fun fact is that The Berkey Creamery on campus has been serving up incredible ice cream for over 150 years—Ben & Jerry took a class here before starting their brand!

Famous alumni include Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele), Mark Parker (former CEO of Nike), and John Urschel (former NFL player-turned-mathematician).

2. University of California, Los Angeles

Acceptance rate: 9%

Average tuition cost: $16,847 (in-state)

SAT range: 1290-1510

Welcome to Hollywood’s backyard! UCLA combines top-tier academics with that classic California vibe—beaches, sunshine, and an iconic campus right in Los Angeles.

UCLA is known for film and television (TFT School), biomedical sciences, psychology, and business (Anderson School of Management). The campus has been featured in tons of movies and TV shows—if you’ve seen Legally Blonde, Gilmore Girls, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you’ve seen UCLA!

Ever heard of James Franco, Jackie Robinson, or Francis Ford Coppola? Yep, they were Bruins.

3. University of Georgia

Acceptance rate: 37%

Average tuition cost: $11,440

SAT range: 1220-1420

Love college football? You’re stepping into Bulldog Nation. Athens, Georgia, is one of the best college towns in America, and UGA’s offerings of academics, sports, and southern charm is tough to beat.

UGA shines in journalism and mass communication (Grady College), business (Terry College of Business), and agriculture. Their veterinary medicine program is also top-notch. The university has a secret student club called The Order of the Greek Horsemen, known for mysterious traditions and campus legends.

Some famous graduates of UGA are Ryan Seacrest, Alton Brown (chef/TV host), and Herschel Walker (NFL legend).

4. Virginia Tech

Acceptance rate: 57%

Average tuition cost: $15,948

SAT range: 1210-1410

If hands-on learning is your thing, Virginia Tech is calling your name. This is a school built for problem-solvers, innovators, and students who love getting their hands dirty (in a good way).

Virginia Tech is a leader in engineering, computer science, architecture, and business (Pamplin College of Business). Their Corps of Cadets is one of the few military-style leadership programs at a non-military school, making VT a unique mix of civilian and cadet students.

Michael Vick, Hoda Kotb (NBC’s Today Show), and astronaut Charles Camarda all got their start here.

5. Syracuse University

Acceptance rate: 42%

Average tuition cost: $65,528

SAT range: 1260-1430

If you’re dreaming of a career in media or communications, Syracuse is one of the best places to be. Plus, you’ll experience real winters—so get ready for some snow!

Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications is one of the best journalism and media schools in the world. They also excel in architecture, business, and public policy (Maxwell School). 

One unique tradition is The Dome Stomp—after big wins at the Carrier Dome, students rush the field/court and stomp so hard that you can feel the vibrations through campus! Bob Costas, Megyn Kelly, and Joe Biden all walked the halls of Syracuse before making it big.

Should You Retake the SAT?

If you’re aiming for highly competitive schools, retaking the SAT to improve your 1320 score could be a smart move. A higher score can strengthen your application, especially for top-tier universities.

That said, whether a retake is the best choice depends on a few factors. If you’re applying to test-optional schools and have a strong GPA, extracurriculars, and essays, your SAT score might not be a major deciding factor. Some colleges place less emphasis on standardized tests, so focusing on other parts of your application could be a better strategy in certain cases.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

So, you’ve scored a 1320 on the SAT—congrats! That’s already a strong score, but if you’re aiming higher, there are plenty of ways to improve. Whether you’re shooting for the 1400s or even closer to 1500, here’s how to boost your SAT score.

1. Identify your weak spots.

Your score report is your best tool for improvement. It shows exactly where you did well and where you struggled. Maybe time management tripped you up, or certain math concepts weren’t clicking. The key is to find patterns. A mistake here or there isn’t a big deal, but if you’re consistently missing a certain type of question, that’s where you need to focus.

If you haven’t taken the SAT yet, no worries! Practice tests can still give you valuable insights. The College Board offers eight free practice tests, and Khan Academy provides personalized SAT prep—just be sure you’re using the most up-to-date materials.

2. Figure out how you learn best.

Before diving into prep, think about your learning style. Do you retain information best when you hear it, see it, or practice hands-on? Do you need structure, or are you more of an independent learner?

Based on that, choose the right prep strategy. You might benefit from an SAT guidebook, an online prep course, tutoring, or even a study group. Mixing different approaches can help reinforce what you learn.

3. Set a realistic target score.

A 1320 SAT score already puts you in the top 12% of test-takers, but what’s your goal? If you’re aiming for schools where the average SAT score is around 1400–1450, a 100-point improvement could make a big difference. If you’re looking at Ivy League schools, where the average is 1500+, you’ll need to push even further.

Even if you’re not aiming for elite schools, remember that improving your score can open more scholarship opportunities.

4. Register early.

SAT testing centers fill up fast, especially in big cities. Don’t wait until the last minute to register—you don’t want to end up driving hours away on test day. Plan ahead to secure a convenient location.

5. Create (and stick to) a study plan.

Start prepping at least two months before test day. Set a schedule—maybe 30–45 minutes of focused study each day or a few longer sessions each week. Take full-length practice tests along the way to track your progress.

If you’re aiming to break 1400 or 1450, consistency is key. Practicing under timed conditions can help simulate the real test and improve your pacing.

6. Track your progress.

Improving your SAT score isn’t just about putting in the hours—it’s about studying smarter. Review your mistakes after every practice test. Are you struggling with algebra? Running out of time on the reading section? Identifying patterns will help you focus your prep and make real progress.

7. Take care of yourself.

Studying is important, but so is taking care of your body and mind. Stay hydrated, eat well, and most importantly—get enough sleep. Studies show that teens perform better when they get 8–9 hours of sleep each night, yet most don’t. Even top athletes like Tom Brady prioritize sleep to stay at peak performance, and you should too!

8. Focus on growth, not perfection.

Improving your SAT score takes time. Even elite athletes like Michael Jordan had to work hard to get where they were—so don’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing immediate results. Progress happens in small steps.

9. Retake the SAT (if needed).

If your first attempt didn’t go as planned, don’t worry! Many students take the SAT two or three times to improve their scores. Just be strategic—focus on your weak areas, practice under real test conditions, and go into your next exam with confidence.

10. Hire a private tutor.

A strong test score can help set you apart in competitive admissions. Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring service for personalized guidance!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 1320 SAT score good?

It depends on where you’re applying. A 1320 SAT score is solid, but for competitive schools—especially Ivy League universities—it may be on the lower end, as their scores typically range from 1450 to 1550+.

For mid-tier universities, your score is well above average and competitive for many strong public and private institutions. When it comes to scholarships, some merit-based awards have cutoffs around 1300, so you may qualify for financial aid.

2. What is 1320 SAT to ACT?

A 1320 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 28 on the ACT based on official SAT-ACT conversion charts.

3. What’s the difference between the SAT and ACT?

Both tests are used for college admissions, but they have key differences. The SAT has fewer questions with more time per question, while the ACT is faster-paced. The ACT includes a science section, while the SAT emphasizes reading comprehension and problem-solving. Some students do better on one test than the other, so taking a practice test for both can help you decide.

Takeaways

• Scoring a 1320 on the SAT is a strong accomplishment, placing you in the 88th percentile of test takers. While it might not make you a top contender for Ivy League schools, it’s still a competitive score for many great universities.
• Whether you should retake the SAT depends on your college goals—if you’re aiming for elite schools, a higher score might boost your chances. But for many solid institutions, a 1320 is already a strong application asset.
• If you’re looking for personalized support, AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program can help you prepare for the SAT and build a strong application strategy—giving you a better shot at getting into your dream school.