So, you’ve got a 1380 SAT score! After weeks of anticipation, you finally have your result—but now you’re probably wondering what it really means. Is a 1380 SAT score a good one? Should you retake the test, or are you good to go?
In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you—whether your score is competitive, if retaking it makes sense, and what your next steps should be. Let’s get started.
- Is 1380 a Good SAT Score?
- Can You Raise Your SAT Score?
- Should You Retake the SAT?
- Tips and Tricks for Improving Your SAT Score
- Schools You Can Enter with a 1380 SAT Score
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Is 1380 a Good SAT Score?
Is a 1380 SAT score a good one? Well, since it puts you in the 92nd percentile, meaning you did better than 92% of test-takers, that sounds like a good achievement. With millions of students taking the SAT each year, you’re definitely in the top tier.
So why is a 1380 SAT score sometimes considered “average”? It really comes down to the super competitive nature of admissions at top schools. Ivy League schools, top 10 universities, and other elite institutions attract the highest-achieving students from around the world, and in that context, a 1380 SAT score is considered just average.
What is a good SAT score?
These days, the bar is higher than ever. A score of 1550 is usually seen as the starting point for an excellent score, with anything above that being the cherry on top.
Can You Raise Your SAT Score?
You’ve probably heard all kinds of opinions about how much you can really improve your SAT score with preparation. Some people say it’s rare to boost your score by more than 50 or 100 points, so why bother? Others believe a 200-point jump is totally doable. And then there are companies promising a massive 400-point increase—but what’s the real deal?
Well, according to the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which develops the SAT, improvements of up to 300 points are definitely possible for many students. How much you improve really depends on the quality of your prep materials and, most importantly, how much effort you put into using them.
You can’t just sleep with SAT books under your pillow and expect to wake up with a higher score! The College Board suggests that you study for at least 6 to 20 hours before your first test, but if you’re aiming for serious improvement, hitting that 20-hour mark—including a full 4-hour practice test—is probably just the beginning.
For those looking to boost their score by up to 300 points, experts recommend putting in as much as 150 hours of focused SAT prep.
Should You Retake the SAT?
If you got a 1380 SAT score and you’re thinking whether or not to retake it—it depends on several factors! For example, if you’re dreaming of entering one of the Ivy League schools, then you should definitely retake it since most Ivies accept applicants with at least a 1440 SAT score.
A higher SAT score also means higher chances of scholarship opportunities. If you’re aiming for merit-based aid, consider if a retake could improve your chances. The most important thing is, if you believe you can improve your score and it aligns with your college goals, retaking the SAT could be a good choice.
Tips and Tricks for Improving Your SAT Score
1. Know your weaknesses
If you’ve already taken the SAT, you’ve got the perfect tool to improve for next time—your score report. It shows you exactly which questions you got right and where you slipped up. Your best shot at improving from a 1380 SAT score comes from focusing on those weak spots.
Whether you struggled with the content or just weren’t familiar with the question types, your initial test can guide you on what to focus on during prep. The SAT tests five core skills that colleges care about:
- Stress management and performing under pressure
- Time management
- Reading and following directions
- Scanning for information
- Coming up with creative solutions
A weak spot in any of these areas could hold your score back, whether you’re aiming to improve your 1380 SAT score or reach even higher. But if you haven’t taken the SAT yet, no worries! There are plenty of practice tests that can give you the same insights. The College Board offers eight practice tests, and you can find even more elsewhere. Just make sure they’re up-to-date—there’s no essay section anymore, so skip any old test materials that include it.
The key is to spot patterns. One mistake here or there isn’t a big deal, but if you notice you’re missing similar questions consistently, that’s a pattern to work on.
2. Discover how you learn
Before you dive into SAT prep, think about how you learn best. Do you need lots of interaction with a teacher, or are you more independent? Do you learn by taking detailed notes, or do you prefer a more hands-off approach? Knowing whether you’re an auditory or visual learner can help you plan your study strategy, especially if you’re aiming to improve your 1380 SAT score.
Depending on your learning style (and budget), you can grab an SAT guidebook, sign up for an intensive prep course, hire a tutor, or even form a study group. Mix and match to find what works for you to boost your 1380 SAT score.
3. Set your target score.
Setting a target score can help you stay motivated. For example, scoring 1450 or above puts you in the top 4–6%, which is excellent for most schools. Unless you’re aiming for Ivy League schools, where the average score is closer to 1500, you might not need as high a score as you think.
Even if your goal is just to get into a solid college, remember that the average SAT score is around 1050, and scoring a bit above that will still open a lot of doors.
4. Register early
If your SAT score is crucial to you, don’t forget to register early. Testing centers can fill up fast, especially in larger cities. You don’t want to end up driving miles away just to take your test. Plan ahead to secure a spot at the most convenient location for you.
5. Create a practice schedule (and stick to it!)
About two months before test day, start practicing regularly. Free practice tests from Khan Academy are a great way to prepare. Taking a practice test 30 days before the real deal can give you a good idea of where you stand, especially if you’re aiming to improve a 1380 SAT score.
If you’re aiming for a high score—say, a 1380 SAT score or higher—it’s smart to take multiple practice tests to pinpoint your weak areas and improve on them.
6. Track your progress
Improving on the SAT isn’t just about clocking study hours; it’s about tracking your progress. If you’re not analyzing your practice tests or your previous SAT results, you won’t know where you need to improve. Be careful when identifying patterns in your mistakes—this is how you’ll make the most progress.
7. Take care of yourself
Don’t forget that self-care is a big part of doing well on the SAT. Stay hydrated, eat healthy, and get plenty of sleep. Sleep is especially important, and most teens don’t get enough. Aim for 8 to 9.5 hours of sleep each night. Even Tom Brady prioritizes sleep to stay at the top of his game, so you should too!
8. Focus on growth
Remember, improvement happens in small steps. Even top athletes like Michael Jordan and Bill Russell had to work hard to make their teams. The same goes for the SAT—you won’t be perfect every time, but with consistent effort, you’ll get better and improve your chances of getting above a 1380 SAT score.
9. Retake the SAT (and nail it!)
If you didn’t do as well as you hoped, don’t sweat it. You can always take the SAT again. We recommend taking it two or three times at most. No one is perfect, but with the right preparation, you can significantly boost your score. It’s all up to you!
Schools You Can Enter with a 1380 SAT Score
With a 1380 SAT score, you’re in a solid position to get into most colleges and universities across the country. You’ll find that many of these schools are state universities with higher acceptance rates.
However, if you have your sights set on more selective schools, like the Ivies, a 1380 SAT score might not quite make the cut. It’s all about knowing where you want to apply and what those schools are looking for! Here are some of the top colleges you can apply to with a 1380 SAT score:
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
Acceptance rate: 17%
Average tuition cost: $17,400
SAT range: 1330 -1550
Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech as it’s commonly known, is a public institution founded way back in 1885. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 19,505 students as of fall 2023, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant urban setting across its 400-acre campus. The school follows a semester-based academic calendar, making it easy to plan your classes and breaks.
If you’re curious about rankings, Georgia Tech has earned a spot in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, landing at #33 among National Universities.
2. Boston University
Acceptance rate: 18.5%
Average tuition cost: $61,000
SAT range: 1340-1510
Boston University (BU) is a private institution established in 1839. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 18,656 students as of fall 2023, you’ll be joining a diverse community in an urban setting. The campus itself spans 140 acres, giving you plenty of space to explore between classes.
BU follows a semester-based academic calendar, making it easy to plan your study schedule and enjoy breaks throughout the year. Plus, if you’re interested in rankings, BU is recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, sitting at #41 among National Universities.
3. Claremont McKenna College
Acceptance rate: 11%
Average tuition cost: $85,200
SAT range: 1380-1560
Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a private institution that has been around since 1946. With an undergraduate enrollment of just 1,381 students as of fall 2023, you’ll find yourself in a tight-knit community. The campus is set in a suburban environment, covering 69 acres where you can enjoy the outdoors between classes.
CMC operates on a semester-based academic calendar, making it easy to plan your studies and take advantage of the academic year. As for rankings, Claremont McKenna College stands out in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, landing at #8 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
4. University of Virginia
Acceptance rate: 17%
Average tuition cost: $23,000
SAT range: 1340-1520
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a good choiceif you’re looking for a public institution with a rich history. Founded in 1819, UVA has an undergraduate community with around 17,618 students enrolled as of fall 2023. You’ll find the campus sprawling over 1,682 acres, giving you plenty of space to explore and study.
When it comes to academics, UVA follows a semester-based calendar, which can help you plan your studies more effectively. Plus, in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, it ranks at #24 among National Universities.
5. Reed College
Acceptance rate: 31%
Average tuition cost: $64,500
SAT range: 1350-1510
Reed College, located in Portland, Oregon, offers a unique and unconventional approach to higher education. This private liberal arts institution ranks #63 among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s a good SAT score for Ivy League admissions?
Most Ivy League schools have average SAT scores for admitted students around 1450-1500. For instance, schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton often report averages closer to 1500-1570.
2. Can you retake the SAT?
Yes, you can retake the SAT. In fact, students are allowed to take the SAT multiple times to improve their scores. While there’s no official limit on the number of times you can take the SAT, most experts recommend taking it no more than two or three times.
The College Board offers a feature called Score Choice, allowing you to choose which scores to send to colleges. This means you can focus on the best scores from your retakes without having to submit all attempts
3. What is a 1380 SAT score to ACT?
A 1380 SAT score typically corresponds to an ACT score of about 30 to 31.
Takeaways
- A 1380 SAT score is generally considered good—however, it will not make you a competitive applicant for Ivies.
- Some of the top colleges you can apply to with a 1380 SAT score are Georgia Tech, UVA, and Reed College.
- Preparing for college admissions can feel overwhelming for many high school students, especially since they often lack the knowledge to go through the process effectively. If you want more insights on the SAT and ACT, AdmissionSight is here to help. For over a decade, we’ve been helping thousands of students gain admission to top universities, including many who successfully secure spots at Ivy League and other top 10 schools.
Author
