Is 770 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

Millions of high schoolers take the SAT to boost their chances of landing in their dream school. Alongside the ACT, this test aims to give colleges a peek at how well you might handle their courses. Now, if you’ve received a 770 SAT score, you’re probably wondering, “Is that good enough?”

Your SAT score matters because it plays a huge role in your college application. The higher your score, the better your shot at those dream schools. Sure, there are other factors at play, but admissions officers really weigh SAT scores when deciding who gets in.

In this blog, we’ll break down whether a 770 SAT score stacks up, what steps to take next, whether a retake is necessary, and where to apply your results.

• How Good Is a 770 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 770 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 770 SAT Score?

A 770 SAT score isn’t considered a good score, and it might make it harder to reach your college admissions goals. This score puts you in the 12th percentile. Even though you’ve outscored 12% of test takers, it likely won’t be enough to open doors to numerous schools.

A 770 SAT score places you well below the national average (1050), meaning a significant number of test-takers outperformed you. But what does that actually mean for your college prospects?

Well, it all depends on where you’re hoping to apply. Highly competitive schools—like Ivy League universities and top public institutions—typically admit students with much higher SAT scores. In that pool, a 770 SAT score won’t make the cut.

To give you a clearer picture, let’s take a look at the typical SAT score ranges for top colleges:

So how does a 770 SAT score compare? It falls short of the typical range for Ivy League schools. Most Ivies report middle 50% SAT scores between 1460 and 1570, meaning that even the lowest quartile of admitted students tends to score way higher than 770.

With a 770 SAT score, you’re potentially missing out on a lot of opportunities at higher-tier schools, which isn’t ideal if you’re aiming to keep as many options open as possible. In the college admissions world, you want every part of your application to shine, and that includes having a solid SAT score.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 770 SAT Score

Scored a 770 on the SAT and wondering what your college options are? While this score is on the lower end, there are still schools that consider a range of applicants beyond just test scores.

Whether you’re looking for a historically rich institution, a faith-based education, or a unique learning experience, there’s a place for you. Here’s a closer look at five colleges where you can thrive:

1. Central State University

Acceptance rate: 89%

Average tuition cost: $2,707

SAT range: 770-950

If you’re looking for a school with a rich history and a strong sense of community, Central State University (CSU) is a fantastic choice. As one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), CSU has been empowering students since 1887 with a focus on leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Some of its top program offerings include Business Administration, Education, Manufacturing Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences. Elizabeth Eckford (one of the Little Rock Nine) and Ambassador Tony Hall both hailed from CSU.

2. Virginia Union University

Acceptance rate: 98%

Average tuition cost: $5,265

SAT range: 750-1010

Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia Union University (VUU) combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to social justice and leadership. This HBCU has a tight-knit campus that encourages students to make an impact both inside and outside the classroom.

VUU is known for its Business, Criminal Justice, Theology, and Cybersecurity programs. Civil rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker and Congressman Henry Marsh are two of its famous alumni.

3. Rust College

Acceptance rate: 79%

Average tuition cost: $6,692

SAT range: 440-1339

Rust College is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country, and its small but mighty community is all about promoting student success. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, you’ll get the personalized attention you need to thrive.

Rust College has strong programs in Biology, Business Administration, Education, and Social Work. The inspiring journalist and civil rights activist, Ida B. Wells, studied at Rust!

4. Gallaudet University

Acceptance rate: 61%

Average tuition cost: $9,144

SAT range: 750-993

If you’re part of the deaf or hard-of-hearing community, Gallaudet University is one of the most unique and supportive colleges you can attend. As the world’s only university designed specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, Gallaudet offers a completely immersive environment where American Sign Language (ASL) and English are equally valued.

Its famous programs are Deaf Studies, Interpretation, Business Administration, and Psychology. Notable alumni include: Laurent Clerc (pioneer of Deaf education) and Nyle DiMarco (model, actor, and advocate).

5. Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Acceptance rate: 63%

Average tuition cost: $22,120 (per year)

SAT range: 760-1160

Looking for a faith-based education with a close-knit campus? Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) might be just what you’re looking for. This small Christian college in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, focuses on leadership, ministry, and community engagement.

MACU offers programs like Biblical Studies, Business Administration, Counseling & Psychology, and Youth & Family Ministry. While MACU is a smaller institution, many of its graduates have gone on to become influential pastors, nonprofit leaders, and educators.

Should You Retake the SAT?

You scored a 770 on the SAT, so should you retake it? The short answer: it depends. A 770 SAT score is definitely on the lower end, which means it could limit your college options if you’re applying to schools that still weigh your SAT scores heavily. But before you rush to sign up for a retake, let’s break it down.

When you should retake the SAT

If you’re aiming for schools that require SAT scores and have a minimum threshold, then yes, a retake is probably a good idea. Many colleges have median SAT scores well above 1000, so improving your score—even by a few hundred points—could open up more opportunities.

Consider retaking the SAT if:

• You’re applying to colleges where a higher SAT score would significantly boost your chances.
• You believe you can improve with more preparation.
• You didn’t study much the first time and think a better strategy could make a difference.
• You qualify for an SAT fee waiver and can take it again for free.

When you don’t need to retake the SAT

Not every school requires SAT scores, and many are moving away from standardized testing altogether. If you’re applying to test-optional or test-blind schools, your score won’t necessarily hold you back.

Here’s the difference:

• Test-optional schools let you decide whether to submit your score. If your SAT score isn’t strong, you can simply leave it out and focus on other parts of your application.
• Test-blind schools don’t consider SAT scores at all—even if you submit them. Your application will be judged entirely on factors like GPA, extracurriculars, and essays.

If your target schools fall into these categories, retaking the SAT might not be necessary. Instead, you can focus on strengthening other aspects of your application, like your personal statement or letters of recommendation.

If you’re applying to schools that still value SAT scores, a retake might be worth it—especially if you can dedicate time to studying and improving. But if you’re focusing on test-optional or test-blind schools, you may be better off putting your energy into other parts of your application.

How to Improve Your SAT Score

If you do think about retaking the SAT, careful preparation is key. Here’s how you can maximize your efforts and aim even higher:

1. Identify your weaknesses.

Your SAT score report is your best tool for improvement—it highlights exactly where you struggled. Whether it’s time management, stress handling, or specific question types, pinpointing patterns in your mistakes is crucial.

The SAT assesses five key skills:

• Performing under pressure
• Managing time effectively
• Understanding and following instructions
• Scanning for key information
• Problem-solving creatively

If you haven’t taken the SAT yet, don’t worry! Practice tests from the College Board and Khan Academy can give you similar insights.

2. Find the best learning strategy for you.

Before jumping into prep, ask yourself: How do I learn best?

• Do you prefer interactive instruction or self-study?
• Do you retain information better through visual aids or auditory explanations?
• Do you thrive in structured environments, or do you need flexibility?

Whether you excel with hands-on engagement or prefer solitary study sessions—knowing your preferences will empower you to tailor your approach and optimize your study habits.

3. Set a target score.

Aiming high is great, but set a realistic and strategic goal based on your dream schools:

• A 1450+ SAT score places you in the top 4-6% of test-takers, making you competitive for many top universities.
• For Ivy League schools, the average admitted SAT score is around 1500-1550, so you may need a bigger boost.

4. Register early.

SAT test centers fill up fast, especially in major cities. Register as soon as possible to secure a convenient location and avoid unnecessary travel stress on test day.

5. Stick to a study plan.

Cramming won’t cut it. Start preparing at least two months in advance with a structured schedule:

• Take full-length practice tests every few weeks to gauge progress.
• Focus on weak areas instead of just reviewing everything.
• Practice under timed conditions to simulate test day.

Pro tip: Take a practice SAT one month before your test date to see where you stand.

6. Track your progress.

Studying for hours doesn’t guarantee improvement—analyzing your mistakes does.

• Identify consistent errors (like always missing algebra-based math problems).
• Use a score tracker to see which sections improve over time.
• Adjust your strategy based on performance trends.

7. Prioritize self-care.

• Your brain needs rest and fuel to perform at its best.
• Sleep at least 8-9 hours per night—even pro athletes swear by it.
• Eat brain-boosting foods (protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs).
• Stay hydrated to keep your mind sharp.

8. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Even legendary athletes like Michael Jordan didn’t start at the top—they got there through consistent effort. Every practice test and study session builds your skills. Progress happens in small steps, so don’t get discouraged by occasional setbacks.

9. Retake the SAT (if needed!).

If you’re not satisfied with your score, retaking the SAT could be a game-changer. We recommend taking it 2-3 times max to avoid burnout.

10. Hire a private tutor.

A tutor can provide personalized guidance and help you target your weaknesses more efficiently. They can also teach you test-taking strategies that can maximize your score. Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring service for personalized guidance!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 770 SAT score good?

A 770 SAT score is considered very low compared to national averages. Since the SAT is scored out of 1600, a 770 places you well below the 12th percentile, meaning you scored lower than the vast majority of test-takers.

2. What is the average SAT score in the US?

The average SAT score in the US is around 1050.

3. What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT?

Both the SAT and ACT are college admissions tests, but they have some key differences. The SAT focuses more on reasoning and problem-solving, with sections on math, reading, and writing. The ACT includes a science section in addition to the English, math, and reading sections, and it’s known for being more straightforward and faster-paced.

Takeaways

• While a 770 SAT score is on the lower end, it doesn’t mean your college dreams are out of reach.
• Some of the schools that accept a 770 SAT score include Central State University, Virginia Union University, and Rust College.
• Many schools focus on more than just test scores, especially test-optional and test-blind colleges, where your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal statement carry more weight. If your target schools still consider SAT scores, retaking the test with a solid prep plan could improve your chances.
• For expert guidance and personalized help, AdmissionSight specializes in SAT prep and college admissions coaching. Reach out to us if you’re looking to improve your SAT score and strengthen your college application!