Is 910 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

If you received a 910 SAT score, you’re probably wondering if that’s a good score and what it means for your next steps. Optimizing your SAT score is worth it since it plays a big role in your college application. The higher your score, the better your chances of standing out to admissions officers.

Of course, SAT scores aren’t the only factor colleges consider, but they’re an important one. In this blog, we’ll talk about what a 910 SAT score really means, whether or not you should retake the test, and how you can move forward to reach your college goals.

• How Good Is a 910 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 910 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 910 SAT Score?

Scoring 910 on the SAT places you around the 33rd percentile, meaning you performed better than about a third of test-takers nationwide. While this score is below the national average of 1050, it still makes you eligible for admission at many colleges, particularly those with test-optional policies or more flexible admissions standards.

However, if you’re aiming for highly selective schools, a 910 SAT score may not be competitive. Top-ranked institutions—especially those in the Ivy League or the top 50—typically admit students with SAT scores well above 1400. In these applicant pools, a 910 SAT score would not significantly strengthen your application.

To better understand how your score fits into the college admissions landscape, let’s explore the typical SAT ranges for Ivy League schools:

When you compare your 910 SAT score to the average scores of admitted students at Ivy League schools, the difference is quite noticeable. Most Ivy League institutions have middle 50% SAT ranges that are 530 or more points higher.

This means that gaining admission with a 910 SAT score would be extremely rare unless you have outstanding extracurricular achievements, compelling essays, or unique personal circumstances that help set you apart.

That said, a 910 SAT score can still get you into many great colleges! Plenty of schools accept students with this score, and many have test-optional policies, meaning you can focus on strengthening other parts of your application if your SAT score isn’t as competitive as you’d like.

If you believe you can improve your SAT score, retaking the test could open more opportunities. But if standardized testing isn’t your strength, consider test-optional colleges, where your other academic and personal achievements can shine.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 910 SAT Score

Got a 910 SAT score and was wondering what colleges are within reach? While this score might not be competitive for Ivy League schools, there are still plenty of colleges where a 910 SAT score falls within the typical accepted range.

Let’s explore some strong schools where your score can work in your favor!

1. Central State University

Acceptance rate: 89%

Average tuition cost: $2,707

SAT range: 770-990

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 8:1, 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 or partially deaf 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 910 on the SAT, so should you retake it? The short answer: it depends.

A 910 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

Here are our best strategies to help you improve your SAT score:

1. Identify weak areas and focus your study.

Review your SAT score breakdown to determine which sections need the most improvement. If math is your weakness, spend extra time on algebra and problem-solving. If reading is a challenge, practice comprehension and vocabulary strategies.

2. Follow a structured study plan.

Set a consistent study schedule and stick to it. Use official SAT practice tests from the College Board and aim to complete at least one full-length test per week. Track your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly.

3. Use high-quality study resources.

Invest in SAT prep books like those from The Princeton Review, Kaplan, or Barron’s. Online platforms like Khan Academy (which partners with the College Board) offer free, customized practice plans based on your previous SAT scores.

4. Improve time management and test-taking strategies.

To prepare effectively for the SAT, it’s important to understand the test’s structure and manage your time wisely. The SAT consists of two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The Reading and Writing section includes 54 questions to be completed in 64 minutes, averaging about 1 minute and 11 seconds per question. The Math section comprises 44 questions over 70 minutes, allowing approximately 1 minute and 35 seconds per question.

Practicing under timed conditions can help you develop a sense of pacing. Focus on quickly eliminating incorrect answer choices using process-of-elimination techniques, and recognize when it’s strategic to skip and return to challenging questions. This approach will help you maximize your performance within the allotted time for each section.

5. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 910 SAT score good?

A 910 SAT score is considered very low compared to national averages. Since the SAT is scored out of 1600, a 910 places you well on the 33rd percentile, meaning you scored lower than the vast majority of test-takers.

2. What is a 910 SAT to ACT Score?

A 910 SAT score is equivalent to an ACT composite score of 16. 

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

The average SAT score would be around 1050.

Takeaways

• A 910 SAT score falls below the national average, but it doesn’t mean your college dreams are out of reach. Many schools across the country accept students with scores in this range, especially if you have strengths in other areas like your GPA, extracurriculars, or personal essays.
• However, if you’re aiming for highly selective institutions or Ivy League schools, you may want to consider retaking the test or focusing on other parts of your application to stand out.
• Some of the schools you can apply to with a 910 SAT score include Central State University, Virginia Union University, and Rust College.
• Want to improve your SAT score to improve your chances of getting into top universities? Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring services for personalized and expert guidance.