Is 970 a Good SAT Score? Test Insights + Tips

If you’ve received a 970 SAT score, you’re probably curious about what that means for your college journey and if it’s a good score. Your SAT score matters because it’s a key factor in your college applications. The higher your score, the better your chances of catching the eye of admissions officers. However, SAT scores aren’t everything—colleges consider a range of factors. In this blog, we’ll delve into what a 970 SAT score signifies, whether retaking the test is a good idea, and how you can navigate your path toward achieving your college aspirations.

• How Good Is a 970 SAT Score?
• Colleges You Can Get into with a 970 SAT Score
• Should You Retake the SAT?
• How to Improve Your SAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Good Is a 970 SAT Score?

Scoring a 970 on the SAT puts you in about the 43rd percentile, which means you did better than roughly 43% of test-takers across the country. While that’s below the national average of 1050, it’s still a score that can open doors, especially at colleges with test-optional policies or more flexible admissions criteria. That said, if you’ve got your sights set on highly selective schools, a 970 likely won’t make you a strong contender. Top-tier universities—especially those in the Ivy League or ranked in the top 50—usually admit students with SAT scores well above 1400. In those competitive applicant pools, a 970 probably won’t boost your chances. To give you a clearer picture of where your score stands, let’s take a closer look at the typical SAT score ranges for Ivy League schools:

School	25th Percentile SAT Composite	50th Percentile SAT Composite	75th Percentile SAT Composite
Harvard	1500	1550	1580
Yale	1500	1540	1560
Princeton	1510	1540	1560
Columbia	1470	1495	1530
UPenn	1500	1540	1570
Brown	1500	1530	1560
Cornell	1470	1520	1550
Dartmouth	1440	1520	1560

When you stack your 970 SAT score against the averages at Ivy League schools, the gap is pretty big—most of those schools have middle 50% ranges that are at least 470 points higher. So, getting in with a 970 would be extremely rare unless you’ve got something truly exceptional in your corner—like standout extracurriculars, powerful personal stories, or unique life experiences. That said, don’t let that discourage you. A 970 can still get you into plenty of solid colleges. Lots of schools accept students with scores in this range, and many are test-optional, which means you can highlight your strengths in other areas—like your GPA, essays, recommendation letters, or activities—if your test score isn’t your strongest asset. If you think you’ve got room to improve, retaking the SAT could definitely open up more options. But if testing just isn’t your thing, test-optional schools give you a great chance to shine in other ways.

Colleges You Can Get into with a 970 SAT Score

Got a 970 on the SAT and wondering what colleges might be a good fit? While that score might not put you in the running for Ivy League schools, there are still plenty of great colleges where a 970 falls right in the ballpark of accepted scores. Let’s dive into some solid options where your score can actually help you stand out!

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 partially deaf 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 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 970 on the SAT, so should you retake it? The short answer: it depends. A 970 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. Figure out your weak spots and zero in on them.

Start by looking at your SAT score breakdown to see which sections need the most work. If math is where you’re struggling, spend extra time on algebra and problem-solving. If reading trips you up, focus on building your vocabulary and practicing reading comprehension.

2. Stick to a solid study plan.

Consistency is key. Set up a regular study schedule you can actually stick to. Try to take at least one full-length official SAT practice test each week—those from the College Board are the best. Keep track of your progress and tweak your plan based on how you’re doing.

3. Use quality study materials.

Make sure you’re using reliable resources. Books from The Princeton Review, Kaplan, or Barron’s are great. For something free and personalized, check out Khan Academy—it partners with the College Board and tailors practice to your previous scores.

4. Practice smart test strategies and manage your time.

The SAT has two main sections: Reading and Writing (54 questions in 64 minutes) and Math (44 questions in 70 minutes). That means you’ve got about 1 minute and 11 seconds per question in Reading and Writing, and 1 minute and 35 seconds in Math. To stay on pace, practice under timed conditions. Use the process of elimination to quickly cut down answer choices, and don’t be afraid to skip tough questions and come back to them. Knowing when to move on can really boost your overall score.

5. Consider working with a tutor.

If you want more personalized help, a tutor can be a game-changer. They’ll help you focus on your specific weaknesses and teach you proven test-taking strategies to help you get the most out of your study time—and your score.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a 970 SAT score good?

A 970 SAT score is considered very low compared to national averages. Since the SAT is scored out of 1600, a 970 places you well on the 43rd percentile, meaning you scored lower than the vast majority of test-takers.

2. What is a 970 SAT to ACT Score?

A 970 SAT score is equivalent to an ACT composite score of 18. 

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

The average SAT score would be around 1050.

4. How many times can you take the SAT?

You can take the SAT as many times as you want, but most students take it two to three times. Many colleges use superscoring, meaning they’ll consider your highest scores across different test dates.

5. When should you take the SAT?

Most students take the SAT for the first time in spring of their junior year and again in the fall of senior year if they want to improve their score. This timeline gives you time to prep and still meet college application deadlines.

Takeaways

• At the end of the day, a 970 SAT score might not be considered “high” by competitive standards, but it’s definitely not the end of the road.
• You still have options—and plenty of them. Many great colleges accept scores in this range, and with the rise of test-optional admissions, your application can shine in other ways too.
• Some of the schools you can apply to with a 970 SAT score include Central State University, Virginia Union University, and Rust College.
• With a focused study plan, the right resources, and a bit of determination, raising your score is absolutely possible. Whether you choose to retake the SAT or highlight your strengths elsewhere, the key is knowing where you stand and taking smart steps forward.
• Want to improve your SAT score and increase your chances of getting into Ivies and other top universities? Check out our SAT and ACT tutoring services for personalized and expert guidance.