Is 1230 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1230 SAT
If you scored a 1230 on the SAT, you may wonder which colleges will accept you. This article will explain what to expect from most college admissions officers.
Is 1230 a good SAT score for students seeking admission into top universities? While some of the more selective colleges may not accept you, 1230 is actually a rather good SAT score, since it's almost at the 80th percentile of all test takers. This article will show you what you can do if you're dissatisfied with your standardized test scores, including a few tips on where to apply for college.
Is 1230 a Good SAT Score?
Yes, this is a solid achievement, especially since there are hundreds of American colleges that accept a 1230 SAT score, including those with strong academic reputations. This is an above-average score, and if it's your first time taking the test, you have a significant chance of scoring higher after more test prep and study.
There are also many colleges that have moved to a ''test optional'' admissions process. Finally, you can even apply to one of the colleges that accept everyone and stand a decent chance at scholarship funding.
How Is the SAT Scored?
The SAT has two sections: a math section and a verbal and writing section. Both have a scoring scale of 200 to 800, leading to a combined SAT score range between 400 to 1600.
The average test score is around 1050 among all test takers, which means your score of 1230 is much higher than the national average but falls well short of the perfect 1600. If you take the SAT more than once, college boards will consider the higher score from among all your attempts. So, don't hesitate to take an SAT prep course and retake the exam if you believe you underperformed with the 1230 score.
What Percentile Is 1230 on the SAT?
A 1230 SAT score will make you a competitive applicant at most public universities because it positions you at the 79th percentile of all test takers. This is the equivalent of scoring a 26 on the American College Testing (ACT) exam.
This means that if you possess a high grade point average (GPA) from high school and community college courses, then you should have a strong chance of admission into many reputable universities.
Scholarships With a 1230 on the SAT
Many college applicants become competitive for scholarships if they can achieve an SAT score at around the 75th percentile or better. This puts a 1230 score on the lower end of being qualified for partial or full funding at many four-year universities.
You may have a target school (such as Ivy League institutions) that won't offer scholarships with that SAT score, but many mid-tier colleges will. There are universities, like the University of North Carolina - Charlotte, that offer roughly $17,000 in merit scholarships for qualified applicants with a 1230 SAT score.
Colleges That Accept a 1230 on the SAT
Below is a list of 10 affordable and reputable universities that will accept incoming students with a 1230 SAT score. These are all accredited universities, and many offer scholarship opportunities.
1. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is one of many universities to enact an optional SAT admissions process, but submitting scores is still a good idea. The university does not have a cutoff, but you would need at least an 1120 or higher to be competitive. You might consider this a decent option if you wish to get a free ride through scholarships.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $11,900
Average out-of-state tuition: $33,200
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
2. Pennsylvania State University
Penn State is test-optional as well, but its accepted students have about 1230 or higher for their incoming freshmen. This could be one of your reach schools for scholarships, but its 52% acceptance rate is not out of reach for admissions with that SAT score, a good GPA, and solid extracurricular activities from high school.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $20,234
Average out-of-state tuition: $40,188
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
3. University of Ohio
The University of Ohio does not require you to submit SAT test scores, but most of its admitted students score between 1100 and 1280. This puts your 1230 score well within the competitive range.
You may wish to take a few more practice tests to aim for a slightly higher SAT score, so you can secure a full scholarship.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $13,746
Average out-of-state tuition: $24,114
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
4. University of California - Los Angeles
The University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) has no specific SAT requirements. This is one of California's most competitive colleges, though. An SAT score of over 1200, combined with a stellar GPA, glowing letters of recommendation, and high school leadership experience, could give you an outside chance of admission to UCLA.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $14,208
Average out-of-state tuition: $46,503
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
5. University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska requires only a 1040 SAT score for admissions, making this an easier school to get into. Some of the university's competitive academic departments (like architecture and engineering) require at least an 1180 for program entrance. A 1230 score could make you competitive for merit-based financial aid resources.
SAT requirements: 1040
Average in-state tuition: $10,434
Average out-of-state tuition: $28,584
Accreditation: HLC
6. University of North Carolina - Charlotte
The University of North Carolina - Charlotte does not require SAT scores for admissions but considers 1230 the minimum level for scholarship funding. Charlotte may not award scholarships automatically, but even if you cannot secure full funding, this is one of the most affordable universities with an in-state tuition rate below $4,000.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $3,812
Average out-of-state tuition: $19,066
Accreditation: SACSCOC
7. State University of New York - Stony Brook
The State University of New York - Stony Brook is technically a test-optional school, but half of incoming students submit an SAT score of 1340 or higher. That means 1230 is closer to the 25th percentile at Stony Brook but not a disqualifier. You can offset it with a higher GPA and strong recommendations.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $11,310
Average out-of-state tuition: $26,990
Accreditation: MSCHE
8. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia does not require the SAT for admissions, but 50% of students submit scores between 1270 and 1470. Your score isn't too far off for admission into Georgia's flagship public university. Make sure the rest of our application is strong, though, because the school only admits about 37% of applicants.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $11,180
Average out-of-state tuition: $30,220
Accreditation: SACSCOC
9. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a strong match for your SAT score because its average score is 1235 for incoming freshmen. It also accepts about 85% of applicants. If your grades are solid, consider retaking the SAT to aim for a 1300 or higher and enjoy a better chance at merit-based awards for new freshmen.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $13,776
Average out-of-state tuition: $35,927
Accreditation: HLC
10. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona does not require standardized test scores; however, its average SAT score ranges from 1160 to 1420. It also has a fairly high acceptance rate of 85%.
Arizona's website assures students of admissions if they rank in the top 25% of their graduating class or possess at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA through their junior year of high school.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $13,626
Average out-of-state tuition: $41,095
Accreditation: WSCUC
How We Rank Schools
Here is an explanation of our rankings methodology. Our list focuses on schools with consistent accreditation across all programs, admissions requirements that match a 1230 SAT score, and colleges with affordable tuition.
- Accreditation: Universities on this list must have accreditation from a review board, such as the HLC.
- Admissions requirements: Schools must either admit students with a 1230 SAT score or waive standardized test requirements altogether.
- Affordability: This list emphasizes affordable programs with in-state tuition at around $15,000 per year or less.
Explore Online Degree Programs
You can learn much more about SAT scores, ACT scores, scholarships and financial aid, and online degree programs by browsing through Learn.org. We provide prospective students with everything they need to find affordable, high-quality online degree options anywhere in America.
