Is 1280 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1280 SAT

It's important to know where you stand with your SAT score when you apply for college. A score of 1280 can position you well for college admissions at many universities.

You do not need to take the SAT to get into many schools in the U.S., but it certainly helps to earn the best score if you want to enroll in one of the nation's top universities. If you've just taken the test and scored 1280, you might be wondering, ''Is 1280 a good SAT score for most colleges?'' Yes, this is a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_is_a_good_sat_score.html">good SAT score</a>, but standardized tests are only part of the college admissions formula. This article will explore what you can do with that achievement by identifying a few universities that match your academic profile. <h2 id="section---Is1280AGoodSATScore">Is 1280 a Good SAT Score?</h2> Yes, this can be considered a good score. There are plenty of colleges that accept a 1280 SAT score, including some that award merit-based scholarships for undergraduate education. It may be on the low end of scores if you want to get into Harvard University or other Ivy League schools, but it's good enough to put you among the top fifth of all test takers. Plus, there are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_everyone.html">colleges that accept everyone</a> without consideration to test scores, especially if your grades are outstanding. <h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2> Your SAT score reflects your performance in the test's two sections: SAT math and SAT verbal and writing. The SAT score range is between 400 and 1600, based on two section scores, which are each between 200 and 800. Since the national average is about 1050, your score of 1280 is more than 200 points better than typical college applicants. Whenever you take the test, there is no penalty for guessing wrong, and admissions officers will only consider your best score if you retake the SAT exam multiple times. <h3 id="section---WhatPercentileIs1280OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 1280 on the SAT?</h3> Among all test takers, a score of 1280 puts you in the 84th percentile. This considers all test takers throughout the country, though. You should also consider the percentile and scoring ranges at specific universities, which vary depending on where you apply. The most elite universities may receive applications from students whose SAT scores range from 1300 to 1550, making a 1280 score below the cutoff for admissions. So, at some colleges, a 1280 score may be at either the 25th percentile or the 75th percentile, depending on the competitiveness of the applicant pool. <h2 id="section---ScholarshipsWithA1280OnTheSAT">Scholarships With a 1280 on the SAT</h2> Your 1280 score could make you very competitive for scholarships at public universities — and even some top-tier institutions. Therefore, even if a selective college does not require SAT or ACT scores, you should submit them anyway if you already possess a strong score. Not all scholarships depend on SAT performance or high grades, but many are merit-based and competitive. You should research which schools offer funding and the required score range to get a better idea of how you can earn a full-ride or partial scholarship. <h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptA1280OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept a 1280 on the SAT</h2> These are 10 universities that offer students with a 1280 SAT score the best chances of admission and scholarship awards. While some of these may be ''reach schools'' for full funding, they may still be solid target schools for someone with that score. <h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfFlorida">1. University of Florida</h3> The University of Florida is a challenging place to gain admission, but not impossible since the university does not have a cutoff for SAT scores. Half of admitted students score between 1300 and 1480, which means Florida admits about 25% of applicants who score below a 1300. This is also an attractive option for in-state residents, who pay less than $7,000 in tuition annually to attend. SAT requirements: No cutoff (range between 1300 and 1480) Average in-state tuition: $6,381 Average out-of-state tuition: $28,658 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) <h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfTexas">2. University of Texas</h3> The University of Texas had been a test-optional school before reinstating its SAT requirement. It does not publish an official cutoff threshold but has admitted students who score within the 1240 to 1470 range. This gives you a decent chance if you can combine your score with a higher grade point average (GPA) and impressive extracurricular activities. SAT requirements: 1240 to 1470 Average in-state tuition: $11,678 Average out-of-state tuition: $42,778 Accreditation: SACSCOC <h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfAlabama">3. University of Alabama</h3> The University of Alabama does not require SAT scores for admissions, but its college board will consider them. Incoming freshmen have an average SAT score between 1110 and 1360, making 1280 more than competitive. You can increase your chances of acceptance by securing solid letters of recommendation along with a strong GPA and high school class ranking. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $11,684 Average out-of-state tuition: $34,542 Accreditation: SACSCOC <h3 id="section---4.MichiganStateUniversity">4. Michigan State University</h3> Michigan State University does not require SAT scores but half of admitted students score between 1110 and 1310. This reputable school has a relatively self-selected applicant pool with a high acceptance rate of 83%. A score of 1280 is higher than most applicants, which may offer a better opportunity for merit-based scholarships. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $16,118 Average out-of-state tuition: $43,502 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) <h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfCaliforniaLosAngeles">5. University of California - Los Angeles</h3> The University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) is a competitive, top-tier school, which has a ''test blind'' approach to admissions. You can still submit your scores to earn a better opportunity for admission and scholarships. If you dedicate more time to SAT test prep, you may raise your score higher and gain an even greater chance of admission to UCLA. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $14,934 Average out-of-state tuition: $46,503 Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) <h3 id="section---6.FloridaStateUniversity">6. Florida State University</h3> Florida State University (FSU) offers a quality academic experience at a bargain price among mid-to-upper-tier public universities. Although FSU does not require the SAT, the scoring range for the middle 50% of accepted students falls between 1340 and 1540. You should have a decent chance with a 1280 score, but there is no guarantee, which means you might consider reviewing your SAT prep materials to shoot for a higher score. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $5,656 Average out-of-state tuition: $18,786 Accreditation: SACSCOC <h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfOregon">7. University of Oregon</h3> The University of Oregon has a test-optional college admissions process, prioritizing academic performance, application essays, and a rigorous high school curriculum. Half of the students who submitted an SAT score had a scoring range between 1150 and 1340, including an average score of 1253. This university matches well for someone with an SAT score of 1280. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $15,669 Average out-of-state tuition: $43,302 Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) <h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfSouthDakota">8. University of South Dakota</h3> The University of South Dakota doesn't require the SAT, but most incoming freshmen score between 1150 and 1290. That makes your score a fairly secure fit for this university. You may also qualify for academic scholarships and other financial aid if you enroll at the state's flagship university. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $9,432 Average out-of-state tuition: $12,942 Accreditation: HLC <h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfSouthCarolina">9. University of South Carolina</h3> The University of South Carolina is also test-optional for admissions, but a 1280 SAT score is the average score at this public college. The overall acceptance rate is about 61%, so you could retake the test if you want to improve your admissions chances. If you could score at least a 1370 on the SAT, that would place you at the 75th percentile among accepted students who submit test scores. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $12,288 Average out-of-state tuition: $35,572 Accreditation:SACSCOC <h3 id="section---10.NorthCarolinaStateUniversity">10. North Carolina State University</h3> North Carolina State University has a test-optional system, but most students submit SAT scores to have a competitive chance. A score of 1280 is only at the 25th percentile of incoming freshmen, but you can offset that slight disadvantage by earning a higher unweighted GPA, submitting strong recommendations, and possessing a superior class rank during high school. SAT requirements: Test optional Average in-state tuition: $8,895 Average out-of-state tuition: $31,767 Accreditation: SACSCOC <h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> This is the way we evaluate universities for students with an SAT score of around 1280. Each university must at least meet the following three criteria: academic accreditation, suitable admissions requirements (based on your score), and program affordability. <ul><li>Accreditation: The rankings only feature colleges with academic accreditation from reviewers, like HLC. </li><li>Admissions requirements: This specific list focuses on reasonable admissions requirements for someone with an SAT score of 1280, assuming you have comparable grades. </li><li>Affordability: Programs should be affordable, typically no higher than about $15,000 per year in tuition fees. </li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2> Learn.org has all the resources to help you identify your dream school, get financial aid, and earn your degree faster. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to find high-quality online programs, hybrid programs, and other convenient ways to attend college.

Is 1280 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1280 SAT

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