Is 1300 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1300 SAT
A 1300 is an above-average score, opening up many great options for higher education. Keep reading to see 10 of the best schools for those with a 1300 SAT.
The SAT test measures a student's knowledge of math, reading, and writing. Scores are measured on a scale; 400 is the lowest and 1600 is a perfect score. Therefore, if you scored 1300 on the SAT, that is a higher score than average. But is 1300 a good SAT score?
A good SAT score and a high grade point average (GPA) can significantly impact your college application, opening up many options for high-quality colleges. Keep reading to see whether a 1300 is considered a good score.
Is 1300 a Good SAT Score?
<p>The average score on the SATs is 1059, which means a 1300 is above average. It's not quite high enough to get you into an Ivy League school, but retaking the test could open up more possibilities.
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<p>Even with an SAT score of 1300, you should also consider your academic and extracurricular goals when looking at schools. While there are many colleges that accept a 1300 SAT score, don't discount the accredited, high-quality <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_everyone.html">colleges that accept everyone</a>.
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<h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2>
<p>The SAT measures a student's math, reading, and writing skills. Test-takers have 32 minutes for the evidence-based reading and writing section and 35 minutes to complete the math section. The SAT score range runs from 400 to 1600 and is the sum of your score on each of the two sections.
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<p>Practice tests are a great way to prepare for the exam and get a better idea of the type of questions you may encounter. Since a higher SAT score, along with extracurricular activities and a high GPA all contribute to your college options, it's a good idea to spend some time doing test prep.
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<h3 id="section---WhatPercentileIs1300OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 1300 on the SAT?</h3>
<p>A 1300 puts you in the 87th percentile of all test takers; this means you scored higher than 87% of students. When looking at statistics of admitted students, you'll see two SAT ranges: 25th and 75th percentile. If your SAT score is above the 75th percentile, that means you scored higher than 75% of accepted students, making you a very competitive applicant, even among more selective schools.
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<h2 id="section---ScholarshipsWithA1300OnTheSAT">Scholarships With a 1300 on the SAT</h2>
<p>Many merit-based scholarships are available to students with good scores. Auburn University offers a scholarship to first-year Alabama residents who just graduated from high school. Awards vary but applicants need at least a 3.5 GPA and a 1300 SAT.
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<p>The University of Wisconsin-Stout Scholars offers a $20,000 scholarship that is renewable for up to three years. The University of Kentucky Provost also offers a $20,000 renewable scholarship to first-time freshmen. Along with financial aid, there are several options for students with high test scores to keep costs low.
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<h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptA1300OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept a 1300 on the SAT</h2>
<p>The schools below either have a higher acceptance rate for students with a 1300 or are test-optional. These are some of the best colleges for students with above-average standardized test results.
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<h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfWisconsin">1. University of Wisconsin</h3>
<p>The University of Wisconsin (UW) was recently ranked as the number 20 best school in the nation. And as one of the 10 largest research institutes in the U.S., it offers a lot for high-achieving students.
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<p>As part of your application, incoming freshman must include two essays, high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation and an $80 application fee. SAT scores are optional.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $11,606 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $42,104 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
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<h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfGeorgia">2. University of Georgia</h3>
<p>Admissions officers at the University of Georgia (UG) consider your GPA to be the most important part of your application, and they report that 99% of admitted students took at least one advanced-level course. The school does require either your SAT or ACT scores, and the bottom 25% of admitted students scored 1270. But it's worth putting in the work; UG is a top-ranked school that offers more than 250 undergraduate majors and minors.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> 1270
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $11,492 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $32,336 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
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<h3 id="section---3.AuburnUniversity">3. Auburn University</h3>
<p>Auburn University in Georgia offers over 150 academic majors and many of them are nationally ranked. From engineering to economics, there's a program here that's right for you.
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<p>Admissions officers consider a student's GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and take a holistic look at their academic journey thus far. The middle 50% of students scored between a 1210 and 1380 on the SATs, making a 1300 a very strong score.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> 1210
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,659 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $18,011 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
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<h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfKentucky">4. University of Kentucky</h3>
<p>Applicants to the University of Kentucky (UK) must submit their transcripts, an essay, an application fee, and optional standardized test scores. However, there are 10 schools with additional requirements, including business and economics, pharmacy, and social work.
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<p>These may include a portfolio of work, an on-campus interview, or standardized test scores. But for general admission, students at UK generally scored between 1080 and 1280 on the SAT.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $13,502 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $34,140 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
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<h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfCaliforniaDavis">5. University of California, Davis</h3>
<p>Over 100 majors are offered at the University of California (UC) Davis, including aerospace engineering, environmental policy, and international relations. They do not consider SAT scores as part of your application; however, California residents are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and nonresidents must have a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
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<p>Residents who graduate in the top 9% of their class are eligible for guaranteed admission.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $14,934 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $37,602 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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<h3 id="section---6.ClemsonUniversity">6. Clemson University</h3>
<p>Clemson offers over 80 undergraduate majors and has nationally ranked academics and professors. Physics, hydrogeology, and sports communication are just a few of the programs.
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<p>Prospective students will need to complete the application, pay the fee, and submit a self-reported academic record. Admissions is most interested in students who took college-level advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) classes, have a high GPA, and participated in community service.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $15,554 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $40,866 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
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<h3 id="section---7.TempleUniversity">7. Temple University</h3>
<p>Temple University is test-optional; the school is most interested in students who value knowledge and hard work. Of the students who did apply with SAT scores in 2024, the average was 1280.
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<p>Temple does require an application, transcripts, an essay, a letter of recommendation, and information about extracurricular activities. It offers over 600 academic programs, with something to fit every interest and career.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $18,864 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $33,912 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
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<h3 id="section---8.PennsylvaniaStateUniversity">8. Pennsylvania State University</h3>
<p>Penn State offers over 275 undergraduate majors and over 1,000 student clubs and organizations, so you'll be able to work hard and play hard. The school is test-optional, but the average admitted student had at least a 3.65 GPA and scored 1320 on the SAT, making this a slightly harder school to get into.
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<p>Additionally, some of Penn State's major programs have additional requirements beyond general admission.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $20,644 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $41,790 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE
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<h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfTexasAtAustin">9. University of Texas at Austin</h3>
<p>U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Texas at Austin as the number one public university in Texas. It offers more than 170 undergraduate degrees, including geosciences, pre-law, and political communication.
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<p>Applicants should fill out the Common App, submit essay and short answer responses, pay the application fee, submit test scores and high school transcripts, and review any other optional materials. SAT scores are optional, but the average student scored a 1230.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $1,759 per credit hour
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $6,836.50 per credit hour
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
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<h3 id="section---10.SyracuseUniversity">10. Syracuse University</h3>
<p>Syracuse University in New York has a 42% acceptance rate, making it more selective — and while SAT scores are optional, the average admitted student scored at least a 1290.
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<p>Interested students should fill out an application and include transcripts, a senior year grade report, an evaluation from your school counselor, and an academic letter of recommendation. With almost 600 undergraduate programs, there are more than enough options for admitted students.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $66,580 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $66,580 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE
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<h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>When looking at target schools for students with a 1300 SAT score, there were a few non-negotiables for us. Accreditation, college admissions, and costs were all things we considered.
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<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> High-achieving students want to ensure they receive a top-tier education, so we only included fully accredited schools on our list. All of them are held to the highest educational standards.
</li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> While many of our schools are test-optional, none of them have difficult or confusing admissions requirements. Many use the Common App to make applying more streamlined and have a strong focus on your whole academic career, rather than one standardized test.
</li><li><b>Affordability:</b> College can be expensive, but we only wanted to include schools that offered lower in-state tuition or significant financial aid opportunities. There are also many scholarships available for students with a 1300 SAT score.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2>
<p>The SATs are challenging for many, and a score of 1300 is something to be proud of as it opens up many exciting possibilities for higher education. As you continue searching, take a look at more accredited schools featured on Learn.org and reach out to one to discuss your career goals.</p>