Is 800 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept an 800 SAT
An 800 SAT score is lower than the national average, but many test-optional schools provide learning opportunities regardless of SAT score, both online and on campus.
Standardized tests have long been a part of the high school experience for American students as they prepare for college. One of the most common tests used in college admissions is the SAT. Traditionally, schools use a combination of the scores from the two sections as a threshold for admission.
As more schools begin to adopt test-optional policies, many students wonder, ''Is 800 a good SAT score?'' and how important these scores are to admissions in modern colleges. Learn more about how the SAT is scored, what is considered a good SAT score, and examples of colleges that accept an 800 SAT score.
Is 800 a Good SAT Score?
<p>A total SAT score is the combination of two different test sections and can range from 400 to 1600. With this range, an 800 is on the lower end of possible scores; however, there are plenty of test-optional schools that allow you to apply without submitting your SAT or other standardized test scores.
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<p>Additionally, many schools have a wide SAT score range for admitted students, meaning that an 800 SAT score can still lead to higher education.
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<h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2>
<p>The SAT is divided into two main sections: evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW) and math. Each section is scored individually, with students receiving a score from 200 to 800. These two sections are then combined to provide a total SAT score range of 400 to 1600, with 1600 being a perfect score and anything over 1200 considered a good score. Students can take SAT practice tests, but only the official SAT, administered by the College Board, is considered by admissions officers.
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<h3 id="section---WhatPercentileIs800OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 800 on the SAT?</h3>
<p>All SAT takers are ranked in percentiles based on their final scores. These percentiles reflect the national average and help designate both low and high scores for a given year. According to statistics compiled by the College Board, an 800 total score on the SAT puts learners in the 14th percentile rank of all test takers. This means that students with an 800 scored higher than only 13% of all test takers.
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<h2 id="section---WillCollegesAcceptAn800SATScore">Will Colleges Accept an 800 SAT Score?</h2>
<p>Even though 800 is below the national average, this doesn't mean you can't apply to a university. More and more schools are adopting test-optional admissions processes. As the name suggests, these schools allow students to decide on their own if they would like to submit their SAT scores.
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<p>This levels the playing field and puts more emphasis on other aspects of the college application process, such as high school GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Some less selective colleges, such as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_everyone.html">colleges that accept everyone</a>, also have lower average cutoffs for SAT scores compared to more selective schools, such as the Ivy League Schools.
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<h2 id="section---ShouldIRetakeTheSATIfIGotAn800">Should I Retake the SAT if I Got an 800?</h2>
<p>Getting an 800 on the SAT won't prohibit you from being admitted to many universities, but it's not a bad idea to retake the test. Some colleges accept superscores, which are a selection of scores spread across multiple test dates.
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<p>For example, if you take the test four times and have four different EBRW and math scores, you can choose the best two and discard the other three tests to provide your best total score. Retaking the test for a higher score after additional test prep can help you get closer to being admitted to your dream school.
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<p>If you do intend to retake the SAT, consider test-specific tutoring, SAT prep classes, and formalizing a study plan based on your weaker academic areas.
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<h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptAn800OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept an 800 on the SAT</h2>
<p>Students with an 800 SAT can find multiple on-campus and online programs available that either don't require SAT scores or have more open admission policies. The schools in this list are all either test-optional or have high acceptance rates for all students.
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<h3 id="section---1.BethuneCookmanUniversity">1. Bethune-Cookman University</h3>
<p>Bethune-Cookman University, located in Florida, is one of many Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs). It has a standing tradition of making higher education affordable and has a test-optional policy.
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<p>In addition to its on-campus degree programs, students can earn degrees online. Some of the available programs include business, nursing, and engineering.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> No test scores are required.
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,922 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $6,922 per semester
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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---2.WileyUniversity">2. Wiley University</h3>
<p>Wiley University is an HBCU with a campus in Marshall, TX, with online degree completion programs available. Wiley does require SAT scores to be submitted, but they aren't used in the admissions process. Instead, Wiley uses these scores for placement in degree programs that include accounting, criminal justice, and sociology.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test scores are required, but they aren't considered for admission.
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $5,000 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $5,000 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
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<h3 id="section---3.DelawareStateUniversity">3. Delaware State University</h3>
<p>Delaware State University (DSU) began a test-optional policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. DSU prioritizes class ranking, GPA, grades, and other factors when admitting students.
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<p>There are over 60 academic programs ranging from education and public administration to sport management and hospitality. On-campus, online, and hybrid degrees are available.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $4,525 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $9,507 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
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<h3 id="section---4.WesternGovernorsUniversity">4. Western Governors University</h3>
<p>Western Governors University (WGU) is a leading provider of on-campus and online degrees. WGU works on a self-paced, competency-based model that allows learners to quickly move through courses they are familiar with and spend more time on new material.
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<p>Students pay for six-month sessions and can complete as many courses as they see fit in these periods.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $4,150 per term
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $4,150 per term
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
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<h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfThePeople">5. University of the People</h3>
<p>University of the People (UoPeople) is a tuition-free university with fully online programs. Students pay per final exam and can complete courses in entirely self-paced formats.
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<p>The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields of study, including business administration, computer science, and information technology.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> No tests requried
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $140 per final exam
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $140 per final exam
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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<h3 id="section---6.ArizonaStateUniversity">6. Arizona State University</h3>
<p>Arizona State University (ASU) is consistently one of the top-ranking universities for both its on-campus and online degree programs. Some of the available degree programs at ASU include business, engineering, and science degrees.
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<p>ASU doesn't require SAT scores from all students, but they can be used. Alternatives to SAT scores include finishing in the top 25% of your high school class, a 3.00 GPA, or a 22 ACT score.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $7,107.50 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $18,648.5 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
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<h3 id="section---7.SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">7. Southern New Hampshire University</h3>
<p>Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers degrees at its Manchester, NH campus, as well as through one of the top-ranking online programs in the nation. All of SNHU's degrees are designed to make learning accessible, and the school only requires high school transcripts and one letter of recommendation for first-year students.
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<p>Learners at SNHU can pursue degrees in biology, education for licensure, and psychology.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $8,100 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $8,100 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
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<h3 id="section---8.ThomasJeffersonUniversity">8. Thomas Jefferson University</h3>
<p>Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) is located in Philadelphia, PA. The school offers a robust selection of on-campus and online programs, including accelerated degrees online.
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<p>Some of the top available degrees include business administration, information technology, and nursing. TJU offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> No scores are required.
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $24,011 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $24,011 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE
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<h3 id="section---9.DavenportUniversity">9. Davenport University</h3>
<p>Davenport University (DU) offers high-quality degrees both online and on campuses across Michigan. DU has campuses in Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and four other cities.
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<p>Students can earn degrees ranging from associate's to doctoral-level degrees in fields of study such as networking technology, business administration, legal studies, and many more.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $15,270 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $15,270 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
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<h3 id="section---10.CharterOakStateCollege">10. Charter Oak State College</h3>
<p>Charter Oak State College (COSC) is located in Connecticut, but it is an online-first university. Students can enroll in both full and degree completion programs in fields of study such as criminal justice, data analytics, social work, and many more.
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<p>These degrees are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school also has diverse credit alternative programs that allow students to gain credits for previous knowledge through exams, training, or using a portfolio to demonstrate knowledge.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $4,935 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $4,935 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE
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<h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>We used three strict criteria while putting together this list to make sure you start your college search on the right foot. These criteria focused on cost, accreditation, and how hard it is to get into each school.
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<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each program on this list has regional accreditation. This ensures your degree meets national academic standards and can help you start a career or continue to graduate school.
</li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> We only selected schools with test-optional, no test requirements, or test-blind programs. Students have fair chances at admission to these schools regardless of test scores.
</li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Affordability is a subjective measure, but we highlighted schools with low tuition rates and schools that offer diverse financial aid packages and accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
</li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2>
<p>As more schools adopt test-optional policies, the opportunities available to students with an 800 SAT score will only continue to grow. Read our articles and school profiles to learn more about common admission requirements and test-optional schools available to you on campus and online.</p>