Is 970 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 970 SAT
A 970 is a below-average SAT score, but there are several test-optional colleges that provide higher education pathways for students with this SAT score.
Each year, thousands of test-takers participate in the SAT to prepare for the college admissions process. Traditionally, test scores have been used as part of college applications to help admission officers sort applicants. Higher SAT scores usually improve acceptance rates, which makes many students ask, ''Is 970 a good SAT score?''
Learn more about what is considered a good SAT score, what to do with a 970 SAT score, and colleges that accept a 970 SAT score or have test-optional policies.
Is 970 a Good SAT Score?
<p>The answer to the question 'Is a 970 a good SAT score?' isn't necessarily a simple yes or no. The SAT score range is 400 to 1600, which puts 970 on the lower end. Although 970 is lower than the national average score, there are still plenty of great colleges that accept a 970 SAT score. In addition to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_everyone.html">colleges that accept everyone</a>, there are many test-optional schools that don't require SAT scores.
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<h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2>
<p>The SAT is scored by combining the score reports of two individual sections. Students must complete both the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math sections of the SAT, which are individually scored from 200 to 800.
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<p>After both sections are completed, students receive a final score between 400 and 1600. Some schools accept an SAT superscore, which allows high school students to take the test multiple times and choose their best scores from different sessions to produce their highest possible score.
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<h3 id="section---WhatPercentileIs970OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 970 on the SAT?</h3>
<p>A 970 SAT score puts a test-taker in the 42nd percentile, based on data from the College Board. This means that a 970 is a higher score than 42% of test-takers. The 50th percentile, which sets the national average, is 1010. Although better scores will help students' acceptance rates, there are plenty of schools that don't require standardized test scores for admission.
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<h2 id="section---WillCollegesAcceptA970SATScore">Will Colleges Accept a 970 SAT Score?</h2>
<p>Many high-quality schools don't require SAT scores, which will allow students to apply regardless of their score. Even outside of these schools, there are plenty with wide ranges of accepted SAT scores or no minimum — which allows students to use their GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation to bolster their chances.
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<h2 id="section---ShouldIRetakeTheSATIfIGotA970">Should I Retake the SAT if I Got a 970?</h2>
<p>A 970 is a low score, and it is a good idea to retake the test if possible. Schools only review the highest score, and utilizing multiple test dates can help you get your highest possible score.
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<p>You can also retake the SAT exam to receive better options for your superscore. If you plan to retake the exam, pursue specific SAT preparation, including SAT practice tests, tutoring, and making a study plan.
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<h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptA970OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept a 970 on the SAT</h2>
<p>No matter what your official SAT score, there are colleges and universities that can help you earn your degree. These schools have test-optional admission programs that allow students to apply without fear of being held back by their scores.
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<h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfWyoming">1. University of Wyoming</h3>
<p>Students at the University of Wyoming (UW) aren't required to submit their SAT scores, but the school does use these scores for financial aid allocation. UW offers both online and on-campus degrees in in-demand fields of study, including agricultural business, electrical engineering, human development, 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> $5,400 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $22,020 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
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<h3 id="section---2.OklahomaStateUniversity">2. Oklahoma State University</h3>
<p>Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a test-optional school, but students should still submit their scores to help with financial aid. OSU provides multiple merit-based programs that award students based on test scores, average GPAs, and more.
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<p>Students at OKSU can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in aviation, social sciences, and health and medicine.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,960 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $14,720 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
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<h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfSouthFlorida">3. University of South Florida</h3>
<p>The University of South Florida (USF) has online and on-campus degrees available in programs such as criminology, economics, and sociology. The average SAT range for admitted students is 1250 to 1400, but the actual requirement is only 970. Students are evaluated on multiple factors beyond just their SAT score.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> 970 (490 for EBRW and 480 for Math)
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,410 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $17,324 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---4.LouisianaStateUniversity">4. Louisiana State University</h3>
<p>Louisiana State University (LSU) has eight campuses throughout the state, as well as online degree programs. LSU students can earn degrees in more than 330 fields of study, including business, health, and engineering. LSU is test-optional, but students can submit their superscore for class placement and financial aid considerations.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,156 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $14,498 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
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<h3 id="section---5.CentralConnecticutStateUniversity">5. Central Connecticut State University</h3>
<p>Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with traditional and accelerated pathways. Students can earn their degrees online or in person. Some of the available degree programs include African studies, construction management, journalism, and many more. CCSU doesn't require SAT or ACT scores for admission considerations.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,525 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $8,235 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
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<h3 id="section---6.BridgewaterStateUniversity">6. Bridgewater State University</h3>
<p>Bridgewater State University (BSU) has a sliding scale for students with a GPA under 3.0. Students with a sub-3.0 GPA can use SAT scores to improve their acceptance chances, while students with a 3.0 GPA are considered test-optional.
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<p>Available majors at BSU's Massachusetts campus include communication, philosophy, and secondary education.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional with a 3.0 or above GPA
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $5,867 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $8,937 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE
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<h3 id="section---7.CaliforniaStateUniversityLongBeach">7. California State University-Long Beach</h3>
<p>California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) has seven different academic colleges, including business, education, and natural sciences. There are also online programs, including self-paced programs. SAT scores are not required here as CSULB considers other factors in admissions besides standardized tests.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $3,042 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $8,729 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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<h3 id="section---8.CaliforniaStateUniversityFullerton">8. California State University-Fullerton</h3>
<p>California State University-Fullerton (CSUF) has 110 total degree programs, with 55 undergraduate and graduate programs. These programs include business administration, engineering, and nursing. Students at CSUF can enroll in both online and on-campus versions of many degrees. CSUF favors a holistic admissions approach that looks at factors other than standardized test results, such as GPA and class rank.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Not required
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $3,737 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $8,777 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> WSCUC
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<h3 id="section---9.BallStateUniversity">9. Ball State University</h3>
<p>Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN. The school provides degrees from seven different academic colleges, including online and on-campus programs. The available degrees range from associate to graduate-level degrees in fields of study, including computer science, social work, and criminal justice. Ball State University is test-optional, but students can submit their SAT for additional considerations.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $8,948 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $27,496 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
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<h3 id="section---10.CentralWashingtonUniversity">10. Central Washington University</h3>
<p>Central Washington University (CWU) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees from its campus in Ellensburg, WA, and online. CWU has degrees available in accounting, sports management, and mechanical engineering technology. CWU doesn't require SAT scores for admission, but students are encouraged to submit them for class placement.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $7,231 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $25,340 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
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<h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>We used three main criteria when selecting the schools for this list. We looked at key factors, mainly accreditation, cost, and overall admission requirements.
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<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each school in this list is regionally accredited, meaning it meets high educational standards set by the Department of Education.
</li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> All the schools we chose have wide ranges of SAT scores or are test-optional.
</li><li><b>Affordability:</b> We selected schools with low average tuition rates. We also looked at school-provided financial aid packages that can further reduce costs.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2>
<p>Learn more about these schools and others that accept a 970 SAT score by reading our articles and school profiles. Then, use our resources to request more information or start your application today.</p>