Is 1020 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1020 SAT
A 1020 SAT score is close to the national average. Many colleges accept students with a 1020 SAT score; many are test-optional and scores are not required for admission.
The SAT is a standardized test many colleges and universities use to help assess a student's potential success at their institution. The SAT exam measures high school-level learning in math, reading, and writing.
As you begin applying to schools, you may wonder, ''Is 1020 a good SAT score?'' In this article, we explore what makes up a good SAT score and which schools accept scores in this range. Read on to learn more about affordable, accredited schools that accept 1020 SAT scores.
Is 1020 a Good SAT Score?
<p>According to the College Board (which administers the SAT), the national average SAT score is around 1050. While a 1020 SAT score is slightly below average, there are plenty of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_everyone.html">colleges that accept everyone</a>. Schools understand that the SAT is just one way to measure a student's learning capacity, and many other factors go into the college admissions process.
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<h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2>
<p>The SAT is broken into two main sections: language (reading and writing) and math. Each section is scored on a range between 200 and 800 points. The more correct answers you give, the higher your score in each section. The lowest score you can earn on the SAT is 400, and the highest is 1600.
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<p>Another test measure used by higher education institutions is the American College Testing (ACT) exam. A 1020 SAT score roughly corresponds to a 19 ACT score.
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<h2 id="section---WhatPercentileIs1020OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 1020 on the SAT?</h2>
<p>A percentile is a way of measuring data in terms of 100 equal parts. For example, someone in the 75th percentile scored higher than 75% of other SAT test-takers that year.
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<p>If you've scored 1020, you rank among the 45th to 52nd percentile of SAT test-takers. This means that 45% to 52% of other students have scored at or below 1020.
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<h2 id="section---WillCollegesAcceptA1020SATScore">Will Colleges Accept a 1020 SAT Score?</h2>
<p>Yes, there are many colleges that accept a 1020 SAT score. Admissions officers understand that prospective students come from a wide range of backgrounds and testing abilities, and that standardized test scores are just one way to measure a person's capacity to learn.
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<p>While Ivy League universities are traditionally very selective schools, many reputable schools across the country accept high school students with 1020 SAT scores. To enhance your college application, highlight your abilities in other areas. These may include a good grade point average (GPA), work and internship experiences, personal essays, and extracurricular activities.
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<h2 id="section---ShouldIRetakeTheSATIfIGotA1020">Should I Retake the SAT if I Got a 1020?</h2>
<p>If your target schools are more selective about SAT scores, then you may want to retake the SAT to improve your score. Before you retake the test, you can enroll in SAT prep courses, study test prep materials at home, and take SAT practice tests to strengthen weak areas.
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<h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptA1020OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept a 1020 on the SAT</h2>
<p>This college list is a helpful reference for students who have asked themselves, ''Is 1020 a good SAT score?'' The following are colleges that accept a 1020 SAT score or are test-optional. A test-optional school does not require prospective students to include their SAT or ACT scores (though students may include their scores if they prefer).
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<p>Note that if you are applying to merit-based scholarships, you will likely need to include your official SAT score.
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<h3 id="section---1.CaliforniaStateUniversityLosAngeles">1. California State University-Los Angeles</h3>
<p>The California State University-Los Angeles campus (Cal State LA) is a large public school located in southern California. Cal State LA offers a wide range of degree options, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The average SAT score range for students is between 850 and 1045. You may need to submit your SAT score to qualify for scholarship opportunities.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $7,530 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $17,688 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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<h3 id="section---2.MarshallUniversity">2. Marshall University</h3>
<p>Located in Huntington, WV, Marshall University is a mid-sized public school that offers more than 120 degree programs, from associate degrees to doctorates. Although most of its student body is on campus, Marshall University offers some degree programs online, including its Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs in creative writing and geography.
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<p>The average SAT score for undergraduates ranges between 920 and 1140. Financial aid like grants and scholarships is available for both in-state and out-of-state students.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $9,162 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $20,342 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
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<h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfNorthCarolinaAtPembroke">3. University of North Carolina at Pembroke</h3>
<p>The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) is a nonprofit public school in rural North Carolina. UNCP serves a diverse student body and has more than 150 pathways to degrees. Its student-to-instructor ratio is relatively low, averaging 14 students to one teacher.
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<p>Students at UNCP typically score between 910 and 1130 on their SAT and may qualify for federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $4,280 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $17,339 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOS)
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<h3 id="section---4.ConcordUniversity">4. Concord University</h3>
<p>Located in Athens, WV, Concord University is a small public university with a 93% acceptance rate. Its relatively small body consists of 1,800 students from across the U.S. While most students take classes in person, the university offers many online course options.
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<p>The average SAT score range for incoming students is 850 to 1090. Concord University prides itself on offering a quality education at affordable rates; most students qualify for some type of financial aid.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $10,664 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $19,340 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h3 id="section---5.SouthernConnecticutStateUniversity">5. Southern Connecticut State University</h3>
<p>Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is a mid-sized public university based in New Haven, CT. It features more than 225 academic programs and consistently ranks among U.S. News & World Report's top regional schools.
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<p>The average SAT score for incoming students is between 840 and 1080. SCSU does not require prospective students to submit their SAT results; however, those interested in any merit-based scholarships (like the Presidential Merit scholarship) will need to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $8,686 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $15,483 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
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<h3 id="section---6.GeorgiaGwinnettCollege">6. Georgia Gwinnett College</h3>
<p>Students from nearby states may qualify for in-state tuition at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). This public college, located in northern Georgia, has a 96% acceptance rate and offers a range of associate degree and bachelor's degree programs — from nursing to business to environmental science.
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<p>While SAT test scores are not required as part of GGC's admissions process, you may choose to submit yours. The average score range for incoming students is between 910 and 1140.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $4,532 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $13,844 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOS
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<h3 id="section---7.SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">7. Southern New Hampshire University</h3>
<p>Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has been a fully online university since 1995. Students may choose from SNHU's more than 200 degree programs; popular programs include psychology, business, and criminal justice. SNHU does not require prospective students to submit their SAT scores.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $10,260 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $10,260 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE
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<h3 id="section---8.CollegeOfCoastalGeorgia">8. College of Coastal Georgia</h3>
<p>The College of Coastal Georgia is located on the Atlantic coast in Brunswick, GA. This small school fosters learning through hands-on service and volunteering. On-campus employment and scholarship opportunities help keep education affordable and encourage academic and extracurricular program participation.
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<p>Incoming student SAT scores range between 920 and 1110. If you're from a state that borders Georgia, you may qualify for the in-state tuition rate.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $3,616 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $10,936 per year
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOS
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<h3 id="section---9.SanFranciscoStateUniversity">9. San Francisco State University</h3>
<p>Located in its namesake city, San Francisco State University (SF State) is a large public university and part of the broader California State University (CSU) system. SF State has bachelor's degree programs in 77 academic fields in addition to its advanced degree and certificate programs.
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<p>The average SAT score range for students here ranges from 940 to 1130.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
</p>
<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $7,608 per year
</p>
<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $17,688 per year
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> WSCUC
</p>
<h3 id="section---10.IndianaUniversitySoutheast">10. Indiana University Southeast</h3>
<p>Indiana University Southeast (IU Southeast) is based in New Albany, IN, and offers more than 150 degree program options to its small yet diverse student body. Average SAT scores for incoming students range from 970 to 1160.
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<p>According to IU Southeast's Final Destination survey, 99% of IU Southeast alumni are employed or continuing their higher education one year after graduating.
</p>
<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $8,218 per year
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $19,549 per year
</p>
<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</p>
<h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>We use the following criteria to rank the schools featured on this list:
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<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Schools must be accredited by an independent accrediting institution, like the HLC. This establishes that the school has met standards for quality in higher education.
</li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> The schools listed all accept an SAT score of 1020 or have test-optional admission processes.
</li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Tuition must cost less than $500 per credit hour or less than roughly $20,000 per year.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2>
<p>No matter your SAT score, there are many accredited, affordable schools you can choose from. To learn more about degree programs offered online, connect with the featured schools on Learn.org and find out which best suits your personal goals.</p>