Is 1140 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 1140 SAT
An SAT score of 1140 is above average but isn't fabulous. That being said, there are many colleges and universities across the U.S. that accept a 1140 score.
The SAT is a standardized test that many high school students take before applying to colleges. While not all colleges require SAT scores, many use these test scores as part of the admissions process. As a result, a good SAT score can help your admissions chances.
The SAT consists of two components: the reading and writing section and the math section. Both sections are scored separately, and the two scores are combined to give you your total score. Total scores can range from 400 on the lowest end to 1600 at the highest.
A score of 1140 is above average but isn't outstanding. Keep reading to learn more about SAT scores and find colleges that accept an 1140 SAT score.
Is 1140 a Good SAT Score?
An 1140 isn't the highest score you can get, but is 1140 a good SAT score? Having an SAT score of 1140 is relatively decent � it's higher than the national average of 1050, but it's probably not high enough to get you into Ivy League or other selective schools.
A score of 1140 is typically above the minimum required by most schools. However, it's not quite enough to make you highly competitive for selective institutions.
How Is the SAT Scored?
Before we dive into how the SAT is scored, it's important to know how the SAT exam is set up. The reading and math portions each have two modules.
The first module for each section has between 20 to 25 questions, and all students have the same mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. The second module varies in difficulty based on how well you answered the questions in your first module.
College Board, the company that administers the SAT test, uses the Item Response Theory (IRT) method for scoring, as do many other standardized tests. This scoring method takes several things into account, including the difficulty of the questions, to score the exam.
What Percentile Is 1140 on the SAT?
According to College Board, a score of 1140 is in the 73rd percentile. This means that you scored higher than 73% of test takers.
For context, to score in the 73rd percentile on the reading test, you would need between a 570 and 580. To score in the 73rd percentile on the math test would be a 570.
Will Colleges Accept an 1140 SAT Score?
Both public and private colleges will accept an 1140, though you may have a harder time at colleges with lower acceptance rates. Check to see what the average SAT score is at your target school.
Many colleges use holistic admissions processes, meaning they consider not just your test scores but also your GPA, class rank, extracurricular activities, and life experiences. To increase your admissions chances, it's wise to have a well-rounded college application.
Should I Retake the SAT if I Got an 1140?
If you feel you can do better than an 1140 and there are test dates with sufficient time before your application is due, it may be a good idea to retake the test.
Take some time to do test prep, like practice tests and prep courses. Focus on areas of the exam you felt were the hardest for you.
Many colleges accept superscores, meaning they take the highest score you got from each section out of all your attempts. This means that even if you struggle on one attempt, it won't hurt your chances.
Colleges That Accept an 1140 on the SAT
Although a score of 1140 isn't the highest, it's high enough to get you into several colleges and universities if you meet other admissions requirements. We've listed some top colleges that accept an 1140 SAT score below.
1. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research institution in Los Angeles that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. All schools in the University of California system, including UCLA, are test blind.
The admissions process focuses more on academic achievement, personal qualities, and how the applicant may contribute to the school and campus. The application includes several personal insight questions. Students at UCLA may qualify for free tuition under the Cal Grant.
SAT requirements: Test blind
Average in-state tuition: $15,203
Average out-of-state tuition: $49,403
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)
2. California State University, Long Beach
At California State University, Long Beach, students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Areas of study include business, engineering, healthcare, and humanities. Students here may also qualify for free tuition under the Cal Grant.
CSULB, a public university, is located in Long Beach, CA. It's test blind but does require California residents to have a GPA of 2.5 or higher for acceptance.
SAT requirements: Test blind
Average in-state tuition: $7,350
Average out-of-state tuition: $19,950
Accreditation: WASCUC
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers on-campus and online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. ASU is a public research university in Tempe, AZ.
ASU is test-optional; however, students must meet one of the following requirements for admissions:
- be in the top 25% of your high school graduating class
- 3.0 GPA in competency courses
- ACT score of at least 22 for residents and at least 24 for nonresidents
- SAT score of at least 1120 for residents and 1180 for nonresidents
If you're an Arizona resident, your 1140 GPA will qualify. Residents may also qualify for the Arizona Promise Program, which covers tuition and fees for students eligible for the Pell Grant.
SAT requirements:
Average in-state tuition: $12,223
Average out-of-state tuition: $33,139
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
4. University of Alabama
In-person and online undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at the University of Alabama. Areas of study include business, communication, health sciences, and social sciences.
This public research university is located in Tuscaloosa, AL. It's test-optional, with an average SAT range of 1170-1400, but considers factors for admission. The school also offers several financial aid opportunities to help accepted students pay for their degrees.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $12,180
Average out-of-state tuition: $34,172
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
5. University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo is a public research institution in Buffalo, NY. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus and online. Students may qualify for free tuition under the state's Excelsior Scholarship.
SUNY Buffalo is test-optional, but those who do submit their scores typically have a score ranging from 1210 to 1380. The school considers several factors for admissions, including academic accomplishment, community service, and special life circumstances.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $10,936
Average out-of-state tuition: $31,536
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in person and online. Areas of study include business, computer science, engineering, and social sciences.
The university is test-optional, with the average scores ranging from 1340 to 1530. The college admissions process looks at many different things, including high school coursework, extracurriculars, and other experiences.
UIUC, a public research university, is located in Champaign, IL. Students may qualify for free tuition through the Illinois Commitment.
SAT requirements: Test optional
Average in-state tuition: $16,004
Average out-of-state tuition: $35,124
Accreditation: HLC
7. Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers on-campus and online degrees from the associate through the doctoral levels. GSU is a public research university in Atlanta and offers numerous financial aid options to admitted students.
SAT scores are only required for students with a GPA under 2.0. However, it's recommended that all applicants with a GPA under 3.1 submit test scores to determine placement for their English and math courses. The minimum scores for placement are 480 on the reading section and 440 on the math.
You should easily have those scores with an overall score of 1140. If you have a lower score in one area, you will likely need to take a predatory course in that field during your first semester.
SAT requirements: 480 for reading and 440 for math for collegiate placement
Average in-state tuition: $8,664
Average out-of-state tuition: $24,840
Accreditation: SACSCOC
8. East Carolina University
Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available on campus and online through East Carolina University. Areas of study include business, education, engineering, and healthcare.
ECU, located in Greenville, NC, is a public university. It's test-optional for students with a GPA above 2.8. The average SAT score range here is 1030 to 1200, so students with test scores of 1140 should be just fine. There is no minimum SAT score required.
SAT requirements: Test optional for students with a GPA above 2.8
Average in-state tuition: $7,361
Average out-of-state tuition: $23,638
Accreditation: SACSCOC
9. Texas State University
Texas State University is a public research institution in San Marcos, TX. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in person and online.
Those who rank in the top 75th percentile of their graduating class do not need to submit test scores. There is no minimum test score requirement, but if you graduated in the top 50% of your class with a distinguished or recommended diploma, your 1140 score will qualify you for assured admission. Otherwise, your college application will go through the holistic assessment. The average SAT score for applicants ranges between 980 and 1190.
SAT requirements: No minimum
Average in-state tuition: $11,450
Average out-of-state tuition: $22,930
Accreditation: SACSCOC
10. Florida International University
Through Florida International University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus or online. Areas of study include biology, business, psychology, and social sciences.
FIU requires test scores, but does not have a minimum score requirement. The average score for test takers here ranges between 1060 and 1250, so a score of 1160 fits solidly in the middle.
SAT requirements: No minimum
Average in-state tuition: $6,565
Average out-of-state tuition: $18,964
Accreditation: SACSCOC
How We Rank Schools
To choose the schools listed above, we looked at four-year colleges that are public or private nonprofit and meet the following requirements:
- Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited.
- Admissions requirements: We focused on schools that accept students with 1140 GPAs.
- Affordability: Each school has either low tuition rates or comprehensive financial aid options.
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