Is 960 a Good SAT Score? Colleges That Accept a 960 SAT
Even though a 960 SAT score is below the national average, there are many high-quality schools with test-optional admission policies to help these students.
The SAT is one of the most traditionally used tests in the college admissions process. Each year, thousands of high school juniors and seniors take this test to prepare for college applications. Although a good SAT score will always be a higher score, students don't have to have a perfect score of 1600 to pursue higher education.
Learn the answer to the question 'Is 960 a good SAT score?', see what schools accept a 960 SAT score, and the percentile for a 960 score.
Is 960 a Good SAT Score?
<p>The SAT score range goes from 400 to 1600, which makes a score of 960 a low one. Test takers with a 960 are below the national average and will be below the accepted test score range for admissions officers at many of the top colleges like Ivy League schools and more selective private and public schools. Fortunately, many schools have begun adopting test-optional programs, which expand the list of colleges that accept a 960 SAT score.
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<h2 id="section---HowIsTheSATScored">How Is the SAT Scored?</h2>
<p>The SAT is scored by combining the final scores of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections. Scores in each section range from 200 to 800, which results in a final score of 400 to 1600. Some schools use SAT superscores, which allow learners to select scores from multiple test dates to produce their best result.
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<h3 id="section---WhatPercentileIs960OnTheSAT">What Percentile Is 960 on the SAT?</h3>
<p>A 960 SAT score puts test-takers in the 40th percentile, according to data from the College Board, the organization that coordinates the SAT. This means that a test taker who earns 960 scores higher than 40% of all test takers. This puts a 960 score below the national average of 1010, making it a low SAT score.
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<h2 id="section---WillCollegesAcceptA960SATScore">Will Colleges Accept a 960 SAT Score?</h2>
<p>Many colleges have standardized test-optional admissions programs. This means that no matter what score you receive on the SAT, you'll still have a fair chance of being admitted. Schools that have test-optional policies focus on more holistic reviews of other academic indicators, including high school GPA, class rank, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
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<h2 id="section---ShouldIRetakeTheSATIfIGotA960">Should I Retake the SAT if I Got a 960?</h2>
<p>A 960 is a low score on the SAT, and it's a good idea to retake it. In addition to schools that use superscores, retaking the test allows you to work toward a higher score. Even if your target school doesn't accept superscores, schools will take your highest result, not just the score from your first time.
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<p>If you plan to retake the test, look into additional preparation, such as SAT practice tests, test prep courses, and SAT-specific tutoring programs.
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<h2 id="section---CollegesThatAcceptA960OnTheSAT">Colleges That Accept a 960 on the SAT</h2>
<p>No matter what SAT score you receive, there are college options for you. In addition to test-optional schools, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_everyone.html">colleges that accept everyone</a> provide opportunities to students, no matter how they perform on standardized tests. Learn more about these schools and their admission requirements.
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<h3 id="section---1.CentralStateUniversity">1. Central State University</h3>
<p>Central State University (CSU) is the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Ohio and has made education more accessible for over 135 years. The school offers on-campus and online degrees in numerous fields of study, such as business administration, criminal justice, and education.
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<p>Admissions doesn't require an SAT score report, but students might need to submit their scores for financial aid packages.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $11,954 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $12,954 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
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<h3 id="section---2.VirginiaUnionUniversity">2. Virginia Union University</h3>
<p>Virginia Union University (VUU) is an HBCU that offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degrees. VUU's degree programs include accounting, health sciences, and mass communications. The school also offers advanced degrees, including a Master of Divinity, providing theological studies to students both on campus and online.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $5,265 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $5,265 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---3.RustCollege">3. Rust College</h3>
<p>Rust College (RC) is the third oldest HBCU in Mississippi, founded in 1866. The school now offers distance and in-person learning opportunities. Some of the degrees that students can earn through RC include social services, humanities, and education.
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<p>RC also offers a large variety of financial aid packages to assist students.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Required, but no minimum
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $6,920 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $6,920 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC
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<h3 id="section---4.BethuneCookmanUniversity">4. Bethune-Cookman University</h3>
<p>Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. This HBCU offers degrees in arts & humanities, business, and engineering. Students can earn their degrees on campus or online. The school doesn't require SAT or ACT scores, but admitted students who don't submit standardized test scores are required to take a placement test before being assigned to courses.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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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> SACSCOC
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<h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfRochester">5. University of Rochester</h3>
<p>The University of Rochester offers students degrees in over 150 different programs across the undergraduate and graduate levels. These degrees include aerospace engineering, biological sciences, and epidemiology.
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<p>Rochester also has a program called Take 5 that allows students one tuition-free year after they complete their undergraduate program to pursue non-major-related courses — which can help launch your career or further a passion. Students are also eligible for financial aid programs to reduce costs.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Considered but not required
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $33,450 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $33,450 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
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<h3 id="section---6.BostonUniversity">6. Boston University</h3>
<p>Boston University (BU) provides affordable education to students in Boston and beyond for its on-campus and online degree programs. The school has a program called affordableBU, which provides coverage of up to 100% of costs based on demonstrated financial need.
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<p>Each year, BU awards over $470 million in financial aid. Some of the BU degree programs include biology, film, and medicine.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $34,935 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $34,935 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
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<h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfIllinoisUrbanaChampaign">7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</h3>
<p>The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has a test-optional policy; however, SAT scores are used for class placement and in some merit-based financial aid packages. UIUC offers a wide range of financial aid to help students cover the costs of their education, including scholarships and grants based on both merit and financial need.
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<p>The online and on-campus degrees available from UIC include advertising, journalism, and global studies.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $10,368 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $21,224 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
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<h3 id="section---8.SmithCollege">8. Smith College</h3>
<p>Smith College (SC) is located in Northampton, MA. The school has 83 total areas of study, including biological sciences, computer science, and data sciences.
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<p>Smith College prides itself on accessibility and has multiple programs to make education easier for all students, which is reflected by its test-optional policy. SC provides large scholarships and grant programs to cover costs for students based on need.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $33,570 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $33,570 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE
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<h3 id="section---9.GrinnellCollege">9. Grinnell College</h3>
<p>Grinnell College (GC) is a selective school, but it doesn't require standardized test scores. Students can submit superscores if they choose to submit their scores.
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<p>Some of the available degrees at Grinnell's Iowa campus include art history, statistics, and education studies. Tuition costs at Grinnell include books and mandatory fees.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $35,894 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $35,894 per semester
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<p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
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<h3 id="section---10.ColgateUniversity">10. Colgate University</h3>
<p>Colgate University (CU) offers 57 majors, with additional minors for students pursuing further education specialization at its New York campus. These majors include applied mathematics, computer science, and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.
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<p>The school is test-optional, so students can choose whether to report their scores.
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<p><b>SAT requirements:</b> Test-optional
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<p><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $36,603 per semester
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<p><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $36,603 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>These schools were selected based on three strict criteria to ensure high-quality recommendations. These criteria focus on accreditation, admission requirements, and cost.
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<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All the schools on this list are regionally accredited. This ensures that the degree programs meet Department of Education standards and can lead to a career or graduate school.
</li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> These schools all have test-optional admissions policies, which allow students with sub-average SAT scores fair admission chances.
</li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Every program on this list has low tuition rates or offers large financial aid packages based on merit and need. Programs with high tuition costs can be offset with free-money programs offered by the school.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2>
<p>Learn more about these schools and more with our articles and school profiles. Then, use our resources to request more information or start applying to your dream schools today.</p>