College Admissions: SAT & ACT Requirements
Explore SAT and ACT requirements, how colleges use test scores in admission decisions, and how these resources help you understand which schools may align with your academic profile.
SAT and ACT requirements can be an important part of the college admission process, especially if you’re trying to understand whether your scores match what certain schools typically expect. Many students use test-score resources to compare their results with common ranges and identify colleges where their scores may be competitive.
Because testing policies continue to change, it’s helpful to understand how different institutions interpret SAT and ACT scores. These resources can give you a clearer picture of where your score fits, what options are available, and how other factors can strengthen your application.
How Colleges Use SAT and ACT Scores
Many colleges view SAT and ACT scores as one piece of a larger admission profile. Scores can help schools understand your academic preparation, particularly in math, reading, and reasoning skills.
Some institutions publish score ranges that show what admitted students typically earned, which helps you see how your results compare. Others may use a holistic review process, combining test scores with GPA, coursework rigor, personal statements, and extracurricular involvement.
Understanding Test-Optional and Test-Free Policies
A growing number of colleges have moved to test-optional or test-free admissions. Test-optional schools allow you to decide whether to submit scores, while test-free schools do not consider them at all.
These policies can offer more flexibility if your SAT or ACT results don’t reflect your strengths. In these cases, colleges often place more weight on your GPA, essays, recommendations, and overall academic progress.
Common Topics in SAT/ACT Requirement Resources
Articles about SAT and ACT expectations help you break down what different score ranges mean and how they influence your college options. These resources can also explain how to interpret percentiles, retesting strategies, or differences between the exams.
Popular topics include:
- colleges that accept a 1000 SAT
- is a 20 ACT score competitive?
- schools that consider SAT scores in the 1200–1300 range
- understanding what a “good” ACT score means
- how superscoring works
- when to retake the SAT or ACT
These topics help you understand both score expectations and how your current results fit into the broader admission landscape.
Why SAT and ACT Requirements Matter
Knowing how colleges view standardized test scores can help you make practical decisions during the application process. Understanding score ranges can also make it easier to build a balanced list of reach, match, and likely schools.
For students with lower test scores, exploring admission policies can reveal alternative pathways. Options such as test-optional schools, community college transfer routes, or academic improvement plans can help you pursue a degree even if your score isn’t as high as you hoped.
Explore Resources on SAT and ACT Requirements
If you’re working to understand how your SAT or ACT results influence your college options, the resources on this page offer helpful explanations and realistic guidance. They can support your planning and help you move into the application process with more clarity and confidence.
If you didn't take the ACT or SAT, you can still attend college. Many accredited online colleges in the U.S. don't require standardized tests for admissions.
A good SAT score typically ranges between 1200 and 1400. Top-tier schools may expect 1450+, while state schools or mid-tier universities often accept scores around 1100 to 1300. Learn more about your SAT score here.
An SAT score of 1090 isn't going to get you into highly selective schools, but there are many colleges and universities across the U.S. that accept a 1090.
Discover accredited colleges that accept a 1000 SAT score, featuring affordable tuition, online offerings, flexible admissions, and programs across diverse fields.
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.
Learn if a 13 ACT score is considered to be good, how ACT scoring works, and which colleges accept a 13 ACT score. Find tips for admissions and improving your score.
A 1350 is a good SAT score and can help you get into a reputable college. Learn about what a 1350 SAT score means, colleges that accept a 1350 SAT score, and best practices to improve your score.
Learn more about whether a 14 is a good ACT score, how it compares nationally to other test-takers, and explore a variety of colleges that accept 14 ACT scores for admission.
Learn more about what scoring a 12 on the ACT means, how you can apply to colleges with this score, and what colleges admit students with a 12 on the ACT.
If you're applying to college, you may wonder if a 1110 is a good SAT score. A 1110 is above the national average, making it a great score for admissions.
A 19 ACT score is below average but accepted by many colleges. Learn what it means if you've scored a 19 and which schools accept students with this score.
Discover if a 17 ACT score is good, how it compares to the national average, what it means for college admissions, and which schools accept students with a 17 ACT score.
A 1500 SAT score is competitive at many top universities. Explore accredited colleges that accept a 1500 SAT score and offer strong academic programs and flexible options.
A 15 ACT score is considered below average but is accepted by many universities and colleges. Learn more about what you can do and what schools you can apply to.
An 18 ACT score is below average but accepted by some colleges. Learn what it means, which schools accept it, and how it impacts admissions and scholarships.
A 1450 SAT score qualifies you for admission at many competitive colleges. Discover affordable, accredited schools that accept a 1450 on the SAT.
A 1480 SAT score is competitive at top colleges. Explore accredited, affordable schools that accept a 1480 and offer strong academic and career support.
A 16 ACT score falls below the national average; this article explains how it compares nationally, its impact on college admissions, and which schools accept a 16 ACT.
A 21 ACT score is considered average, influences college admissions chances, reflects how you compare nationally, and is accepted by many public and private schools across the country.
A 24 ACT score is above average and accepted at many colleges. Learn what it means, where you can apply, and how to strengthen your college applications.
A 22 ACT score is slightly above average and accepted by many colleges. Learn what it means, where you can apply, and how to boost your admission chances.
A 23 ACT score is above average and accepted at many colleges. Learn what this score means, where you can apply, and how to boost your chances of admission.
A 27 ACT score is above average and qualifies you for admission and scholarships at many respected colleges, including top public and private universities.
A 26 ACT score places you in the top 20% of test takers and qualifies you for admission and scholarships at many colleges. Explore your options and next steps here.
A 25 ACT score is above average and opens doors to many colleges and scholarships. Learn what it means for admissions, merit aid, and your next steps.
A 940 SAT score is good enough to get into accredited colleges and universities. Learn about what a 940 SAT score is, traditional and online colleges that accept a 940 SAT score, and ways to improve your score.
A 28 ACT score puts you above average and opens doors to scholarship opportunities and competitive colleges, including both in-person and online degree options.
A 900 SAT score can open the doors to an accredited college or university. Learn about if a 900 SAT score is good, colleges that accept a 900 SAT score, and what you can do to improve your score.
A 29 ACT score is a competitive score that opens doors to top colleges, scholarships, and honors programs, placing you well above average in college admissions.
A 30 ACT score is very competitive, and can boost your chances at selective colleges, unlock scholarships, and qualify you for honors programs at top public universities.
A 950 SAT score is good enough to get into accredited colleges and universities. Learn more about what a 950 SAT score means, colleges that accept a 950 SAT score, and how to improve your score.
While a 1040 SAT score is slightly below average, there are still plenty of high-quality options. Take a look at 10 of the best schools for students who scored a 1040.
1010 is an average score, but the SAT is not the only college admissions component. Check out your options for attending college with this exam score.
An SAT score of 1130 may not guarantee you admission to every college, but it will still help you qualify for a great education at plenty of desirable schools.
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.
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.
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.
Did you score an 840 on the SAT? Learn what it means, and discover accredited schools that accept students with this score or have test-optional policies.
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.
Wondering if a 1080 SAT score is good? Learn what this score means, how it compares nationally, and discover colleges that accept students with this score.
A 1400 is a strong SAT score, ranking learners in the 97th percentile, and can lead to admission at many of the top-ranking universities across the country.
Are you curious if a 990 SAT score is competitive? Explore accredited, affordable colleges that accept a 990 and offer solid opportunities for higher education.
Are you looking to get accepted into college with a 1030 SAT score? Fortunately, there are many affordable schools that welcome students with this exam score.
A score of 1180 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a solid score. Find out which affordable colleges will accept you, especially if you have good grades.
Although an SAT score of 1120 isn't outstanding, it's not too bad either. Many colleges and universities across the U.S. will accept a 1120 SAT score.
Students who earn a 1060 on the SAT gain admission to many colleges nationwide by picking schools that accept a range of scores or have a test-optional policy.
Students with an SAT score of 1190 can get into various top colleges. It is a decent test score that puts students into the 75th to 80th percentile nationally.
A 1300 is an above-average score, opening up many great options for higher education. Keep reading to see 10 of the best schools for those with a 1300 SAT.
A 1160 is an above-average SAT score. While it may not be enough get you into more selective schools, there are many colleges that accept a 1160 SAT score.
These accredited colleges accept a 1150 SAT score or offer test-optional admissions, with flexible online and in-person degree options available across the U.S.
An SAT score of 1210 can help students get accepted into many popular colleges. It is a good score that puts students in the 80th percentile nationally.
Accredited colleges that accept a 980 SAT score usually have test-optional policies with affordable tuition costs and attainable admissions requirements.
Explore 10 accredited colleges that accept a 1050 SAT score, including test-optional and online options. Compare tuition, admissions, and flexible programs.
Your score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) plays an important role in college applications. Then again, some schools don't even require it for admissions.
These accredited colleges accept a 1100 SAT score or are test-optional and offer in-state tuition under $20,000 along with online or in-person degree options across the U.S.
It's important to know where you stand with your SAT score when you apply for college. A score of 1280 can position you well for college admissions at many universities.
If you scored a 1230 on the SAT, you may wonder which colleges will accept you. This article will explain what to expect from most college admissions officers.
These accredited colleges accept a 1200 SAT score or are test-optional, with flexible online and in-person programs available at public universities across the U.S.