There’s been a lot of talks lately about whether or not the SAT score of 1000 is good enough to get you accepted to universities and colleges across the nation. So what does this number mean, and is it really as good as people make it out to be?
Well, this question largely depends on what you’re looking for in a college. If you’re primarily looking for a prestigious university that has a large and diverse student body, then a high SAT score is likely going to be a prerequisite.
However, if you’re out for a college that will give you the best possible education and opportunities for success after you graduate, a lower SAT score may not actually be such a big deal.
However, if you’re out for a college that will give you the best possible education and opportunities for success after you graduate, a lower SAT score may not actually be such a big deal.
The good news is that there are a lot of great colleges out there that will accept a 1000 SAT score or even lower, and that’s what you’re about to find out in this article.
Is a 1000 SAT score bad?
Considering that the national average SAT score is said to be 1050, 1000 is not really a bad score. Sure it falls short of the average, but it is still a fair score.
It places you in the 40th percentile, which means that you score equivalent to or higher than 60% of test takers.
Therefore, if you’re mostly interested in finding a college that will give you the best possible education and opportunities for success after you graduate, a 1000 SAT score may not actually be such a big deal.
Universities and colleges that accept an SAT score of 1000
Although getting into some of the most prestigious schools may be far-fetched, you still have a good chance of getting admitted.
Below is a list of universities and colleges you can get into with a score of 1300 on the scholastic aptitude test.
1. Reach schools
These reach schools are generally harder to get into since your school is slightly lower than their average admitted score. However, with a good grade point alongside your SAT score, you have a fair chance of getting admitted.
Some of the best reach schools that accept a score of 1000 are;
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Pomona, CA)
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN)
- Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)
- Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA)
- The University of California at Greensboro (Greensboro, NC)
- Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA)
- University of Texas at El Paso (El Paso, TX)
- Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, VA)
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Boston (Boston, MA)
- Trinity Christian College (Palos Height, IL).
2. Match Schools
These match schools are less difficult to get into than the reach schools, as their average score is equivalent to or close to 1000.
Some of the best match schools that accept a score of 100 are;
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana, PA)
- California State University Fresno (Fresno, CA)
- California State University Stanislaus (Turlock, CA)
- Bay Path University (Longmeadow, MA)
- California State University Bakersfield (Bakersfield, CA)
- California State University East Bay (Hayward, CA)
- University of Saint Joseph (West Hartford, CT)
- California State University Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
- Kean University (Union, NJ)
- Albion College (Albion, MI).
3. Safety schools
These safety schools are generally easy to get into as an SAT score of 1000 is well above their average admitted score.
Some of the best safety schools that accept this score are;
- University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, CT)
- Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL)
- Elizabeth State University (Morristown, NJ)
- Albertus Magnus College (New Haven, CT)
- Bloomfield College (Bloomfield, NJ)
- Texas Southern University (Houston, TX)
- California State University Dominguez Hills (Carson, CA).
Should you retake the SAT if you score 1000?
Although there are a number of schools that are willing to accept you with this score, you should aim to retake the test if;
- Your target school is not on the above-mentioned list
- You which to have a score that is competitive enough to apply for other high-standard schools
- You wish to be eligible for a merit-based scholarship
However, you must prepare adequately for the exam, so you are able to get a higher score this time.
How to prepare for retaking the SAT
1. Set a target score
Before you retake the SAT, determine the average SAT score your target school accepts and set that as your goal. Setting this as your goal will be the right motivation you need as you retake the test.
2. Make use of study materials
Another effective step you should take is to make use of relevant study materials. College Board offers online SAT prep questions that can aid your learning experience.
Additionally, you can get some relevant SAT prep books from popular bookshops around you. These prep books offer test-taking tips, practice questions, reading examples, and essay prompts.
Ensure you use this practice test on a weekly basis to test yourself. Take note of questions you failed or are particularly challenging. Afterwards, ensure you study these questions and master them.
3. Get extra help
Remember, your aim is to score higher and this takes a lot of effort. Ensure you get extra help to aid your study by getting a tutor.
You can also join an SAT study session. It is a good opportunity to brush up on your knowledge. Additionally, you get the opportunity to ask questions you find difficult.
FAQs
What is the lowest and highest possible SAT score?
The lowest SAT score is said to be 400, and the highest is said to be 1600.
What are the common reasons for scoring low on the SAT?
Usually, the most common reasons people score low are because of test anxiety, making silly mistakes, filling in the answer sheet incorrectly, and misreading instructions.
SAT score of 1000 is equivalent to which ACT score?
An SAT score of 1000 is equivalent to an ACT score of 19.
Conclusion: Is 1000 a good SAT score?
Generally, an SAT score of 1000 is considered to be fairly okay. Although it falls below the national average, there are still schools that admit candidates with this score.
If you aim to attend higher-standard universities or colleges, you can choose to retake the test. But you must ensure you study adequately using relevant materials or resources to aid you.
It isn’t an easy feat, but I believe if you work towards it, you will score higher on your next test.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article, if you did, you should also see why the scholastic aptitude test matter.
Thanks for reading.
