1290 SAT Score: Is this good? (2024)

FAQs

1290 SAT Score: Is this good? ›

Is 1290 a Good SAT Score? While a 1290 SAT score is commendable, it might not be sufficient for admission to highly selective colleges. Despite placing you in the 87th percentile nationally, it falls short of the average scores at many top-tier schools.

1290 SAT Score Standings

Out of the 2.13 million test-takers, 296024 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 1310 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 179 schools with this score.

Is 1200 a good SAT score? The average SAT score is 1059, putting a 1200 SAT score just above the average. It makes you a competitive candidate at a good number of institutions, which is the primary goal, making a 1200 SAT a good score.

To give you a better idea, here's a brief explanation of your score range: A 1260 places you in approximately the 87th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 87% of all test-takers. This score may be competitive for some colleges, but less so for others, particularly highly selective institutions.

A 1250 SAT score is generally considered a good score — it makes you an eligible and competitive candidate at a majority of schools. It also has the added perk of putting you in the merit aid range, meaning that you'll likely earn some cash for college just for your score!

In summary, a 1290 is a good SAT score for many colleges, but if you have your sights set on more competitive institutions, retaking the test to improve your score is advisable.

The average SAT score is a 1040, so a 1200 is above average. A 1200 SAT score is between the 71st and 80th percentile of test takers, meaning that you scored above 71-80% of other students. A score of 1200 opens a wide range of college options, assuming you have comparable grades (mostly A's and B's).

There's no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1460 to have a chance at being considered.

There's no absolute SAT requirement at Duke, but they really want to see at least a 1510 to have a chance at being considered.

What is a 1290 SAT score? ›

Is 1290 a Good SAT Score? While a 1290 SAT score is commendable, it might not be sufficient for admission to highly selective colleges. Despite placing you in the 87th percentile nationally, it falls short of the average scores at many top-tier schools.

A perfect SAT score is 1600. The minimum score is 400. The average for the class of 2023 was 1010.

Is 900 a good SAT score? A “good” SAT score is one that makes you a competitive candidate at a majority of colleges, including your ideal college. A 900 doesn't give you as many college options as we'd normally like students to have, so raising your score closer to that national average (1150-1100) is encouraged.

1200 SAT Score Standings

Out of the 2.13 million test-takers, 552344 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 1123 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.

There's no absolute SAT requirement at NYU, but they really want to see at least a 1470 to have a chance at being considered.

Earning a 1000 puts you in the 40th percentile, meaning you scored better than 40% of all other test takers in the country. Being in the top half of all test-takers is a major boost for college applications.

The average SAT score across the nation is 1050. If a student scores a 1350 or above, they are among the country's top 10% of test-takers and have a very good chance of getting accepted into selective colleges.

A good ACT score is a composite score of 24 or higher, which would put you in the top 25% of test takers. The national average composite score for the class of 2023 was 19.5, and a “perfect” score on the ACT is the maximum composite score of 36.

REMAIN ACT/SAT-OPTIONAL OR TEST-BLIND/SCORE-FREE FOR FALL 2025; More than 80% of U.S. four-year colleges and universities will not require applicants for fall 2025 admissions to submit ACT/SAT scores according to a new tally by FairTest, the National Center for Fair & Open Testing.