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Top Colleges That Accept a 1200 SAT Score | Admission Chances & Scholarships

Last Updated on Jun 09, 2025

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If you're wondering, "Is 1200 a good SAT score?" The answer is yes! A 1200 is an above-average score that places you in approximately the 74th percentile of all high school students taking the exam. The SAT Exam is a standardized test that measures your skills in reading, writing, and math to help colleges assess your readiness for college-level work. With a 1200 SAT score, you're in a strong position to apply to many colleges and universities. While it may not be competitive for the most selective schools, it gives you plenty of options. In this guide, we'll explore top colleges that accept a 1200 SAT score, along with details on your chances of admission, scholarship opportunities, and more to help you make the best college decision.

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Is 1200 a good SAT score for the First Time?

Is 1200 a good SAT score for the first time? Yes, a 1200 is above average and places you in about the 74th percentile of all high school students who take the exam. With this score, you can apply to many colleges across the country and be competitive for admission at a lot of them. One of the main goals of taking the SAT is to open up a lot of college options, and a 1200 score helps you do just that.

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What Colleges Accept a 1200 SAT Score?

Many colleges accept a 1200 SAT score, including both public and private universities. Some examples are Penn State University, University of Alabama, Michigan State University, and University of Iowa. These schools offer a range of academic programs and campus experiences. While more selective schools may require higher scores, a 1200 is still competitive and opens up many options for your college applications.

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How Does a 1200 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1200 SAT score is better than the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was around 1024. Scoring 1200 puts you in about the 74th percentile, which means you scored higher than most students who took the test. This shows colleges that you're ready for college-level work and can compete with other strong applicants.

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Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1200?

A 1200 is a strong SAT score and can help you get into many colleges. But if you want to apply to more selective schools or get more merit scholarships, you might want to retake the test. Junior year is a great time to do that. Give yourself 4–6 weeks to study using free SAT websites, prep books, or even a tutor or class if possible.

If you're a senior, retaking the test might be harder because of deadlines. Make sure you know the dates and plan carefully. You might be better off focusing on the rest of your application. Write a strong personal essay, ask teachers for recommendations, and make a list of your activities. Ask your counselor to check your essay and help make it better. A complete and thoughtful application makes a big difference.

📌 Know the SAT Test Dates and Deadlines: Check SAT Exam Calendar!

1200 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1200 SAT score is about the same as a 25 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are above average and show you're ready for college-level work. If you're trying to decide between the SAT and ACT, this comparison can help. You can also take practice tests for both to see which one fits your strengths better. Choose the test where you feel more confident and can score your best.

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1200 SAT Score

A 1200 SAT score can help you earn scholarships at many colleges. It shows strong academic skills and puts you above the national average. Many schools offer merit-based aid for students with scores in this range. Here are some colleges and their scholarship opportunities:

  • University of Alabama – Merit scholarships up to $6,000/year for a 1200 SAT
  • Arizona State University – New American University Scholarship for eligible SAT scorers
  • Mississippi State University – Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship for SAT 1200+
  • University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Merit scholarships starting at 1100 SAT and up
  • University of Iowa – Advantage Iowa Award and other merit scholarships
  • Texas State University – Presidential and Merit scholarships for SAT scores starting at 1170
  • University of Missouri – Missouri Land Grant or Curators Award for qualifying SAT scores

📌 Read about ACT to SAT Conversion: Convert SAT Scores Into ACT Scores

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1200 SAT Score

A 1200 SAT score is a strong score that gives you lots of great college options. It’s higher than the national average and shows you’re ready for college-level work. With a 1200, you can apply to many public and private universities across the U.S. These schools offer good academics, fun campus life, and even scholarships. Below is a list of the top 15 colleges that accept a 1200 SAT score to help you find the right fit for your future.

University Name

SAT Score Range

Average GPA

ACT Score Range

Acceptance Rate

Admission Chance

Tuition Fees (In-state)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

University of Missouri-Columbia

1120–1330

3.6

23–29

79%

High

$11,008

70%

30,000+

East Carolina University

1040–1200

3.3

20–25

92%

Very High

$7,239

65%

28,000+

University of Illinois Chicago

1080–1300

3.5

22–28

79%

High

$13,664

60%

33,000+

University of Oklahoma-Norman

1130–1330

3.6

24–30

73%

High

$11,700

68%

28,000+

San Francisco State University

950–1150

3.4

18–24

94%

Very High

$7,484

54%

30,000+

Towson University

1060–1220

3.8

20–26

79%

High

$10,198

73%

20,000+

Eastern Michigan University

1000–1200

3.4

20–25

83%

High

$13,758

45%

16,000+

University of Louisville

1060–1290

3.6

22–28

82%

High

$11,928

54%

22,000+

University of Arizona

1120–1370

3.6

22–29

85.7%

High

$12,700

64%

44,000+

Texas State University

990–1180

3.4

20–25

88.8%

Very High

$11,860

54%

38,000+

Kansas State University

1060–1290

3.5

21–28

95%

Very High

$10,448

63%

20,000+

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

1050–1250

3.6

21–27

97.8%

Very High

$8,934

63%

22,000+

Colorado State University

1070–1290

3.6

23–29

90%

Very High

$12,260

65%

33,000+

Florida Atlantic University

1040–1200

3.5

21–26

73%

High

$4,879

54%

30,000+

Georgia State University

1060–1250

3.4

21–26

52%

Moderate

$8,948

52%

34,000+

Note: Tuition fees listed are for in-state students and are approximate figures. Graduation rates and enrollment numbers are based on the most recent data available.

A 1200 SAT score gives you a solid chance to get into many good colleges across the country. It shows that you’re ready for college and can handle the work. With this score, you have plenty of schools to choose from, including public and private universities. Many of them also offer scholarships and financial aid. Just make sure to explore your options, focus on your full application, and pick a college that fits your goals and interests.

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 10, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025. 

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

Colleges That Accept 1200 SAT Score FAQs

Yes, a 1200 SAT score is above average! It places you around the 74th percentile, meaning you scored better than most students who took the test. This score opens up many college options for you.

With a 1200 SAT score, you can apply to many great colleges, including Penn State, University of Alabama, Michigan State, and University of Iowa. These schools offer a wide variety of academic programs and campus experiences.

Yes, many colleges offer scholarships for students with a 1200 SAT score. Some examples include the University of Alabama, Arizona State University, and University of Mississippi, which offer merit-based scholarships for students with this score.

If you want to apply to more selective schools or get bigger scholarships, you might consider retaking the SAT. However, if you're happy with your score and the schools you're applying to, you don't necessarily need to retake it.

A 1200 SAT score is above the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was around 1024. So, a 1200 is a solid score that shows you're ready for college-level work.

A 1200 SAT score is roughly equal to a 25 on the ACT. Both scores are considered above average and show you're ready for college. If you're deciding between the two tests, you can try practice tests to see which one suits you better.

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