Key takeaways
A 1320 SAT score is widely considered a good score for many colleges. While it opens doors to many colleges, it may not suffice for highly selective institutions like Ivy League schools. Understanding how to leverage this score alongside other application components is important for maximizing college admission opportunities.
- A 1320 SAT score places students in the 87th percentile, indicating a strong performance compared to peers
- Admissions decisions consider a holistic view, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays alongside SAT scores
- Many public universities, such as the University of Florida and University of Wisconsin-Madison, accept students with a 1320 SAT score
- Students should research colleges that align with their score and consider retaking the SAT if aiming for more competitive schools
Contents
The 1320 points earned on the SAT creates a substantial turning point during the college admission process for numerous high school students. The placement of a 1320 SAT score along with its effect on college admissions acceptance is essential as standardized admission tests remain essential for colleges to evaluate their applicants.
This article dives into the consequences of getting a 1320 SAT score through an exploration of college applications as well as effective study approaches and extra factors relevant to admissions decisions.
Is a 1320 SAT Score Good? Percentile?
The 1320 SAT percentile is about the 87th percentile, meaning you scored higher than the majority of test-takers nationwide. This result means 1320 places a student well above the national average for SAT test-takers. In some testing years this score may approach the 88th percentile depending on the exam distribution.
The score of 1320 holds academic significance since it demonstrates a student’s readiness for college-level coursework. This value carries different admissions weight for colleges based on their admission selectivity. The 1320 score stands as a competitive entry for numerous state colleges alongside particular private institutions though top colleges often require higher scores for competitive admission.
Colleges That Accept a 1320 SAT Score
A large number of educational institutions accept students based on their SAT score of 1320 for admission purposes. Universities like the University of Florida and the University of Wisconsin–Madison often accept students with a 1320 SAT score, a strong score that places applicants in a competitive position for many public universities. These educational institutions accept a 1320 SAT score from students with scores in this range who also demonstrate strong applications. The 1320 SAT score percentile also shows that applicants with this result performed better than the majority of test-takers nationwide.
Here is the list of both public and private colleges that accept the score of 1320.
Public Universities:
- University of Washington – Seattle – WA
Avg SAT: ~1220–1460 - University of Iowa – IA
Avg SAT: ~1130–1340 - University of New Hampshire (UNH) – NH
Avg SAT: ~1110–1320 - University of Oklahoma – OK
Avg SAT: ~1150–1340 - Temple University – PA
Avg SAT: ~1130–1330
Private Universities:
- DePaul University – IL
Avg SAT: ~1090–1320 - The Catholic University of America – DC
Avg SAT: ~1130–1330 - University of Dayton – OH
Avg SAT: ~1130–1330 - Gonzaga University – WA
Avg SAT: ~1200–1360 - Hobart and William Smith Colleges – NY
Avg SAT: ~1180–1350
Are There Any Notable Colleges Where a 1320 SAT Score Is An Option?
Private universities besides state institutions accept students who achieve 1320 SAT scores in their admissions process. The 1320 SAT score places students in position to pursue admissions at Marquette University and the University of Denver. Many educational institutions review student applications beyond test scores to provide admission opportunities to exceptional candidates with strong writing academic potential even when their marks fall under the typical SAT range for admitted students.
How to Research Colleges Based on Your SAT Score?
Here is how students can effectively research colleges based on their SAT score shown below:
- Compile a list of institutions that align with a student’s personal college goals and career aspirations
- Check out resources like CollegeVine to seek assistance in identifying schools that match the score range
- Review each college’s average SAT score
- Consider the following factors: location, size, and available majors
- Attend college fairs and speak with admissions counselors to get a better insight into how the score of 1320 at SAT can fit into the overall admissions process.
The decision to retake the SAT becomes beneficial when the target schools accept prospective students with higher SAT scores. Students should compare their practice results with their actual SAT performance before deciding whether to retake the exam.
How to Prepare for a Retake of the SAT?
Here is how students can prepare to retake their SAT exam shown below:
- Analyze previous test results to identify areas for improvement
- Utilize SAT practice tests to become familiar with the test format
- Enroll in SAT preparation courses to use online resource that provide structured study plans and/or techniques
- Continue consistent practice and review mistakes.
What Improvement Can Be Expected from a Retake?
According to research students who repeat the SAT usually earn better results as their scores show growth between 50 to 100 points based on their educational preparation activities. A student’s college admissions will be strengthened if he or she will target his or her SAT score at the 1400 range and achieve results accordingly. Once the student improves his or her scores, it will open more opportunities which lead to increased scholarship offerings.
Legacy Online School offers assistance to every student when it comes to SAT/ACT score improvements and SAT/ACT preparation. Every student and every parent can improve their college application chances while taking part in the following SAT and ACT prep!
How to Improve Your SAT Score from 1320?
“A 1320 is already a strong score for many colleges and universities, so improvement at this level usually comes from targeted refinement rather than broad review. In our SAT preparation at Legacy Online School, we often see that focusing on specific SAT Math problem types and advanced reading strategies can help students turn a strong score into a more competitive one”
Create a study schedule that allocates time for each section of the test, focusing on weaker areas. Techniques such as spaced repetition, active recall, and summarizing information can enhance retention of information. Additionally, breaking down complex problems into manageable steps can simplify the study process and improve overall understanding.
Are Practice Tests Effective for Improving Your SAT Score?
The process of taking practice tests stands as an essential instrument to boost results on the SAT exam. Students who practice full-length timed tests develop skills for enduring actual test periods since they learn to handle the time constraints effectively. This preparation helps students feel more confident when they take the SAT again.The evaluation of answered questions afterwards shows students where they need improvement and what errors they make repeatedly. The consistent inclusion of practice tests within students’ educational plan will result in progressive score enhancements. Legacy Online School explores more strategies for scores improvements, including both SAT and AP classes.
What Resources Are Available for SAT Preparation?
Here are multiple resources from free/low cost to high cost that are available for students listed below.
- Khan Academy (Official College Board Partner)
- Completely free
- Personalized practice based on your previous PSAT/SAT scores
- Videos, full-length tests, and practice questions
- College Board
- Official SAT practice tests and materials
- Directly connected to Khan Academy
- Includes sample questions, test-taking tips, and scoring guides
- Magoosh (Blog + YouTube)
- Free blog posts, YouTube videos, and flashcards
- Affordable full online courses (starting at ~$100)
- PrepScholar
- Offers a free diagnostic quiz and blog content
- Paid programs include personalized study plans
Best Paid SAT Prep Platforms:
- Princeton Review
- Live and on-demand classes
- Score guarantees available (e.g., +140 points)
- One of the most comprehensive programs
- Kaplan
- Live, on-demand, and tutoring options
- Partnered with College Board for official test content
- Includes test-taking strategies and practice exams
- UWorld
- Extremely detailed explanations for each question
- Focuses on building understanding through practice
- Great for visual learners and self-studiers
- Varsity Tutors
- Offers live classes, one-on-one tutoring, and free SAT prep tools
- Good mix of flexible formats
- Testive
- Combines AI-powered practice with weekly human coaching
- Ideal for structured independent study
- ArgoPrep
- Budget-friendly SAT video lessons, practice problems, and test strategies
- Good for students who want extra video explanation.
What Other Factors Impact College Admissions Beyond SAT Scores?
The Role of College Essays and Letters of Recommendation
The admissions process relies heavily on college essays together with letters of recommendation for supplying personal insights about the student. Compelling essays allow candidates to demonstrate their personal traits and goals. The application becomes more powerful through teacher or mentor recommendations which validate both character and academic accomplishments of the applicant.
How Do Scholarships Factor into the Admissions Process?
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Maya Robinson, SAT and ACT Comparison Specialist
Sources: College Board
