Key takeaways
An 1150 SAT score positions you above the national average and opens doors to numerous reputable colleges. However, its significance varies based on your personal goals and the overall strength of your application. So, is a 1150 SAT score good? The answer depends on your target colleges and how strong the rest of your application is.
- A 1150 SAT score places you around the 67th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about two-thirds of all test takers nationwide (College Board).
- Pairing a 1150 score with a 3.7 GPA can improve your application.
- Consider retaking the SAT if your target schools expect scores above 1200 or if your score is unbalanced, but only if you're prepared to approach your study differently.
Contents
An 1150 SAT score can feel like you’re standing at a crossroads. This score places you above the national average and puts you in range for dozens of reputable colleges. But how “good” it is really depends on your goals and what the rest of your application looks like.
What Does a 1150 SAT Score Represent?
“A score of 1150 typically indicates that a student has a solid grasp of core reading and math concepts, even if there is still room for improvement in certain areas. In our experience at Legacy Online School, students in this range often become more competitive applicants by focusing on targeted SAT practice”
A 1150 SAT score places you around the 67th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about two-thirds of all test takers nationwide. This places you above the average SAT score in the United States.
Which Colleges Accept a 1150 SAT Score?
Many colleges accept a SAT score of 1150.
| College | SAT Mid-Range | Notes |
| University of Arizona | 1120-1370 | 1150 is in the middle |
| Temple University (PA) | 1110-1330 | A great match school |
| San Diego State University | 1130-1360 | 1150 is competitive |
| Ball State University (IN) | 1080-1240 | You’re in range |
| University of Colorado – Denver | 1080-1270 | Strong fit |
| Missouri State University | 1060-1250 | 1150 falls comfortably in the zone |
Should You Retake the SAT After Scoring 1150?
A 1150 puts you around the 60-70th percentile, meaning you scored higher than most test takers, but it sits below the middle 50% range at many selective colleges where typical admitted students score closer to 1200-1400. If your practice tests show that you are already scoring 1200-1250 under timed conditions, retaking is usually a low-risk way to move into a stronger range. On the other hand, if your score has plateaued after multiple attempts, admissions data shows that improvements beyond 50-70 points become less likely without a major change in prep strategy. In recent cycles, many colleges have remained test-optional, so applicants with a 1150 sometimes choose not to submit scores at all if their GPA and coursework better reflect their academic readiness.
Can a 1150 SAT Score Qualify You for Scholarships?
Yes, a 1150 SAT score qualifies you for merit-based scholarships, especially if your GPA is at or above 3.5. Examples: West Virginia University and University of Maine. You can also look at outside scholarships like those listed on Going Merry or Scholarships.com for opportunities that don’t depend heavily on your score.
How to Improve Beyond a 1150 SAT Score?
Legacy Online School helps students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed on the SAT® and ACT®. All lessons are delivered live online, with real-time support and feedback from qualified instructors who are fully invested in your progress. If you’re serious about improving your score, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Raising your score from 1150 to 1200+ is doable—and for many students, it takes 4-6 weeks of focused prep. Here’s how to move the needle:
- Use the Bluebook App from College Board
- Link your scores to Khan Academy for personalized practice plans
- Keep a notebook of error types—traps? vocabulary?
- Even a 50-70 point boost can change your admissions outlook
“I started at 1150 my first time with a 510 math and a 640 reading. This just goes to show that little steps are still steps. My super score is now 1220! Next goal is 1300!”
— u/IllyrianBuzzard, Reddit
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: College Board, Going Merry, Scholarships, Reddit
