Key takeaways
A 1170 SAT score is a respectable achievement that places you above the national average and opens doors to numerous colleges. While it may not be competitive for highly selective institutions, it aligns well with many regional public universities and mid-tier colleges, especially when complemented by a strong GPA and application components.
- A 1170 SAT score places you in the 71st percentile, meaning you scored better than nearly three-quarters of test takers nationwide.
- This score is competitive for many regional public universities and mid-tier colleges, making it a viable option for a solid college application.
- Many universities offer merit-based scholarships starting around a 1170 score, particularly for students with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Consider retaking the SAT if your target schools expect scores of 1200 or higher, or if your score is unbalanced, to improve your admissions prospects.
Contents
A 1170 SAT score might not put you at the top of the charts, but it’s certainly respectable. 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 1170 Score Represent?
A score of 1170 places you in approximately the 71st percentile, which is the typical 1170 SAT percentile for recent test-takers. That means you scored better than nearly three-quarters of test takers nationwide.
Is 1170 Considered a Good Score for College Admissions?
A 1170 may not wow Ivy League admissions officers, but it works well for hundreds of colleges, especially if it aligns with your GPA and major choice. Here’s how a 1170 fits into different college tiers:
| Type of College | Admission Outlook with 1170 | Sample Institutions | Notes |
| Regional Public Universities | Strong | University of North Texas, California State–Chico | Well within or above middle 50% SAT ranges |
| Flagship Publics (Moderate Selectivity) | Competitive | University of Arizona (1120-1370), UConn (1170-1380) | A 1170 places you near the lower end of middle 50% but still in range |
| Private Mid-Tier Colleges | Competitive or Above-Average | Quinnipiac, Hofstra, Pace University | Often award merit aid for scores in this range |
| Highly Selective Universities | Below Typical Range | NYU, USC, Boston College | May still apply test-optional or focus on other application strengths |
Does 1170 Open the Door to Selective Colleges?
No. Highly selective schools like UCLA typically report SAT middle ranges in the 1300-1500 zone. With a 1170, those are probably out of reach unless you’re applying under unique circumstances (like athletic recruitment or a major hook).
That said, some competitive programs may still consider you, especially if you’ve:
- Maintained a strong upward GPA trend,
- Shown leadership or community impact,
- Written a compelling essay that frames your academic journey.
What Colleges Accept a 1170 SAT Score?
Here are some schools where a 1170 makes you a competitive applicant:
| College | SAT Mid-Range | Notes |
| Texas State University | 1010-1180 | 1170 is near the top |
| University of Oregon | 1100-1310 | You’re solidly within range |
| San Diego State University | 1130-1360 | 1170 is competitive |
| Temple University (PA) | 1110-1330 | 1170 is a great match |
| Colorado State University | 1070-1280 | Strong fit |
Can a 1170 SAT Score Help You Get Scholarships?
Yes, many universities offer merit-based aid starting around this score, especially if your GPA is 3.5 or above.
Examples:
- University of Alabama–Huntsville
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- Northern Arizona University:
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.
Should You Retake the SAT After Scoring 1170?
“Whether to retake the SAT after a 1170 depends on a student’s goals and the expectations of their target schools. In our advising work at Legacy Online School, we often see that while many colleges accept scores in this range, a focused test prep plan can improve your chance of getting into more competitive programs or qualifying for scholarships, especially at universities like the University of Alabama where score thresholds can impact awards”
It depends on what you’re aiming for. You should consider retaking the SAT if:
- Your target schools expect 1200+
- Your score is unbalanced (e.g., 620 Reading, 490 Math)
- You didn’t prepare seriously the first time
- You’re close to qualifying for a scholarship bump
How to Improve Beyond a 1170 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 1170 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
“My main strategy for improving quickly is learning how to perfect the math section and also the grammar section”
— u/gzmz, 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, ACT, Reddit
