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A 1190 SAT score may not land you in Ivy League territory, but it’s still a strong result that places you comfortably above the national average. 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 1190 SAT Score Represent?
Scoring 1190 puts you in approximately the 74th percentile. That means your score is higher than nearly three out of every four test takers.
Is 1190 a Good Score for College Admissions?
Yes. Here’s how a 1190 stacks up at different types of schools:
| Type of School | Admission Outlook with 1190 | Sample Colleges | Notes |
| Public (Regionals) | Strong | Texas Tech (1070-1260), San Jose State (1020-1250) | You’re comfortably within the mid 50% SAT range |
| Public (Flagships) | Competitive | Colorado State (1090-1290), UMass Lowell (1130-1300) | A 1190 places you in range, especially with a strong GPA |
| Private (Mid-Tier) | Above Average | University of La Verne, Quinnipiac, Lynn University | Many offer merit aid in this score range |
| Highly Selective Schools | Below Average | Tulane, USC, Boston College | May consider 1190 if applying test-optional with a strong application |
Does a 1190 Open the Door to Selective Colleges?
No. Highly selective schools like UCLA typically report SAT middle ranges in the 1300-1500 zone. With a 1190, 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.
Which Colleges Accept Applicants with a 1190 SAT Score?
Here are just a few colleges where 1190 is within the typical SAT range:
| College | SAT Mid-Range | Notes |
| University of South Carolina | 1140-1340 | 1190 is a strong match |
| San Diego State University | 1130-1360 | Competitive fit |
| University of North Texas | 1060-1250 | 1190 is above average |
| Temple University | 1110-1330 | 1190 works well for many majors |
| University of Arizona | 1120-1370 | Right in the mid-range |
Should You Retake the SAT After Scoring 1190?
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
Can You Improve a 1190 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 1190 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 did some khan academy and stuff to help with the math because i did well on reading the first time and didn’t really need to review again. i also had extra time because of my learning disability and i was still working up to the very last second on the math so that definitely helped“
Are There Merit Scholarships for Students Scoring 1190?
Yes, especially at public universities.
Some schools offer automatic merit-based scholarships for students with SAT scores starting at 1190, particularly if paired with a 3.5+ GPA.
Examples:
- University of Alabama–Huntsville
- West Virginia University
- Georgia Southern 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.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Ana Lucía Torres, Senior Learning Advisor
Sources: College Board, Going Merry, Scholarships, Reddit
