Key takeaways
A 1380 SAT score is a strong indicator of college readiness, placing students in a competitive position for many selective universities and potential merit-based scholarships. This score, while just below the elite 1400 mark, demonstrates that students are well-prepared for rigorous academic work.
- A 1380 SAT score places you in approximately the 94th percentile of test takers nationwide (College Board, 2023).
- This score is competitive at many respected universities, particularly those with acceptance rates of 30–50%.
- Many colleges begin awarding merit aid at scores of 1350 or above, making a 1380 a viable option for financial assistance.
- Consider retaking the SAT only if your target schools expect scores of 1450 or higher, or if your score is unbalanced.
Contents
Many students ask is a 1380 a good SAT score when comparing their results to competitive universities. It puts you in a competitive position for many selective universities and can even qualify you for merit-based scholarships. While it’s just shy of the 1400 “elite” mark, a 1380 still tells admissions teams you’re ready for rigorous college work—and could put you at or above the average for accepted students at many top 100 schools.
Is a 1380 Considered a Competitive Score?
Yes, at many highly respected universities, a 1380 will put you right in the middle or even the top quartile of applicants. This score can be competitive at schools with 30–50% acceptance rates and even at reach schools if your GPA, extracurriculars, and essay are strong.
A 1380 SAT percentile places you at roughly the 94th percentile among test-takers, based on College Board data from 2023. That means you scored better than 94% of all SAT test takers nationwide.
Which Colleges View a 1380 as Strong?
Here are examples of colleges where a 1380 SAT score is a competitive advantage:
| College | SAT Mid-Range | Notes |
| Boston University | 1340-1510 | 1380 is competitive if GPA is strong |
| University of California–Davis | 1240-1460 | Solid middle range |
| University of Florida | 1320-1470 | 1380 is in the core zone |
| Northeastern University | 1390-1540 | On the edge, but still strong |
| University of Maryland–College Park | 1330-1510 | A good match for general admission |
| University of Texas–Austin | 1230-1480 | Depends on major; competitive overall |
Always check the specific SAT range for your intended major—engineering or business programs may have higher internal cutoffs.
Can a 1380 Make You Eligible for Merit-Based Scholarships?
Yes. Many public and private universities start awarding merit aid at 1350 or above. Here are examples:
- University of Alabama–Huntsville
- University of Arizona
- University of South Carolina
- Temple 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 1380?
“A 1380 SAT score is already competitive for many universities, so the decision to retake the test should be based on clear goals and data. In our SAT advising at Legacy Online School, we often recommend that students who want to apply to more selective schools review their statistics and practice results before choosing to retake the test, especially if there is a realistic chance to improve specific sections”
It depends on what you’re aiming for. You should consider retaking the SAT if:
- Your target schools expect 1450+
- Your score is unbalanced (e.g., 750 Math, 630 Reading/Writing)
- You didn’t prepare seriously the first time
- You’re close to qualifying for a scholarship bump
How to Raise Your SAT Score Beyond 1380?
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.
Improving from 1380 to 1450+ is possible, but it requires focused refinement, not just more practice. Here’s how to push further:
- Use Bluebook for full-length practice under real testing conditions
- Identify precision gaps—minor grammar patterns, specific math functions, question types you keep missing
- Work through official answer explanations to understand test logic
- Keep a mistake log with categories and correction strategies
- Focus on your weaker section—raising one side by 40-50 points can lift your total score faster than aiming for both equally
“Taking full practice tests helps in my experience (like Khan Academy), but even more so the other practice questions it offers for specific sections. For me it was just a whole lot of practice (I wasn’t too good at the non-calculator section either, kept making stupid mistakes and running out of time). I’d recommend taking the practice tests all in one sitting with the exact amount time they suggest for breaks, because it might help with keeping continuous focus so you don’t get burned out half way through on test day”
— u/DisgruntledSandpaper, Reddit
|
Top Tips from Our Expert
|
Maya Robinson, AP Program Advisor at Legacy Online School
Sources: College Board, Going Merry, Scholarships, Reddit
