Key takeaways
A 1010 SAT score sits just below the national average, placing students around the 45th percentile. While it may not be impressive, it still allows access to a variety of colleges, especially if accompanied by a strong GPA or extracurricular activities. Understanding the context of this score is crucial for college admissions.
- A 1010 SAT score is slightly below the national average of 1024 for 2024, placing students in the 41st percentile (College Board).
- A 1010 can be competitive for regional public universities and some smaller private colleges, especially with a solid GPA.
- Approximately 230+ accredited U.S. colleges accept students with a 1010 SAT score.
- Retaking the SAT may be beneficial if aiming for schools that expect scores above 1150 or if there were test-day issues.
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A 1010 SAT score might feel like you’re sitting on the fence—not quite low, but not impressively high either. It puts you just under the national average and keeps the door open to a wide range of colleges. If your GPA or extracurriculars are strong, you’re still in the game.
What Does a 1010 SAT Score Mean for College Admissions?
A 1010 SAT score places you around the 45th percentile, which means you performed better than nearly half of all test takers.
The average SAT score ranges between 1050-1080. So while 1010 is slightly below that average, it still reflects a basic level of college readiness—especially if other parts of your application stand out.
How Does a 1010 Compare to the National SAT Average?
Here’s how a 1010 stacks up:
| Category | Score or Comparison |
| Your Score | 1010 |
| National Average (2024) | 1024 |
| Percentile Rank | 41st percentile |
| Stronger Than | ~41% of U.S. test-takers |
| Accepted by ~ | 230+ accredited U.S. colleges |
| Below Average For | Most top 100 national universities |
| Can Be Competitive At | Test-optional schools, regional campuses, some HBCUs |
Which Colleges Accept Students with a 1010 SAT Score?
Plenty of colleges accept students with SAT scores in the low 1000s—especially regional public universities and some smaller private colleges.
| College | SAT Range | Notes |
| Indiana State University | 990-1140 | 1010 is in range |
| University of Houston – Downtown | 970-1120 | You’re competitive |
| South Carolina State University | 970-1120 | A match school |
| Eastern Illinois University | 980-1150 | You’re in the target range |
| Alabama State University | 910-1060 | You’re above the median |
| California State University – Dominguez Hills | 960-1120 | You fit the range |
How Competitive Is a 1010 for Public and Private Schools?
Here’s how a 1010 stacks up across both public and private colleges:
| Type of School | Competitive at This Score? | Sample Colleges That Consider 1010 SAT | Notes |
| Public (Regional) | Yes | Georgia State, Texas State, Northern Arizona | Often accept scores in the 1000-1100 range if GPA and coursework are solid |
| Public (Flagship) | Borderline or Low | University of Oregon (average ~1170), UMass Lowell (~1140) | You may be below average but still within range for some programs |
| Private (Mid-tier) | Yes | Azusa Pacific, Clark Atlanta, Concordia University | Many private colleges use holistic review and may weigh GPA heavily |
| Private (Highly Selective) | No | Boston College, NYU, Tulane | 1010 falls far below average admitted scores (typically 1350+) |
Is a 1010 Considered a Good SAT Score?
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That depends entirely on context. A 1010 is:
- Slightly below average nationwide
- In range for many public universities
- Below target for more competitive private colleges
If you’re aiming for majors in the humanities, education, or arts—and your transcript is solid—a 1010 may be more than enough.
Should You Retake the SAT After Scoring a 1010?
Retaking the SAT could be a smart move if:
- Your target schools expect a 1150+
- You studied lightly the first time
- You had test-day issues (timing, stress, fatigue)
- You’re close to qualifying for scholarships with higher score brackets
“Being truthful, a 1010 is a mediocre score at best. You can easily improve it to a 1400+ with some studying though”
— u/NorthStarPC, Reddit
Can You Get Scholarships with a 1010 SAT Score?
Yes, although options will be more limited than for students scoring 1200+. Still, some universities offer merit-based aid starting at 1000 or 1010.
Examples:
- University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
- Georgia Southwestern State University
You can also explore general scholarships that don’t focus on SAT scores through Fastweb or Scholarships.com.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: College Board, Fastweb, Scholarships, Reddit
