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Scoring a 1230 on the SAT puts you in a strong position—especially if you’re aiming for mid-tier public or private colleges. But is it good enough? That depends on where you’re applying and what your goals are.
What Does a 1230 SAT Score Mean?
A 1230 SAT score places you in approximately the 79th percentile. That means you scored better than nearly 4 out of every 5 test takers.
Is a 1230 SAT Score Competitive for College Admissions?
This score doesn’t quite reach the levels expected by the most selective colleges, but it’s comfortably in range for a wide variety of schools—particularly those with middle 50% SAT ranges spanning 1150-1300. Here’s how a 1230 compares at different types of schools:
| Type of College | Admission Outlook with 1230 | Sample Institutions | Notes |
| Public (Mid to Large) | Strong | University of Iowa (1130-1330), Michigan State (1100-1320) | You’re right in the middle of their typical admitted student range |
| Flagship Public Universities | Competitive | Penn State (1160-1360), University of Alabama (1070-1370) | 1230 is well within range, especially with strong coursework |
| Private Mid-Tier Colleges | Above Average | Baylor University, University of Tampa, Quinnipiac | Many offer merit scholarships in this SAT range |
| Highly Selective Colleges | Below Typical Range | Boston College, NYU, Emory | You’ll need strong GPA and standout application—or apply test-optional |
Does a 1230 Open the Door to Selective Colleges?
No. Highly selective schools like UCLA typically report SAT middle ranges in the 1300-1500 zone. With a 1230, 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 Schools Commonly Accept Students with a 1230?
Plenty of respected schools fall into the SAT range where a 1230 is competitive:
| College | SAT Mid-Range | Notes |
| Temple University | 1110-1330 | 1230 is a strong match |
| University of Oregon | 1100-1310 | Well within range |
| San Diego State University | 1130-1360 | 1230 is competitive |
| University of Arizona | 1120-1370 | A comfortable fit |
| Ball State University | 1080-1240 | 1230 is near the top of the range |
| University of Colorado–Denver | 1080-1280 | Strong position |
Should You Retake the SAT After Scoring 1230?
It depends on what you’re aiming for. You should consider retaking the SAT if:
- Your target schools expect 1300+
- 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
Are There Scholarship Opportunities Linked to This Score?
Yes—many universities start offering merit scholarships for scores in the 1200+ range, particularly if you also have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Examples:
- University of Alabama–Huntsville
- West Virginia University
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- Georgia State 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.
How to Improve Your SAT Score from 1230?
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.
Many students make it from 1230 to 1300+ with 4-6 weeks of focused prep. Here’s how to move forward:
- 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 took SAT in August and got 1230 (610-math, 620 EBRW). Then I was preparing mainly for Math and just reviewing grammar rules and got 1400 in October”
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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
