Key takeaways
A 1240 SAT score positions you well above the national average, making you competitive for a variety of colleges. However, its effectiveness largely depends on your specific college goals and the overall strength of your application.
- A 1240 SAT score places you in the 80th-81st percentile, outperforming over 4 out of 5 test takers nationwide.
- This score is competitive for many mid-tier public and private universities, such as the University of Iowa and Hofstra University.
- Many colleges, including the University of Alabama–Huntsville, offer automatic merit scholarships starting at or near the 1200 mark.
- Consider retaking the SAT if your target schools expect scores above 1300 or if your score is unbalanced, as a focused prep can lead to significant improvements.
Contents
If you earned a 1240 SAT score, you’re in a strong position. 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 1240 SAT Score Mean?
Many students ask: is 1240 a good SAT score for college admissions? The 1240 SAT percentile is approximately the 80th–81st percentile nationwide. That means you outperformed more than 4 out of every 5 test takers nationwide. So, is a 1240 a good SAT score? For many mid-tier universities, the answer is yes.
Is a 1240 Competitive for College Admissions?
While a 1240 SAT may not meet the typical SAT ranges for highly-selective institutions (which often expect scores above 1400), it is sufficient for admission to a wide range of schools.
Here’s how a 1240 SAT score aligns with various types of institutions:
| Institution Type | Admission Outlook with 1240 | Sample Institutions | Notes |
| Public Universities (Mid-Tier) | Competitive | University of Iowa, Michigan State University, University of Arizona | These institutions have middle 50% SAT ranges that encompass a 1240 score. |
| Private Colleges (Mid-Tier) | Competitive | Hofstra University, Temple University, University of Alabama | A 1240 SAT score is within or near the average range for these schools. |
| Highly Selective Institutions | Less Competitive | Boston College, Boston University, University of Rochester | These institutions typically have higher average SAT scores; a 1240 may be below their middle 50% range. |
Does a 1240 Open the Door to Selective Colleges?
“When evaluating SAT scores, selective colleges rarely look at the number in isolation. In our college advising practice at Legacy Online School, we regularly see students strengthen their applications by presenting a broader academic story. Even when a score falls below the middle 50 percent range for a highly selective university, the overall profile can still influence how an application is evaluated”
No. Highly selective schools like UCLA typically report SAT middle ranges in the 1300-1500 zone. With a 1240, 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
- Built a strong extracurricular profile through clubs or leadership activities
- Written a compelling essay that frames your academic journey
How Many Colleges Accept a 1240 SAT Score?
Plenty of well-known schools are within reach:
| College | SAT Mid-Range | Notes |
| University of Oregon | 1100-1310 | 1240 is comfortably in range |
| San Diego State University | 1130-1360 | 1240 is a competitive score |
| Temple University | 1110-1330 | Strong fit with 1240 |
| University of Arizona | 1120-1370 | Above midpoint |
| University of Alabama–Huntsville | 1170-1320 | Within scholarship range |
| Colorado State University | 1070-1280 | 1240 puts you near the top of the range |
Should You Retake the SAT After Scoring 1240?
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., 700 Reading, 540 Math)
- You didn’t prepare seriously the first time
- You’re close to qualifying for a scholarship bump
Can a 1240 SAT Score Qualify You for Scholarships?
Yes. Many public universities and some private colleges start awarding automatic merit scholarships at or near the 1200 mark.
Examples:
- University of Alabama–Huntsville
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- Georgia Southern University
- WVU
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 Beyond a 1240 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 1240 to 1300+ 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 went from a 1240 to 1420. When I started with the SAT, I struggled with both English and Math. I decided to tackle Math first, I only practiced on Khan Academy, and watched their vids, read the provided text and did their exercises. It actually helped a lot I went from a 600 to 770 in 2 months. For the English section, I did khan as well but it is a bit harder to progress because I’m not that strong at reading. I also did Erica book, she explained things way better than khan lol. For vocabularies, I read newspapers and Vocabularies Cartoon, it is way more easy for me to memorize this way. After that, I went from a 600 in English to around to low 700 or around 690 680”
— u/peterwithnolife, Reddit
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Maya Robinson, AP Program Advisor at Legacy Online School
Sources: College Board, Going Merry, Scholarships, Reddit
