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Is a 1250 SAT Score Good? 

Is a 1250 SAT Score Good? 
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Is a 1250 SAT Score Good? 

If your SAT score came back at 1250, you’re in a solid 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.

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What Does a 1250 Represent?

A 1250 SAT score means you’re ready to succeed in general education college courses without remedial support—and that’s exactly what many colleges are looking for. A 1250 puts you in roughly the 82nd percentile nationwide. That means you scored better than more than 8 out of every 10 test takers—a significant achievement.

Is 1250 Competitive for College Admissions?

A 1250 can easily support an offer of admission—particularly when combined with a GPA above 3.5. This score also meets the scholarship cutoff at many public institutions offering automatic merit aid.

Here’s how a 1250 compares across different types of schools:

Type of Institution Competitiveness with 1250 Example Schools Notes
Public Universities Competitive to Strong Temple University (1130-1330), University of Oregon (1150-1340) A 1250 is mid-to-high in these schools’ score ranges
Flagship Publics (Broad Access) Strong Texas A&M (1180-1380), University of Tennessee (1170-1340) You’re right in the middle 50%, or slightly above average
Private Mid-Tier Colleges Strong Quinnipiac, Drake University, University of La Verne These schools may also offer scholarship consideration with a 1250
Highly Selective Universities Below Typical Range Boston University, NYU, USC 1250 is below average admitted scores; test-optional strategy needed

Does a 1250 Open the Door to Selective Colleges?

No. Highly selective schools like UCLA typically report SAT middle ranges in the 1300-1500 zone. With a 1250, 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 Commonly Accept a 1250 SAT Score?

A 1250 SAT score falls right into the mid-range at many top public schools and competitive private universities:

College SAT Middle 50% Notes
University of Oregon 1100-1310 1250 is comfortably in range
San Diego State University 1130-1360 A solid match
University of Arizona 1120-1370 Right in the midrange
Temple University 1110-1330 1250 is competitive
University of South Carolina 1140-1330 1250 is well-placed
DePaul University Test-optional 1250 fits most merit award tiers

Should You Retake the SAT After Scoring 1250?

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
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Can a 1250 SAT Score Help You Qualify for Scholarships?

Yes, especially at public universities.

Some schools offer automatic merit-based scholarships for students with SAT scores starting at 1250, particularly if paired with a 3.5+ GPA.

Examples:

  • University of Alabama–Huntsville
  • University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
  • Georgia Southern University
  • West Virginia 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.

The Role of GPA in Merit-Based Aid Decisions

Your SAT score is only part of the scholarship equation. Most colleges pair test scores with GPA minimums when awarding merit aid:

  • A 1250 + 3.5 GPA is a strong combo for competitive scholarships
  • A 1250 + 3.8 GPA may place you in honors program or higher aid tiers
  • A 1250 + 3.0 GPA still qualifies for many baseline awards

How to Improve Beyond a 1250 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 1250 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

“Take a course challenge on Khan Academy to see where you are at, and then Khan Academy will change up your course based on your knowledge”

Reddit

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Top Tips from Our Expert

 

  • A 1250 SAT score is a strong result—it places you ahead of the national average and qualifies you for many respected schools
  • Always check each college’s middle SAT range before deciding to retake
  • Some colleges offer scholarships at 1250, so don’t rule out merit aid
  • Retake only if you’re ready to prep differently—not just “try again”

Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist

Sources: College Board, Going Merry, Scholarships, Reddit

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Try one day of school for FREE
Try for free!

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FAQ

Q: Is a score of 1240 on the SAT considered a good score?
A: Yes, 1240 is above average. It puts you around the 82nd percentile, which is strong for many colleges.
Q: How does a 1240 SAT score compare to the 75th percentile?
A: At most mid-tier schools, 1240 is close to or above the 75th percentile. At top schools, it falls below.
Q: What are some colleges I can apply to with a 1240 SAT score?
A: Good matches include:

- University of Oregon
- Temple University
- University of Arizona
- Florida International University
- Loyola University Chicago
Q: Can a score of 1240 help me get into Ivy League schools?
A: No. Ivy League schools usually expect 1450–1550+. A 1240 is not competitive unless paired with exceptional achievements.
Q: If I got a 1240, should I retake the SAT?
A: Retake if your target colleges expect higher scores, or if you believe you can improve by 50+ points with prep.
Q: What is the range of scores typically accepted by colleges?
A: Most colleges admit students with scores from 1050 to 1350. Highly selective schools expect 1400+.
Q: How can I improve my SAT score if I currently have a 1240?
A: Focus on weaker sections, take timed practice tests, use official tools like Bluebook or Khan Academy, and review your mistakes.
Q: Is a score of 1240 enough for a scholarship?
A: Sometimes. Some public universities offer merit aid starting at 1200-1250, especially with a strong GPA.
Q: How do I know if a 1240 SAT score fits my college application strategy?
A: Compare it to the middle 50% SAT range of your target colleges. If you're in or above that range, you're in a good spot.
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Co-Founder & Adviser
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Vasilii Kiselev is a leading expert in online and virtual education and serves as a co-founder and advisor at Legacy Online School. He directs the development of dynamic, interactive, and accessible virtual learning environments, with a focus that spans K-12 education and homeschooling alternatives.

His approach integrates advanced technology to deliver high-quality, flexible learning experiences. Vasilii views Legacy Online School as a platform for empowering students and equipping them with essential digital skills for the future. His work has been featured on platforms such as eLearning Industry and Forbes Councils.