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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.
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
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”
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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
