20 Top Colleges Accepting SAT Score of 1180
Wondering if your 1180 SAT score is good enough? It’s understandable. Millions of high schoolers take the SAT annually, hoping to boost their chances of admission into their dream schools. This standardized test, alongside the ACT, aims to provide colleges with an objective picture of how applicants might fare in college-level coursework. This score can significantly influence your next steps. A strong score lets you focus on other application aspects, while a lower one might necessitate a retake.
This blog will help you understand whether an 1180 SAT score is considered good, guide your next steps, determine if a retake is necessary, and identify suitable colleges for your SAT score range.
Is 1180 a Good SAT Score?
While your 1180 SAT score puts you ahead of the majority of test takers, it might not be enough to open the doors to the most competitive colleges. Although it’s a commendable score in the 72nd percentile, meaning you outperformed over 1.8 million students, top schools have incredibly limited slots and seek exceptional standardized test performance.
For them, the SAT serves as a clear, objective measure against a vast pool of applicants, unlike subjective components like essays or recommendations. While your other application elements matter, optimizing your SAT score could significantly strengthen your competitive edge and open doors to more universities that align with your aspirations.
| Do you know that many colleges are now test-optional and test-blind? This emphasizes factors like your GPA, which should align with the school’s expectations for incoming students. |
Colleges You Can Get Into with a SAT Score of 1180
While an 1180 SAT score puts you above the majority of test-takers, it can limit your options when it comes to highly selective colleges. Think of it this way: your score opens doors to many great state schools with higher acceptance rates, but it might not be enough for schools with rigorous admission criteria, like those in the top 10 or Ivy League school. These often have acceptance rates below 20% and prioritize applicants with even higher scores.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider such schools! Instead, view them as aspirational targets, motivating you to improve your SAT score and strengthen your overall application.
Read Also: SAT Percentiles and Score Rankings [Updated 2024]
List of Colleges Accepting a SAT Score of 1180 in US
Scoring 1180 on the SAT places you within the average range for accepted students at roughly 450 colleges in the US. This curated list from the College Board highlights popular colleges where your application would hold its own, based on their past acceptance of students with similar scores.
| College/University | Average SAT Score Range |
|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | 1030–1200 |
| University of California, Davis | 1160–1370 |
| DePauw University | 1160–1360 |
| San Jose State University | 1070–1340 |
| University of Tampa | 1100–1260 |
| Colorado State University | 1080–1280 |
| Howard University | 1060–1270 |
| Penn State University Park | 1140–1360 |
| Florida Atlantic University | 1030–1200 |
| George Mason University | 1160–1340 |
| Washington State University | 1020–1260 |
| University of Oregon | 1120–1330 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | 1070–1200 |
| SUNY University at Albany | 1090–1280 |
| University of North Texas | 1020–1230 |
| West Virginia University | 1040–1230 |
| Ball State University | 1090–1260 |
| Spelman College | 1100–1290 |
| Coastal Carolina University | 1030–1180 |
| Towson University | 1030–1230 |
Suggested: SAT Score 1360: Is 1360 a good sat score
From the Desk of Yocket
An SAT score of 1180 is certainly respectable, falling within the range considered good by the College Board. It indicates a solid understanding of the tested material and the potential for success in college-level coursework. For some colleges, particularly those with less competitive admissions, this score may be sufficient for admission, especially if accompanied by strong grades and extracurricular activities. Additionally, platforms such as Yocket provide invaluable assistance in navigating the intricacies of college admissions and help you reach your academic aspirations.
However, for more selective colleges, an 1180 might not be enough to stand out among the thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots. These institutions often have much higher average SAT scores, and students with scores around 1180 may need to demonstrate exceptional academic talent or achievements in other areas to be considered seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not happy with my SAT score. Can I retake the test?
Yes, you can retake the SAT exam as many times as you like. Some colleges superscore, which means they consider your highest score on each section from all your test dates. Others only look at your most recent score. Check with the colleges you’re applying to for their policy on taking the SAT multiple times.
What can I do to improve my SAT score?
There are many resources available to help you improve your SAT score. You can take a prep course, use online resources, or hire a tutor. The College Board website also has a lot of helpful information, including practice tests and score reports.
How do I send my scores to colleges?
Log in to your College Board account and go to the “Send SAT Scores” page. Select the institutions you want to send your scores to and choose which scores to send (all or specific tests).