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Best Colleges for 1203 SAT Score

1203 SAT Colleges: Best Schools for 1203 SAT Score

Best colleges for 1203 SAT Score are listed here. If you have achieved a SAT score of 1203, then you must choose at least 5 of the below listed colleges, as not only your chances of admissions will be good but also these colleges will be a good match for you. The following list of best suitable colleges for 1203 SAT scores is given so that you can choose a more suitable college, and may not choose a less competitive college or loose admissions because you have applied to a more competitive college.

Is a 1203 SAT Score Good for 2026?

A 1203 SAT score is considered Solid — Above National Average. Nationally, this puts you in the 55th–64th percentile among approximately 1.7 million annual test-takers.

Strategic Admissions Guidance — 2026 Cycle

A 1203 is a solid result — you are performing above the national average and demonstrating real college readiness. This score does meaningful work in your applications at a wide variety of schools, particularly those with 40–70% acceptance rates that are often overlooked in the prestige-focused conversation about college admissions.

Here is something I tell every student at this score level: the schools where your 1203 is most competitive are often schools with excellent outcomes — strong career centers, engaged faculty, and alumni networks that actively hire graduates. The correlation between a school's SAT average and post-graduation earnings is far weaker than the rankings would have you believe. Focus on finding schools with strong programs in your intended field, not just on maximizing prestige.

Practically speaking, your 1203 makes you a competitive applicant at regional state universities, many private colleges in the $30,000–$50,000 tuition range, and schools with large merit scholarship programs. At the right schools, a 1203 plus a strong GPA (3.3+) can unlock automatic merit scholarships without any additional application — just by being admitted.

If you are considering a retake, know that the average score improvement between the first and second SAT sitting nationally is about 40–50 points. With a structured 6–8 week prep program targeting your weaker subscore, moving from a 1203 into the 1250+ range is very achievable and would meaningfully expand your school options.

👉 Your Next Step: Identify the three schools on your list where your 1203 is most competitive (at or above their 50th percentile). Those are schools you should apply to with full effort — real essays, demonstrated interest, and a compelling application narrative.

What a 1203 Means in the 2026 Admissions Cycle

In the 2026 admissions cycle, standardized test scores have made a significant structural comeback after years of test-optional experimentation. MIT, Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, and many other elite institutions now require SAT or ACT scores for all applicants. This shift means your score carries more weight than it did in 2021–2024 — but it is not the only thing that matters. Admissions offices continue to evaluate your transcript (course rigor and grade trend), personal statement, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular story as a complete picture.

To help you identify the right college list, our team has analyzed Common Data Set (CDS) submissions from hundreds of US and Canadian universities to categorize schools into Reach, Match, and Safety tiers specifically for a 1203 applicant. See the full school list below.

Best Colleges for 1203 SAT Score

Following is the list of colleges that accept 1203 SAT Score.

LogoInstituteStateAverage SAT ScoreSAT Reading ScoresSAT Math ScoresAcceptance RateStatus
LogoInstituteStateAverage SAT ScoreSAT Reading ScoresSAT Maths ScoresAcceptance RateStatus
Loyola University Chicago Loyola University ChicagoIllinois1283 590 - 680570 - 660 81.39% Match
Butler University Butler UniversityIndiana1282 590 - 680590 - 680 85.87% Match
Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia1281 560 - 670580 - 680 71.29% Match
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus University of Cincinnati-Main CampusOhio1281 580 - 670570 - 690 87.67% Match
Mercer University Mercer UniversityGeorgia1280 600 - 680580 - 670 66.46% Match
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesNew York1280 560 - 680560 - 700 59.08% Match
Point Loma Nazarene University Point Loma Nazarene UniversityCalifornia1278 590 - 710550 - 700 81.76% Match
Thomas Aquinas College Thomas Aquinas CollegeCalifornia1277 590 - 690570 - 640 78.71% Match
University of Central Florida University of Central FloridaFlorida1277 610 - 680580 - 670 39.52% Match
University of Portland University of PortlandOregon1277 620 - 693570 - 663 95.39% Match
Belmont University Belmont UniversityTennessee1277 600 - 690560 - 660 96.36% Match
SUNY at Purchase College SUNY at Purchase CollegeNew York1277 600 - 700578 - 663 72.83% Match
Washington College Washington CollegeMaryland1274 605 - 690580 - 655 65.54% Match
Austin College Austin CollegeTexas1272 590 - 680580 - 660 46.66% Match
Texas A&M University-College Station Texas A&M University-College StationTexas1272 570 - 680570 - 700 63.25% Match
Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo CollegeMichigan1270 610 - 700578 - 673 76.23% Match
Southwestern University Southwestern UniversityTexas1269 600 - 690570 - 650 39.07% Match
Gordon College Gordon CollegeMassachusetts1268 598 - 690570 - 680 58.78% Match
State University of New York at New Paltz State University of New York at New PaltzNew York1267 600 - 680570 - 660 58.7% Match
Seattle University Seattle UniversityWashington1266 570 - 670560 - 680 76.05% Match
Florida Southern College Florida Southern CollegeFlorida1263 590 - 660580 - 650 59.07% Match
Bryant University Bryant UniversityRhode Island1263 580 - 670580 - 670 65.65% Match
Emmanuel College Emmanuel CollegeMassachusetts1263 590 - 680580 - 650 80.6% Match
Endicott College Endicott CollegeMassachusetts1263 590 - 680570 - 660 72.29% Match
University of North Carolina Wilmington University of North Carolina WilmingtonNorth Carolina1262 620 - 690600 - 670 74.01% Reach
Champlain College Champlain CollegeVermont1262 605 - 680560 - 660 66.72% Match
LeTourneau University LeTourneau UniversityTexas1262 570 - 690570 - 680 40.68% Match
University of Arizona University of ArizonaArizona1261 580 - 700580 - 720 85.66% Match
Michigan State University Michigan State UniversityMichigan1261 580 - 670570 - 680 83.92% Match
Grove City College Grove City CollegePennsylvania1261 566 - 684562 - 690 73.4% Match
Le Moyne College Le Moyne CollegeNew York1260 580 - 670580 - 670 75.29% Match
Long Island University Long Island UniversityNew York1259 580 - 670560 - 680 89.77% Match
Thomas Jefferson University Thomas Jefferson UniversityPennsylvania1259 590 - 680560 - 670 86.14% Match
Biola University Biola UniversityCalifornia1258 580 - 690550 - 670 60.08% Match
Duquesne University Duquesne UniversityPennsylvania1257 590 - 680570 - 670 78.85% Match
University of Oregon University of OregonOregon1257 580 - 690550 - 670 85.11% Match
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-PrescottArizona1256 580 - 680580 - 680 75.19% Match
Eckerd College Eckerd CollegeFlorida1256 600 - 678550 - 658 78.69% Match
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachFlorida1256 570 - 670570 - 680 66.28% Match
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPennsylvania1256 580 - 670570 - 660 86.39% Match
Nazareth University Nazareth UniversityNew York1256 610 - 680560 - 650 79.5% Match
Hollins University Hollins UniversityVirginia1256 550 - 710550 - 620 70.86% Match
Covenant College Covenant CollegeGeorgia1254 590 - 710540 - 680 81.76% Match
Manhattan University Manhattan UniversityNew York1254 570 - 670580 - 670 78.49% Match
DePaul University DePaul UniversityIllinois1254 570 - 680560 - 660 73.53% Match
University of Massachusetts-Lowell University of Massachusetts-LowellMassachusetts1253 590 - 670590 - 680 85.24% Match
University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at BirminghamAlabama1251 570 - 700560 - 700 88.42% Match
Concordia University-Wisconsin Concordia University-WisconsinWisconsin1250 - - 67.53% Safety
Knox College Knox CollegeIllinois1250 530 - 680590 - 705 71.13% Match
Concordia University Ann Arbor Concordia University Ann ArborMichigan1250 - - 72.09% Safety
Earlham College Earlham CollegeIndiana1250 608 - 690570 - 673 74.22% Match
Conception Seminary College Conception Seminary CollegeMissouri1250 - - 100% Safety
University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of North Carolina School of the ArtsNorth Carolina1250 600 - 710550 - 640 33.1% Match
Salisbury University Salisbury UniversityMaryland1250 600 - 670580 - 640 88.63% Match
Truman State University Truman State UniversityMissouri1249 573 - 648553 - 670 79.96% Match
Westminster University Westminster UniversityUtah1249 598 - 718550 - 660 68.83% Match
Lipscomb University Lipscomb UniversityTennessee1248 580 - 680565 - 670 66.64% Match
SUNY Polytechnic Institute SUNY Polytechnic InstituteNew York1248 560 - 650590 - 680 78.44% Match
Berea College Berea CollegeKentucky1248 588 - 680568 - 655 32.71% Match
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeLouisiana1248 590 - 670560 - 660 74% Match
University of North Carolina Asheville University of North Carolina AshevilleNorth Carolina1247 600 - 690570 - 660 93.89% Match
Drew University Drew UniversityNew Jersey1247 560 - 680550 - 640 69.44% Match
The College of New Jersey The College of New JerseyNew Jersey1247 570 - 670570 - 670 62.14% Match
James Madison University James Madison UniversityVirginia1247 600 - 670570 - 650 76.25% Match
George Mason University George Mason UniversityVirginia1247 580 - 670560 - 670 88.83% Match
University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-ColumbiaMissouri1247 580 - 670570 - 660 77.02% Match
Cornell College Cornell CollegeIowa1246 580 - 655570 - 663 80.66% Match
Cedarville University Cedarville UniversityOhio1246 570 - 690540 - 670 62.82% Match
New Saint Andrews College New Saint Andrews CollegeIdaho1245 590 - 680580 - 650 85.71% Match
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologySouth Dakota1245 560 - 650570 - 670 85.25% Match
University of Northwestern-St Paul University of Northwestern-St PaulMinnesota1244 488 - 630493 - 663 91.88% Match
Benedictine College Benedictine CollegeKansas1244 560 - 660557 - 650 76.45% Match
Union University Union UniversityTennessee1243 540 - 690490 - 650 47.18% Match
Michigan Technological University Michigan Technological UniversityMichigan1243 560 - 660560 - 670 87.94% Match
Bethel University Bethel UniversityMinnesota1243 520 - 625545 - 615 90.99% Match
University of Illinois Chicago University of Illinois ChicagoIllinois1242 560 - 660560 - 680 78.5% Match
Illinois Wesleyan University Illinois Wesleyan UniversityIllinois1242 570 - 660570 - 670 45.17% Match
High Point University High Point UniversityNorth Carolina1242 560 - 650550 - 650 76.83% Match
Saint Michael's College Saint Michael's CollegeVermont1241 600 - 680550 - 630 91.85% Match
University of Mary Washington University of Mary WashingtonVirginia1241 600 - 690540 - 640 86.26% Match
College of Our Lady of the Elms College of Our Lady of the ElmsMassachusetts1240 590 - 670560 - 650 87.66% Match
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusOklahoma1239 580 - 670560 - 660 76.54% Match
Elmira College Elmira CollegeNew York1239 543 - 650573 - 682 90.8% Match
College of Charleston College of CharlestonSouth Carolina1238 580 - 660550 - 640 72% Match
Luther College Luther CollegeIowa1238 550 - 650548 - 668 73.27% Match
Siena College Siena CollegeNew York1238 540 - 680553 - 680 70.57% Match
University of Scranton University of ScrantonPennsylvania1237 580 - 660570 - 660 84.35% Match
Hope College Hope CollegeMichigan1237 550 - 660540 - 650 75.85% Match
Bradley University Bradley UniversityIllinois1237 550 - 650540 - 650 76.66% Match
Salve Regina University Salve Regina UniversityRhode Island1236 600 - 660560 - 635 69.91% Match
Fisk University Fisk UniversityTennessee1236 590 - 700570 - 780 57.91% Match
University of South Florida University of South FloridaFlorida1235 580 - 670560 - 660 40.96% Match
Western Washington University Western Washington UniversityWashington1235 570 - 690540 - 660 91.31% Match
Wagner College Wagner CollegeNew York1234 580 - 670570 - 650 83.46% Match
Saint Norbert College Saint Norbert CollegeWisconsin1233 533 - 610533 - 610 92.15% Match
Saint Mary's College Saint Mary's CollegeIndiana1233 560 - 650540 - 660 81.11% Match
Taylor University Taylor UniversityIndiana1232 540 - 670530 - 670 76.11% Match
Pace University Pace UniversityNew York1232 580 - 668550 - 660 77.14% Match
St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's College of MarylandMaryland1232 570 - 690540 - 640 75.39% Match
University of Redlands University of RedlandsCalifornia1231 548 - 670530 - 653 80.92% Match
University of Utah University of UtahUtah1231 590 - 698590 - 700 87.17% Match
Western New England University Western New England UniversityMassachusetts1231 570 - 650560 - 660 83.26% Match
Oglethorpe University Oglethorpe UniversityGeorgia1230 573 - 670533 - 650 60.06% Match
University of Missouri-Kansas City University of Missouri-Kansas CityMissouri1230 570 - 750580 - 790 74.99% Match
Holy Cross College Holy Cross CollegeIndiana1229 490 - 660490 - 640 73.71% Match
University of Houston University of HoustonTexas1229 580 - 660570 - 670 69.53% Match
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus University of New Hampshire-Main CampusNew Hampshire1229 570 - 670550 - 650 86.87% Match
Roger Williams University Roger Williams UniversityRhode Island1228 580 - 660550 - 640 87.78% Match
Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar CollegeVirginia1227 560 - 670540 - 640 71.74% Match
University of Mount Union University of Mount UnionOhio1227 560 - 620510 - 670 80.1% Match
United States Merchant Marine Academy United States Merchant Marine AcademyNew York1226 570 - 650570 - 650 32.47% Match
Marymount Manhattan College Marymount Manhattan CollegeNew York1226 580 - 670520 - 630 78.88% Match
Valparaiso University Valparaiso UniversityIndiana1226 540 - 660540 - 650 92.22% Match
Wentworth Institute of Technology Wentworth Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts1226 570 - 660570 - 660 85.37% Match
Bridgewater College Bridgewater CollegeVirginia1225 530 - 660540 - 715 90.81% Match
Goucher College Goucher CollegeMaryland1225 560 - 683520 - 683 72.9% Match
California Lutheran University California Lutheran UniversityCalifornia1224 577 - 660557 - 660 88.88% Match
Meredith College Meredith CollegeNorth Carolina1224 590 - 650520 - 610 74.66% Match
Xavier University Xavier UniversityOhio1224 530 - 658530 - 640 87.73% Match
Adelphi University Adelphi UniversityNew York1224 580 - 650560 - 660 77.51% Match
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FAQ for SAT Score: 1203

How does a 1203 SAT score compare to the ACT?

A 1203 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 24-25 on the ACT. While not highly competitive for selective colleges, it is still a solid score for many state schools and private universities that are not highly selective. For your top choice, it may be worth considering retaking the test if aiming for more competitive schools.

What scholarships are available for a 1203 SAT score?

A 1203 SAT score can qualify you for merit-based scholarships at many public universities, though you may need to apply to more schools to maximize your financial aid options. Some private schools may offer partial scholarships, but full scholarships are rare at this level.

Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 1203 SAT score?

A 1203 SAT score is below the average for Ivy League schools, which generally expect scores closer to 1500-1600. While this score may not be competitive for these highly selective schools, it’s still a strong score for many excellent institutions.

Should I retake the SAT to improve my score?

If your goal is to get into highly competitive schools, retaking the SAT could help boost your score and improve your chances. However, if you’re targeting mid-tier or public schools, your 1203 might already position you well for those institutions. Consider whether a retake will significantly improve your score.

What is the national average SAT score?

The national average SAT score is around 1050. A 1203 is above average and places you in a good position for many colleges. If you want to aim for more selective schools, consider improving your score through focused study.

Do test-optional colleges consider a 1203 SAT score if submitted?

Yes, test-optional colleges will consider your 1203 SAT score if submitted. While it may not be at the top end, it can still help demonstrate your academic abilities. If you feel that other aspects of your application, such as essays or extracurriculars, are strong, submitting this score might give you a competitive edge.

What GPA is a 1203 SAT?

A 1203 SAT score usually correlates with a GPA of around 3.3-3.5. This suggests that you’ve performed solidly in your high school classes, though improving your GPA could further strengthen your college applications.

Can I get into NYU with a 1203 SAT?

NYU's average SAT score is higher than a 1203 SAT, but it’s not out of the question to gain admission with this score if other parts of your application, such as your essays and extracurriculars, are very strong. Consider applying to a broad range of schools.

Is 1203 a good SAT score for Harvard?

Harvard’s average SAT score is closer to 1500-1600, so a 1203 is below the typical range. While Harvard is extremely selective, you can still aim for other prestigious institutions that may have a slightly lower average SAT score.

Can I get into MIT with a 1203 SAT?

MIT’s average SAT score is also well above 1203, so gaining admission to MIT with a 1203 is unlikely. However, MIT looks at more than just SAT scores; if you have extraordinary achievements or talents in science or engineering, those could strengthen your application.

Can I get into Princeton with a 1203 SAT score?

Princeton’s average SAT score is above 1203, which means a 1203 SAT might not make you competitive for Princeton. However, other parts of your application, such as your essays and recommendation letters, could still play a role in your chances.

Is a 1203 SAT score good?

A 1203 SAT score is solid and well above average, but it may not be enough to gain admission to the most selective colleges. You’re in a strong position for many public and private universities, especially those with moderate selectivity.

Which colleges can I get into with a 1203 SAT score?

A 1203 SAT score will make you a competitive applicant at many public universities and mid-tier private schools. Some good options could include schools like University of Miami, University of Alabama, or Michigan State University. You’ll have a wide range of options where you can thrive.

Best Colleges for SAT Score Ranges

View Best colleges for 1550 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1500 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1450 SAT Score
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View Best colleges for 1250 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1200 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 1150 SAT Score
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View Best colleges for 800 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 750 SAT ScoreView Best colleges for 700 SAT Score