Best colleges for 1200 SAT Score are listed here. If you have achieved a SAT score of 1200, 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 1200 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 1200 SAT Score Good for 2026?
Yes, a 1200 SAT score is considered Solid / Competitive. Nationally, this performance puts you in the 75th-88th percentile of nearly 2 million annual test-takers.
Strategic Admissions Guidance
Scoring a 1200 puts you well above the national average. You are a competitive applicant for the majority of four-year universities in the US and Canada. For the 2026 cycle, we recommend identifying 'Target' schools where your score is at or above their 75th percentile; this strategy maximizes your chances for automatic merit scholarships. If your GPA is also strong, you have a very high probability of admission at your listed Match schools.
What does a 1200 mean for your applications?
In the 2026 admissions cycle, universities are increasingly looking for 'data-backed' proof of academic readiness. A 1200 serves as a standardized metric that complements your GPA. However, remember that admissions officers also weigh your extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and the difficulty of your high school curriculum (AP/IB classes).
To help you build a balanced college list, we have analyzed thousands of data points from the Common Data Set (CDS) to categorize the schools below into Reach, Match, and Safety categories specifically for a 1200 applicant.
Best Colleges for 1200 SAT Score
Following is the list of colleges that accept 1200 SAT Score.
| Logo | Institute | State | Average SAT Score | SAT Reading Scores | SAT Math Scores | Acceptance Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logo | Institute | State | Average SAT Score | SAT Reading Scores | SAT Maths Scores | Acceptance Rate | Status |
|
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | New York | 1280 | 560 - 680 | 560 - 700 | 59.08% | Match |
|
Mercer University | Georgia | 1280 | 600 - 680 | 580 - 670 | 66.46% | Match |
|
Point Loma Nazarene University | California | 1278 | 590 - 710 | 550 - 700 | 81.76% | Match |
|
Belmont University | Tennessee | 1277 | 600 - 690 | 560 - 660 | 96.36% | Match |
|
Thomas Aquinas College | California | 1277 | 590 - 690 | 570 - 640 | 78.71% | Match |
|
University of Central Florida | Florida | 1277 | 610 - 680 | 580 - 670 | 39.52% | Match |
|
SUNY at Purchase College | New York | 1277 | 600 - 700 | 578 - 663 | 72.83% | Match |
|
University of Portland | Oregon | 1277 | 620 - 693 | 570 - 663 | 95.39% | Match |
|
Washington College | Maryland | 1274 | 605 - 690 | 580 - 655 | 65.54% | Match |
|
Austin College | Texas | 1272 | 590 - 680 | 580 - 660 | 46.66% | Match |
|
Texas A&M University-College Station | Texas | 1272 | 570 - 680 | 570 - 700 | 63.25% | Match |
|
Kalamazoo College | Michigan | 1270 | 610 - 700 | 578 - 673 | 76.23% | Match |
|
Southwestern University | Texas | 1269 | 600 - 690 | 570 - 650 | 39.07% | Match |
|
Gordon College | Massachusetts | 1268 | 598 - 690 | 570 - 680 | 58.78% | Match |
|
State University of New York at New Paltz | New York | 1267 | 600 - 680 | 570 - 660 | 58.7% | Match |
|
Seattle University | Washington | 1266 | 570 - 670 | 560 - 680 | 76.05% | Match |
|
Bryant University | Rhode Island | 1263 | 580 - 670 | 580 - 670 | 65.65% | Match |
|
Florida Southern College | Florida | 1263 | 590 - 660 | 580 - 650 | 59.07% | Match |
|
Emmanuel College | Massachusetts | 1263 | 590 - 680 | 580 - 650 | 80.6% | Match |
|
Endicott College | Massachusetts | 1263 | 590 - 680 | 570 - 660 | 72.29% | Match |
|
LeTourneau University | Texas | 1262 | 570 - 690 | 570 - 680 | 40.68% | Match |
|
University of North Carolina Wilmington | North Carolina | 1262 | 620 - 690 | 600 - 670 | 74.01% | Reach |
|
Champlain College | Vermont | 1262 | 605 - 680 | 560 - 660 | 66.72% | Match |
|
University of Arizona | Arizona | 1261 | 580 - 700 | 580 - 720 | 85.66% | Match |
|
Grove City College | Pennsylvania | 1261 | 566 - 684 | 562 - 690 | 73.4% | Match |
|
Michigan State University | Michigan | 1261 | 580 - 670 | 570 - 680 | 83.92% | Match |
|
Le Moyne College | New York | 1260 | 580 - 670 | 580 - 670 | 75.29% | Match |
|
Long Island University | New York | 1259 | 580 - 670 | 560 - 680 | 89.77% | Match |
|
Thomas Jefferson University | Pennsylvania | 1259 | 590 - 680 | 560 - 670 | 86.14% | Match |
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Biola University | California | 1258 | 580 - 690 | 550 - 670 | 60.08% | Match |
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Duquesne University | Pennsylvania | 1257 | 590 - 680 | 570 - 670 | 78.85% | Match |
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University of Oregon | Oregon | 1257 | 580 - 690 | 550 - 670 | 85.11% | Match |
|
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Arizona | 1256 | 580 - 680 | 580 - 680 | 75.19% | Match |
|
Eckerd College | Florida | 1256 | 600 - 678 | 550 - 658 | 78.69% | Match |
|
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Florida | 1256 | 570 - 670 | 570 - 680 | 66.28% | Match |
|
Hollins University | Virginia | 1256 | 550 - 710 | 550 - 620 | 70.86% | Match |
|
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | 1256 | 580 - 670 | 570 - 660 | 86.39% | Match |
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Nazareth University | New York | 1256 | 610 - 680 | 560 - 650 | 79.5% | Match |
|
Covenant College | Georgia | 1254 | 590 - 710 | 540 - 680 | 81.76% | Match |
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DePaul University | Illinois | 1254 | 570 - 680 | 560 - 660 | 73.53% | Match |
|
Manhattan University | New York | 1254 | 570 - 670 | 580 - 670 | 78.49% | Match |
|
University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Massachusetts | 1253 | 590 - 670 | 590 - 680 | 85.24% | Match |
|
University of Alabama at Birmingham | Alabama | 1251 | 570 - 700 | 560 - 700 | 88.42% | Match |
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Concordia University-Wisconsin | Wisconsin | 1250 | - | - | 67.53% | Safety |
|
University of North Carolina School of the Arts | North Carolina | 1250 | 600 - 710 | 550 - 640 | 33.1% | Match |
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Conception Seminary College | Missouri | 1250 | - | - | 100% | Safety |
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Knox College | Illinois | 1250 | 530 - 680 | 590 - 705 | 71.13% | Match |
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Earlham College | Indiana | 1250 | 608 - 690 | 570 - 673 | 74.22% | Match |
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Salisbury University | Maryland | 1250 | 600 - 670 | 580 - 640 | 88.63% | Match |
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Concordia University Ann Arbor | Michigan | 1250 | - | - | 72.09% | Safety |
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Westminster University | Utah | 1249 | 598 - 718 | 550 - 660 | 68.83% | Match |
|
Truman State University | Missouri | 1249 | 573 - 648 | 553 - 670 | 79.96% | Match |
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Lipscomb University | Tennessee | 1248 | 580 - 680 | 565 - 670 | 66.64% | Match |
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Berea College | Kentucky | 1248 | 588 - 680 | 568 - 655 | 32.71% | Match |
|
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Louisiana | 1248 | 590 - 670 | 560 - 660 | 74% | Match |
|
SUNY Polytechnic Institute | New York | 1248 | 560 - 650 | 590 - 680 | 78.44% | Match |
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George Mason University | Virginia | 1247 | 580 - 670 | 560 - 670 | 88.83% | Match |
|
University of Missouri-Columbia | Missouri | 1247 | 580 - 670 | 570 - 660 | 77.02% | Match |
|
University of North Carolina Asheville | North Carolina | 1247 | 600 - 690 | 570 - 660 | 93.89% | Match |
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James Madison University | Virginia | 1247 | 600 - 670 | 570 - 650 | 76.25% | Match |
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The College of New Jersey | New Jersey | 1247 | 570 - 670 | 570 - 670 | 62.14% | Match |
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Drew University | New Jersey | 1247 | 560 - 680 | 550 - 640 | 69.44% | Match |
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Cedarville University | Ohio | 1246 | 570 - 690 | 540 - 670 | 62.82% | Match |
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Cornell College | Iowa | 1246 | 580 - 655 | 570 - 663 | 80.66% | Match |
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New Saint Andrews College | Idaho | 1245 | 590 - 680 | 580 - 650 | 85.71% | Match |
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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | South Dakota | 1245 | 560 - 650 | 570 - 670 | 85.25% | Match |
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University of Northwestern-St Paul | Minnesota | 1244 | 488 - 630 | 493 - 663 | 91.88% | Match |
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Benedictine College | Kansas | 1244 | 560 - 660 | 557 - 650 | 76.45% | Match |
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Michigan Technological University | Michigan | 1243 | 560 - 660 | 560 - 670 | 87.94% | Match |
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Bethel University | Minnesota | 1243 | 520 - 625 | 545 - 615 | 90.99% | Match |
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Union University | Tennessee | 1243 | 540 - 690 | 490 - 650 | 47.18% | Match |
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High Point University | North Carolina | 1242 | 560 - 650 | 550 - 650 | 76.83% | Match |
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University of Illinois Chicago | Illinois | 1242 | 560 - 660 | 560 - 680 | 78.5% | Match |
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Illinois Wesleyan University | Illinois | 1242 | 570 - 660 | 570 - 670 | 45.17% | Match |
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University of Mary Washington | Virginia | 1241 | 600 - 690 | 540 - 640 | 86.26% | Match |
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Saint Michael's College | Vermont | 1241 | 600 - 680 | 550 - 630 | 91.85% | Match |
|
College of Our Lady of the Elms | Massachusetts | 1240 | 590 - 670 | 560 - 650 | 87.66% | Match |
|
Elmira College | New York | 1239 | 543 - 650 | 573 - 682 | 90.8% | Match |
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University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Oklahoma | 1239 | 580 - 670 | 560 - 660 | 76.54% | Match |
|
College of Charleston | South Carolina | 1238 | 580 - 660 | 550 - 640 | 72% | Match |
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Luther College | Iowa | 1238 | 550 - 650 | 548 - 668 | 73.27% | Match |
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Siena College | New York | 1238 | 540 - 680 | 553 - 680 | 70.57% | Match |
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Hope College | Michigan | 1237 | 550 - 660 | 540 - 650 | 75.85% | Match |
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University of Scranton | Pennsylvania | 1237 | 580 - 660 | 570 - 660 | 84.35% | Match |
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Bradley University | Illinois | 1237 | 550 - 650 | 540 - 650 | 76.66% | Match |
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Fisk University | Tennessee | 1236 | 590 - 700 | 570 - 780 | 57.91% | Match |
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Salve Regina University | Rhode Island | 1236 | 600 - 660 | 560 - 635 | 69.91% | Match |
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University of South Florida | Florida | 1235 | 580 - 670 | 560 - 660 | 40.96% | Match |
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Western Washington University | Washington | 1235 | 570 - 690 | 540 - 660 | 91.31% | Match |
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Wagner College | New York | 1234 | 580 - 670 | 570 - 650 | 83.46% | Match |
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Saint Norbert College | Wisconsin | 1233 | 533 - 610 | 533 - 610 | 92.15% | Match |
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Saint Mary's College | Indiana | 1233 | 560 - 650 | 540 - 660 | 81.11% | Match |
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Taylor University | Indiana | 1232 | 540 - 670 | 530 - 670 | 76.11% | Match |
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Pace University | New York | 1232 | 580 - 668 | 550 - 660 | 77.14% | Match |
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St. Mary's College of Maryland | Maryland | 1232 | 570 - 690 | 540 - 640 | 75.39% | Match |
|
University of Redlands | California | 1231 | 548 - 670 | 530 - 653 | 80.92% | Match |
|
Western New England University | Massachusetts | 1231 | 570 - 650 | 560 - 660 | 83.26% | Match |
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University of Utah | Utah | 1231 | 590 - 698 | 590 - 700 | 87.17% | Match |
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Oglethorpe University | Georgia | 1230 | 573 - 670 | 533 - 650 | 60.06% | Match |
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University of Missouri-Kansas City | Missouri | 1230 | 570 - 750 | 580 - 790 | 74.99% | Match |
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University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | New Hampshire | 1229 | 570 - 670 | 550 - 650 | 86.87% | Match |
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Holy Cross College | Indiana | 1229 | 490 - 660 | 490 - 640 | 73.71% | Match |
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University of Houston | Texas | 1229 | 580 - 660 | 570 - 670 | 69.53% | Match |
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Roger Williams University | Rhode Island | 1228 | 580 - 660 | 550 - 640 | 87.78% | Match |
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Sweet Briar College | Virginia | 1227 | 560 - 670 | 540 - 640 | 71.74% | Match |
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University of Mount Union | Ohio | 1227 | 560 - 620 | 510 - 670 | 80.1% | Match |
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Marymount Manhattan College | New York | 1226 | 580 - 670 | 520 - 630 | 78.88% | Match |
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Valparaiso University | Indiana | 1226 | 540 - 660 | 540 - 650 | 92.22% | Match |
|
Wentworth Institute of Technology | Massachusetts | 1226 | 570 - 660 | 570 - 660 | 85.37% | Match |
|
United States Merchant Marine Academy | New York | 1226 | 570 - 650 | 570 - 650 | 32.47% | Match |
|
Bridgewater College | Virginia | 1225 | 530 - 660 | 540 - 715 | 90.81% | Match |
|
Goucher College | Maryland | 1225 | 560 - 683 | 520 - 683 | 72.9% | Match |
|
Xavier University | Ohio | 1224 | 530 - 658 | 530 - 640 | 87.73% | Match |
|
California Lutheran University | California | 1224 | 577 - 660 | 557 - 660 | 88.88% | Match |
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Meredith College | North Carolina | 1224 | 590 - 650 | 520 - 610 | 74.66% | Match |
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Adelphi University | New York | 1224 | 580 - 650 | 560 - 660 | 77.51% | Match |
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Queens University of Charlotte | North Carolina | 1223 | 560 - 650 | 550 - 650 | 67.68% | Match |
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Berry College | Georgia | 1223 | 570 - 658 | 530 - 620 | 61.85% | Match |
|
John Brown University | Arkansas | 1222 | 590 - 675 | 540 - 670 | 67.64% | Match |
|
Elon University | North Carolina | 1222 | 580 - 675 | 563 - 630 | 67.31% | Match |
FAQ for SAT Score: 1200
How does a 1200 SAT score compare to the ACT?
A 1200 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 1200 SAT score?
A 1200 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 1200 SAT score?
A 1200 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 1200 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 1200 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 1200 SAT score if submitted?
Yes, test-optional colleges will consider your 1200 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 1200 SAT?
A 1200 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 1200 SAT?
NYU's average SAT score is higher than a 1200 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 1200 a good SAT score for Harvard?
Harvard’s average SAT score is closer to 1500-1600, so a 1200 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 1200 SAT?
MIT’s average SAT score is also well above 1200, so gaining admission to MIT with a 1200 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 1200 SAT score?
Princeton’s average SAT score is above 1200, which means a 1200 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 1200 SAT score good?
A 1200 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 1200 SAT score?
A 1200 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.
