Best colleges for 650 SAT Score are listed here. If you have achieved a SAT score of 650, 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 650 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 650 SAT Score Good for 2026?
Yes, a 650 SAT score is considered Developing. Nationally, this performance puts you in the Bottom 10th percentile of nearly 2 million annual test-takers.
Strategic Admissions Guidance
A score below 800 indicates that you should prioritize schools that do not require SAT scores for admission. For the 2026 cycle, your high school diploma, vocational skills, and personal recommendations will be your strongest assets. Many successful professionals started their journey without high standardized test scores. Focus on schools that offer comprehensive 'Bridge' programs to help you build the foundational skills needed for university-level success.
What does a 650 mean for your applications?
In the 2026 admissions cycle, universities are increasingly looking for 'data-backed' proof of academic readiness. A 650 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 650 applicant.
Best Colleges for 650 SAT Score
Following is the list of colleges that accept 650 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 |
FAQ for SAT Score: 650
How does a 650 SAT score compare to the ACT?
A 650 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 9-10 on the ACT. This is well below the national average, and most colleges may not accept this score. However, you could still consider applying to schools with open admissions or looking into alternative educational paths.
What scholarships are available for a 650 SAT score?
At a 650 SAT score, scholarship options may be limited. Focus on looking for local, state, or need-based scholarships from less selective schools or community colleges.
Can I get into Ivy League schools with a 650 SAT score?
It is highly unlikely to gain admission to Ivy League schools with a 650 SAT score. These schools expect scores far higher than this. Consider applying to other institutions with lower selectivity or improving your SAT score for future attempts.
Should I retake the SAT to improve my score?
Retaking the SAT with the goal of improving your score is highly recommended if you want to increase your chances of admission to more selective colleges. Consider additional test prep and tutoring to help raise your score.
What is the national average SAT score?
The national average SAT score is around 1050, so a 650 SAT score is well below average. Retaking the test and improving your score is critical if you are looking to apply to more competitive schools.
Do test-optional colleges consider a 650 SAT score if submitted?
Test-optional colleges may still consider a 650 SAT score if submitted, but it is unlikely to benefit your application. Focus on other parts of your application like your personal statement, GPA, and extracurriculars.
What GPA is a 650 SAT?
A 650 SAT score is typically associated with a GPA in the 1.0-1.5 range, indicating room for improvement. It’s important to focus on raising your GPA and preparing for the SAT again to improve your score.
Can I get into NYU with a 650 SAT?
NYU requires much higher SAT scores than 650, so gaining admission with this score would be very difficult. It’s important to consider applying to less competitive schools or working to improve your score for future applications.
Is 650 a good SAT score for Harvard?
Harvard’s average SAT score is far higher than 650, so this would not be considered a competitive score for admission. Consider focusing on other schools with lower SAT score requirements or retaking the SAT to improve your score.
Can I get into MIT with a 650 SAT?
MIT’s SAT score average is far higher than 650, so getting into MIT with this score is not feasible. Retake the SAT to improve your score for better chances at competitive institutions.
Can I get into Princeton with a 650 SAT score?
Princeton’s SAT scores are far above 650, so this would not be a competitive score. You should consider applying to less selective colleges or retaking the SAT to improve your score for future applications.
Is a 650 SAT score good?
A 650 SAT score is well below average and would not be considered competitive for most universities. Retaking the SAT and preparing to improve your score is essential if you are aiming for selective schools.
Which colleges can I get into with a 650 SAT score?
With a 650 SAT score, you may be eligible for admission to community colleges or universities with open admission policies. Consider schools like University of Phoenix or other institutions with flexible admission criteria.