Colleges for a 1050 SAT Score
A 1050 SAT score falls around the 48th–55th percentile nationally. We found 1000 colleges that match this score — including 797 safety, 97 match, and 106 reach schools.
1050
SAT Score
48th–55th
Percentile
797
Safety
97
Match
106
Reach
What Does a 1050 SAT Score Mean?
A 1050 SAT score sits right at the national median. You're performing at the same level as the average American high school student—which means you have a balanced skill set and plenty of college options to explore.
At 1050, you're in the 48th–55th percentile nationally—right in the thick of the bell curve. This is a very common score, and admissions offices at non-selective and moderately selective institutions see applicants at this level every cycle. Your GPA, course rigor, and extracurricular involvement become especially important differentiators.
Recommended Colleges for 1050 SAT
Safety Schools(797 schools)
| College | Avg SAT | Accept Rate | Category | Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NH | — | 96% | Safety | 95% |
| Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe, AZ | — | 90% | Safety | 95% |
| Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA | — | 99% | Safety | 95% |
| Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg, ID | — | 97% | Safety | 95% |
| University of ArizonaTucson, AZ | — | 86% | Safety | 95% |
| California State University-FullertonFullerton, CA | — | 87% | Safety | 95% |
| Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX | — | 89% | Safety | 95% |
| California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge, CA | — | 93% | Safety | 95% |
| The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX | — | 88% | Safety | 95% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH | — | 88% | Safety | 95% |
| California State University-SacramentoSacramento, CA | — | 94% | Safety | 95% |
| George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA | — | 89% | Safety | 95% |
+ 785 more schools. Use the calculator below for the full list.
Match Schools(97 schools)
| College | Avg SAT | Accept Rate | Category | Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette, MI | — | 70% | Match | 70% |
| Ithaca CollegeIthaca, NY | — | 70% | Match | 70% |
| University at AlbanyAlbany, NY | — | 70% | Match | 70% |
| University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI | — | 70% | Match | 70% |
| Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, AR | — | 70% | Match | 70% |
| University of South Carolina-UpstateSpartanburg, SC | — | 70% | Match | 70% |
| University of HoustonHouston, TX | — | 70% | Match | 70% |
| University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY | — | 69% | Match | 69% |
| Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT | — | 69% | Match | 69% |
| Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GA | — | 69% | Match | 69% |
| Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale, NY | — | 69% | Match | 69% |
| University of Michigan-FlintFlint, MI | — | 69% | Match | 69% |
+ 85 more schools. Use the calculator below for the full list.
Reach Schools(106 schools)
| College | Avg SAT | Accept Rate | Category | Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berklee College of MusicBoston, MA | — | 50% | Reach | 35% |
| Southern University and A & M CollegeBaton Rouge, LA | — | 50% | Reach | 35% |
| Pepperdine UniversityMalibu, CA | — | 50% | Reach | 35% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA | — | 50% | Reach | 35% |
| University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GA | — | 49% | Reach | 34% |
| Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY | — | 49% | Reach | 34% |
| Providence CollegeProvidence, RI | — | 49% | Reach | 34% |
| University of La VerneLa Verne, CA | — | 48% | Reach | 33% |
| Bentley UniversityWaltham, MA | — | 48% | Reach | 33% |
| Hampton UniversityHampton, VA | — | 48% | Reach | 33% |
| Emerson CollegeBoston, MA | — | 47% | Reach | 32% |
| American UniversityWashington, DC | — | 47% | Reach | 32% |
+ 94 more schools. Use the calculator below for the full list.
Personalize Your Results
The table above uses a neutral 3.0 GPA baseline. Enter your actual GPA and preferences below for more accurate results.
Estimate Your Admission Chance
How to Build Your College List With a 1050 SAT
With a 1050, many mid-tier state universities are strong matches. Schools in the University of Alabama system, Arizona State, Indiana University campuses, and similar institutions often list 1050 within their middle 50%. Mix in a few smaller liberal arts colleges where test scores carry less weight and your personal story shines.
How to Improve From a 1050 SAT Score
- 1Focus on "quick wins": SAT grammar rules and basic algebra problems you can master in two to three weeks
- 2Use process of elimination aggressively—even narrowing choices to two options improves your odds significantly
- 3Review every practice question you get wrong and categorize errors by type (careless, conceptual, timing)
- 4Take one full-length timed practice test every two weeks leading up to test day
- 5Get a study buddy or join an online prep community for accountability
Students at 1050 often see the largest score jumps with focused preparation. A 1150 or 1200 is within reach with 6–8 weeks of consistent study.
Free SAT Prep Tools
SAT Score Calculator
Enter raw scores and instantly see your scaled SAT score
SAT Practice Questions
Practice questions matched to the 1050 skill level
SAT Study Planner
Get a personalized weekly study schedule for your target score
College Match Tool
Find your best-fit colleges based on SAT, GPA, and preferences
SAT Ace Overview
Free and premium SAT prep tools for every score level
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Results use a neutral 3.0 GPA baseline so SAT is the primary factor shown. Enter your actual GPA in the calculator above for personalized results. Data sourced from College Scorecard (NCES). Acceptance rates are based on the most recent publicly available data.