Colleges for a 1250 SAT Score
A 1250 SAT score falls around the 82nd–86th percentile nationally. We found 1000 colleges that match this score — including 797 safety, 97 match, and 106 reach schools.
1250
SAT Score
82nd–86th
Percentile
797
Safety
97
Match
106
Reach
What Does a 1250 SAT Score Mean?
A 1250 SAT score signals strong academic ability—you're in the top fifth of all test-takers nationwide. This score makes you competitive at many well-known universities and may qualify you for significant merit scholarships.
The 1250 SAT puts you in the 82nd to 86th percentile. You've demonstrated advanced reading skills and strong mathematical reasoning. The difference between applicants at this level often comes down to GPA, extracurricular leadership, and application essays rather than test scores alone.
Recommended Colleges for 1250 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 1250 SAT
Your match list should include strong public research universities like Auburn, Purdue, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Maryland. For reaches, consider schools like Boston University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, or Georgia Tech where your score falls in the lower end of ranges. Don't neglect safety schools—they often offer the best scholarship deals.
How to Improve From a 1250 SAT Score
- 1Study the hardest 20% of SAT content: advanced passport-to-advanced-math problems and rhetoric/synthesis questions
- 2Time yourself strictly during practice and learn to skip and return to time-consuming questions
- 3Use our AI explanation tool to deeply understand complex answer explanations, not just check right/wrong
- 4Take three or more full tests before the real exam to reduce test-day anxiety
- 5Consider retaking the SAT—most students improve 50–100 points on their second attempt
Students scoring 1250 are often just 50–100 points away from accessing highly selective admissions pools. A targeted prep plan can make the difference.
Free SAT Prep Tools
SAT Score Calculator
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SAT Practice Questions
Practice questions matched to the 1250 skill level
SAT Study Planner
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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.