Colleges for a 1280 SAT Score
A 1280 SAT score falls around the 85th–88th percentile nationally. We found 1000 colleges that match this score — including 797 safety, 97 match, and 106 reach schools.
1280
SAT Score
85th–88th
Percentile
797
Safety
97
Match
106
Reach
What Does a 1280 SAT Score Mean?
A 1280 SAT score is a very strong result, placing you ahead of roughly 85% of all test-takers. You're approaching the upper echelon of SAT performance and have excellent college options.
Scoring 1280 puts you in the 85th–88th percentile nationally. You've demonstrated advanced skills across both sections, and most universities will view your SAT as a clear positive in your application. Merit scholarships become increasingly likely at this level.
Recommended Colleges for 1280 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 1280 SAT
Strong matches include University of Connecticut, Rutgers (New Brunswick), Texas A&M, and Fordham University. For reaches, consider schools like University of Virginia, Boston College, and College of William & Mary. At this scoring level, application quality (essays, recommendations, ECs) becomes the key differentiator.
How to Improve From a 1280 SAT Score
- 1Target the most difficult 10–15% of SAT content that consistently trips up high scorers
- 2Practice complex passage synthesis: how does information in paragraph 3 relate to the author's main argument?
- 3Study advanced algebra: systems of inequalities, absolute value equations, and function transformations
- 4Review your error patterns across your last 3 practice tests—focus only on recurring mistakes
- 5Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises for managing test-day anxiety and maintaining focus
Breaking 1300 puts you in the top 10%. A focused 3-week sprint on your weakest areas can make that happen.
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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.