What colleges can I get into with a 1290 SAT score?

A 1290 SAT score (around the 74th percentile) makes you competitive at many four-year universities. Your options include safety, match, and reach schools based on each college's admitted student SAT ranges.

Is a 1290 SAT score good?

A 1290 SAT score is in the around the 74th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than 74% of test-takers. This is considered a strong score.

How can I improve from a 1290 SAT score?

To improve from 1290, focus on your weakest skill areas with targeted practice, take timed practice tests regularly, and use tools like SAT Ace for instant feedback and AI-powered explanations.

SAT Score Guide

Colleges for a 1290 SAT Score

A 1290 SAT score falls around the around the 74th percentile nationally. We found 1000 colleges that match this score — including 870 safety, 57 match, and 73 reach schools.

1290

SAT Score

around the 74th

Percentile

870

Safety

Match

Reach

Test-Optional Note: Many colleges no longer require SAT/ACT scores. If you apply test-optional, GPA, essays, and extracurriculars carry more weight. Use our personalized match tool for a complete picture.

Recommended Colleges for 1290 SAT

Safety Schools(870 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	1090	97%	Safety	95%
University of ArizonaTucson, AZ	1265	86%	Safety	95%
California State University-FullertonFullerton, CA	—	87%	Safety	95%
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX	1095	89%	Safety	95%
University of North TexasDenton, TX	1115	72%	Safety	95%
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX	1195	71%	Safety	95%
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge, CA	—	93%	Safety	95%
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX	1115	81%	Safety	95%
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX	1115	88%	Safety	95%

+ 858 more schools. Use the calculator below for the full list.

Match Schools(57 schools)

College	Avg SAT	Accept Rate	Category	Chance
University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO	1393	75%	Match	75%
Florida International UniversityMiami, FL	1160	59%	Match	74%
University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn, MI	1155	59%	Match	74%
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeNew York, NY	1080	57%	Match	72%
University of West FloridaPensacola, FL	1135	57%	Match	72%
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY	1370	71%	Match	71%
CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx, NY	970	55%	Match	70%
Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette, MI	—	70%	Match	70%
University at AlbanyAlbany, NY	—	70%	Match	70%
University of HoustonHouston, TX	1250	70%	Match	70%
University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY	1290	69%	Match	69%
Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT	1340	69%	Match	69%

+ 45 more schools. Use the calculator below for the full list.

Reach Schools(73 schools)

College	Avg SAT	Accept Rate	Category	Chance
Berklee College of MusicBoston, MA	—	50%	Reach	35%
California State University-Long BeachLong Beach, CA	—	47%	Reach	32%
University of San DiegoSan Diego, CA	—	47%	Reach	32%
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN	1265	46%	Reach	31%
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, TX	1250	43%	Reach	28%
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WA	—	43%	Reach	28%
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY	1340	42%	Reach	27%
University of California-DavisDavis, CA	—	42%	Reach	27%
University of South FloridaTampa, FL	1235	41%	Reach	26%
The University of TampaTampa, FL	—	41%	Reach	26%
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA	1365	50%	Reach	25%
University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL	1260	40%	Reach	25%

+ 61 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.

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Also see colleges for:

1150 SAT 1180 SAT 1200 SAT 1220 SAT 1250 SAT 1280 SAT 1300 SAT 1320 SAT 1350 SAT 1380 SAT 1400 SAT 1420 SAT

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.