Colleges for a 1480 SAT Score
A 1480 SAT score falls around the 97th–98th percentile nationally. We found 1000 colleges that match this score — including 797 safety, 97 match, and 106 reach schools.
1480
SAT Score
97th–98th
Percentile
797
Safety
97
Match
106
Reach
What Does a 1480 SAT Score Mean?
A 1480 SAT score places you in the top 2–3% of all test-takers worldwide. This is an exceptional score that positions you as a serious contender at the most elite universities.
Scoring 1480 puts you in the 97th–98th percentile nationally. At this level, you're essentially scoring comparably to students admitted to Ivy League schools. Your SAT is a non-issue in admissions—the decision will come down to the rest of your application profile.
Recommended Colleges for 1480 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 1480 SAT
At 1480, every school in the country is within reach based purely on SAT score. Build your list based on fit: academic programs, research opportunities, campus culture, location, and financial aid packages. Your SAT won't hold you back anywhere—focus on finding where you'll thrive for four years.
Tips to Maximize Your 1480+ SAT Score
- 1Unless you're confident you can score 1530+, retaking the test is unlikely to change admissions outcomes
- 2Invest remaining prep time in writing standout supplemental essays for your top-choice schools
- 3Practice interview skills—many competitive schools offer alumni interviews that can differentiate borderline applicants
- 4Research schools' specific programs deeply so you can write authentic "why this school" essays
- 5Focus on demonstrated interest: attend virtual events, visit campuses, and connect with admissions counselors
Your SAT work is done. Redirect your energy to crafting a compelling, authentic application that shows who you are beyond the numbers.
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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.