SAT Score Guide

Colleges for a 950 SAT Score

A 950 SAT score falls around the 31st–38th percentile nationally. We found 1000 colleges that match this score — including 797 safety, 97 match, and 106 reach schools.

950

SAT Score

31st–38th

Percentile

797

Safety

97

Match

106

Reach

What Does a 950 SAT Score Mean?

A 950 SAT score is approaching the national average checkpoint. You out-performed roughly one-third of all test-takers and have a solid foundation for improvement. With targeted practice, moving into the 1000+ range is very achievable.

At 950, your combined performance suggests competency in core reading and math skills with room to strengthen specific topic areas. About 65% of students scored higher, placing you in the 31st–38th percentile window. Many state universities and regional colleges consider this a competitive score for admission.

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 950 SAT

Safety Schools(797 schools)

CollegeAvg SATAccept RateCategoryChance
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NH96%Safety95%
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe, AZ90%Safety95%
Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA99%Safety95%
Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg, ID97%Safety95%
University of ArizonaTucson, AZ86%Safety95%
California State University-FullertonFullerton, CA87%Safety95%
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX89%Safety95%
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge, CA93%Safety95%
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX88%Safety95%
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH88%Safety95%
California State University-SacramentoSacramento, CA94%Safety95%
George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA89%Safety95%

+ 785 more schools. Use the calculator below for the full list.

Match Schools(97 schools)

CollegeAvg SATAccept RateCategoryChance
Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette, MI70%Match70%
Ithaca CollegeIthaca, NY70%Match70%
University at AlbanyAlbany, NY70%Match70%
University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI70%Match70%
Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, AR70%Match70%
University of South Carolina-UpstateSpartanburg, SC70%Match70%
University of HoustonHouston, TX70%Match70%
University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY69%Match69%
Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT69%Match69%
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GA69%Match69%
Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale, NY69%Match69%
University of Michigan-FlintFlint, MI69%Match69%

+ 85 more schools. Use the calculator below for the full list.

Reach Schools(106 schools)

CollegeAvg SATAccept RateCategoryChance
Berklee College of MusicBoston, MA50%Reach35%
Southern University and A & M CollegeBaton Rouge, LA50%Reach35%
Pepperdine UniversityMalibu, CA50%Reach35%
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA50%Reach35%
University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GA49%Reach34%
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY49%Reach34%
Providence CollegeProvidence, RI49%Reach34%
University of La VerneLa Verne, CA48%Reach33%
Bentley UniversityWaltham, MA48%Reach33%
Hampton UniversityHampton, VA48%Reach33%
Emerson CollegeBoston, MA47%Reach32%
American UniversityWashington, DC47%Reach32%

+ 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 950 SAT

Your sweet spot is regional public universities and smaller private colleges that value well-rounded applicants. Look for schools with average SATs between 900 and 1050. States like Pennsylvania, Florida, Mississippi, and Arkansas have several accessible options. Don't overlook schools with generous merit aid for students who enroll early.

How to Improve From a 950 SAT Score

  1. 1Identify whether Math or Reading & Writing is your weaker section—then spend 60% of study time there
  2. 2Study SAT-specific vocabulary in context rather than memorizing word lists
  3. 3Practice eliminating clearly wrong answer choices before selecting your best answer
  4. 4Take at least two full-length timed practice tests before test day
  5. 5Use our AI explanation feature to understand the reasoning behind every correct answer

A jump from 950 to 1050 is one of the highest-ROI score improvements you can make. It opens doors at dozens of additional schools. Start with our free SAT practice questions today.

Free SAT Prep Tools

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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.