1000 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Texas State and Georgia State both enroll students right around a 1000 SAT, and you have roughly 1,300 colleges that fit this score. You're around the 48th percentile, so this is a workable number. You're in a good spot, with a lot of realistic options still open.
How 1000 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 41st - higher than about 41% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 1050 - the typical national score.
- ACT equivalent: ~19 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,307 schools (502 target, 437 reach, 368 safety).
Is a 1000 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1000 SAT is a decent score that keeps plenty of well-known public universities in range. You are not locked out of familiar names just because this is not a 1200.
Cal State Fullerton's middle 50% starts at 1000, and you are at the low end of Georgia Southern (986-1133) and the University of North Texas (980-1230). Those are still realistic targets. Purdue runs much higher, so it is a tougher reach.
It lands a little under the national average of 1050, but admissions still look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations. A stronger academic record can open doors even when the SAT is around 1000.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1000 SAT
Towson, Texas State, and San Francisco State all enroll students around a 1000 SAT. Bethune-Cookman usually sits below that band, so you look like a likely admit there. Arizona State is a different story - its middle 50% starts at 1100, so it is a real reach.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
At Texas State (980-1200) and Grand Valley State (940-1190), a 1000 SAT is inside the middle 50%. You have a good shot if the rest of your application is solid.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Schools like Texas A&M (1150-1400) and Purdue (1200-1480) usually enroll students well above a 1000. Getting in is possible but tougher.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Your 1000 SAT is clearly above the middle 50% at Alabama State (749-967) and Savannah State (845-980), and there are hundreds of backups like these. Odds look strong at this level.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1000 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1000 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1000 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1000?
A retake is often worth it with a 1000 SAT, especially if you want more selective publics on the table. Even a modest jump can move you from the edge of a school's range into a more comfortable spot. If you're happy with your current targets, you can also apply as is.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective public universities | Time away from grades and activities |
| Can turn some reaches into realistic targets | Gains are not guaranteed without focused prep |
With focused prep, many students gain about 50-100 SAT points. Work the sections that dragged you down, take timed practice tests, and review every miss. A few months of steady practice usually beats last-minute cramming.
Apply with your 1000 if your target schools already fit, or set a retake date and give yourself a real study plan.
1000 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1000 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 940 | 17 |
| 960 | 18 |
| 980 | 18 |
| 1000 | 19 |
| 1020 | 19 |
| 1040 | 20 |
| 1060 | 21 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1000 SAT places you in about the 41st percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 41% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1000 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 990 and 1010
- Browse the equivalent 19 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026