1050 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
You're around the 58th percentile, which is a workable SAT result with a long list of colleges attached. Roughly 1,380 schools match a 1050, including familiar names like Texas State and Cal State Long Beach. You have plenty of realistic four-year options.
How 1050 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 48th - higher than about 48% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 1050 - you're above the typical score.
- ACT equivalent: ~20 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,381 schools (648 target, 348 reach, 385 safety).
Is a 1050 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1050 SAT is a workable score, especially at large state universities. It will not wow the most selective schools, but it is enough to be a realistic number at hundreds of four-year colleges.
Washington State (1020-1210) and the University of North Texas (980-1230) both enroll plenty of students around your score. San Jose State (1010-1240) is another familiar target, though 1050 is near the low end of its middle 50%.
Colleges still weigh your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations, so this score is only one part of the picture. Raising it later can help, but you already have real four-year options with a 1050.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1050 SAT
Florida Atlantic (1040-1200), West Virginia University (1010-1220), and San Francisco State (930-1130) all keep a 1050 in range. Georgia State and Savannah College of Art and Design are familiar matches too. The tables group everything into good-shot schools, tougher admits, and likely backups.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
At Texas State (980-1200) and Florida Gulf Coast (1040-1200), a 1050 lands in the typical admitted range. You have a good shot if the rest of your application holds up.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Arizona State (1100-1320) and San Diego State (1090-1300) usually enroll students above a 1050. You can still apply, but those schools are tougher to get into at this score.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Your 1050 is well above the middle 50% at Texas Southern (800-1000) and Norfolk State (823-1030). Odds look strong here, and this bucket has hundreds of schools.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1050 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1050 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1050 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1050?
A retake is often worth it with a 1050. Even a modest bump can move you from the low end of a school's range into a more comfortable spot. If you want more selective publics to feel realistic, another test date is a smart use of time.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective public universities | Time away from grades and activities |
| Lifts you off the low end of some ranges | Another test date plus extra prep hours |
| Can turn a few reaches into targets | Score gains are not guaranteed |
Students who prep seriously often gain about 50-100 SAT points. Focus on your weaker section, take timed practice tests, and review every miss. A few weeks of steady work beats last-minute cramming.
You can apply with your 1050 if these schools already feel right, or study for one more test if you want a wider set of options.
1050 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1050 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 990 | 19 |
| 1010 | 19 |
| 1030 | 20 |
| 1050 | 20 |
| 1070 | 21 |
| 1090 | 21 |
| 1110 | 21 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1050 SAT places you in about the 48th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 48% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1050 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1040 and 1060
- Browse the equivalent 20 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026