1150 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
You're in a good spot with an 1150 SAT. That score is around the 74th percentile, and it fits more than 1,400 colleges, including familiar publics like Arizona State and Texas A&M. A lot of those schools already enroll students right around your number.
How 1150 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 68th - higher than about 68% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 1050 - you're above the typical score.
- ACT equivalent: ~23 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,461 schools (733 target, 176 reach, 552 safety).
Is a 1150 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1150 SAT is a good score for a wide set of well-known state universities. San Diego State's middle 50% is 1090-1300, and Texas Tech's is 1090-1280, so you already overlap those bands.
You're also well above the 1050 national average. Kentucky (1070-1290) looks like another comfortable match. Tougher publics such as Florida State or Penn State usually enroll students from about 1240-1420, so those stay reaches.
Colleges still weigh GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations next to the test. Those pieces can matter as much as another 50 points.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1150 SAT
Texas A&M and the University of Arizona both post middle 50% ranges that start at 1150, so you line up at the low end of those bands. Arizona State overlaps more comfortably. Stretch options like Clemson or Michigan State are tougher to get into because their usual SAT bands start higher. The tables that follow group schools by how realistic each one looks at this score.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 1150 falls inside the middle 50% at Arizona State (1100-1320) and San Diego State (1090-1300). Those are good-shot schools if the rest of your application holds up.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
UT Austin (1250-1510) and Florida State (1270-1410) typically enroll students with higher SAT scores than 1150. You can still apply, but these are longer shots.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
You clear the usual SAT band at San Francisco State (930-1130) and Georgia Southern (986-1133). These make strong backups, and there are hundreds more like them.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1150 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1150 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1150 SAT
View by state:
Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1150?
A retake is optional at 1150. It's most useful if you want a better shot at selective publics where the middle 50% starts closer to 1240 or 1270. If your current mix of colleges already feels right, you can apply with this score.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective public universities | Time away from grades and activities |
| Could strengthen applications to tougher reaches | Score gains are not guaranteed |
With focused prep, students often gain about 50-100 SAT points. Use official practice tests, drill the section that dragged you down, and give yourself a few weeks of review.
You can apply with 1150 now, or prep for a retake if a higher score would change your targets.
1150 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1150 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1090 | 21 |
| 1110 | 21 |
| 1130 | 23 |
| 1150 | 23 |
| 1170 | 24 |
| 1190 | 24 |
| 1210 | 25 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1150 SAT places you in about the 68th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 68% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1150 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1140 and 1160
- Browse the equivalent 23 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026