1285 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Just received your 1285 SAT score? You're in the 87th percentile, outperforming about 87% of recent test-takers. This opens doors to 1,516 colleges where your score is in range for target, reach, or safety admission.
How 1285 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 87th - higher than about 87% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 1050 - you're above the typical score.
- ACT equivalent: ~27 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,516 schools (434 target, 70 reach, 1,012 safety).
Is a 1285 SAT Score Good?
A 1285 SAT is a solid foundation for building your college list. Compared with the national average near 1050, your score is considered significantly above average, and you are competitive at about 1,516 four-year colleges.
How far 1285 goes depends on the schools you want: it may sit in range at many state universities and private colleges, while more selective campuses can still be reaches. Admissions are holistic, so GPA, essays, and activities matter alongside your score.
Build a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools and present your strongest overall application.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1285 SAT
Below are popular colleges sorted by admission chance for a 1285 SAT. Filter by major or location with our college search.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Target schools have middle 50% ranges that include 1285 - your score fits squarely in the admitted pool and you have a strong chance.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Reach schools have average SAT scores higher than 1285; admission is possible but competitive - strong GPA, essays, and activities help.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Safety schools have average SATs well below 1285; you're above the typical admitted student and have a very high chance of acceptance.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1285 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1285 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1285 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1285?
Whether to retake a 1285 SAT depends on your target schools and how much time you can invest without hurting grades or activities.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Takes time from grades and activities |
| Focused prep can yield real gains | Diminishing returns; many schools superscore |
Retakers often gain about 50-100 SAT points or 1-2 ACT points with focused prep. Use official practice tests, target your weakest section, and keep prep from crowding out coursework.
If 1285 already fits your target and safety list, focus on applications. Retake if your top choices sit well above this score and you have time to prep.
1285 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1285 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1220 | 25 |
| 1240 | 26 |
| 1260 | 27 |
| 1280 | 27 |
| 1300 | 28 |
| 1320 | 28 |
| 1340 | 29 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1285 SAT places you in about the 87th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 87% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1285 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1275 and 1295
- Browse the equivalent 27 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026