Colleges for a 1290 on the SAT

What colleges accept a 1290 SAT score?

These colleges are a good match for you

If you've achieved a score of 1290 on your SATs, this places you squarely within the average range for accepted students at 352 U.S. colleges. This list features popular colleges where your application will likely be competitive, given their historical acceptance of students with a 1290 SAT score. However, it's crucial to remember that a good SAT score is not the sole criterion for admission. In fact, may colleges are now test optional. It's equally significant to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) that aligns with the college's expectations for incoming students. The creation of this list is rooted in a comprehensive analysis of SAT scores from students admitted to all U.S. colleges

Is a 1290 SAT good?

Yes, you have a lot of opportunities at very good schools with a score of 1290. It situates you in the top 87th percentile on the national scale, outperforming the majority of the 1.7 million SAT test takers. This score signifies your significantly above average performance in answering questions in the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing sections of the exam. The SAT is scored out of a maximum of 1600 and a minimum of 400, meaning your 1290 score represents 81% of the total possible points. If a 1290 does not meet the requirements of your preferred college, you might want to consider enrolling in a test prep course to potentially enhance your score.

Demographic comparisons for a 1290

Let's examine how a 1290 SAT score stacks up to the national averages across various demographic groups

Gender

  • Male: A 1290 is 223 points (21%) higher than the average male SAT score of 1067
  • Female: A 1290 is 236 points (22%) higher than the average female SAT score of 1054

Race/ethnicity

  • White: A 1290 is 178 points (16%) higher than the average white SAT score of 1112
  • Black: A 1290 is 356 points (38%) higher than the average black SAT score of 934
  • Hispanic: A 1290 is 323 points (33%) higher than the average Hispanic SAT score of 967
  • Asian: A 1290 is 51 points (4%) higher than the average Asian SAT score of 1239
  • Pacific Islander: A 1290 is 340 points (36%) higher than the average Pacific Islander SAT score of 950
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: A 1290 is 363 points (39%) higher than the average American Indian/Alaska Native SAT score of 927
  • Two or more races: A 1290 is 174 points (16%) higher than the average two or more races SAT score of 1116

All groups

  • All Students: A 1290 is 230 points higher than the average SAT score for all students of 1060

What is the ACT equivalent to a 1290 SAT score?

A 1290 on the SAT translates to a 27 on the ACT according to the concordance provided by the College Board and ACT. It's important to note that not all colleges disclose admission data for both the SAT and ACT. As such, we recommend checking our listings for each test to identify schools with similar academic profiles.

What percentile is a 1290 SAT score?

Scoring a 1290 on the SAT places you in the 87th percentile nationwide. This implies that your performance surpassed 87% of all test takers. To put this in perspective, about 1.7 million students sit for the SAT each year. Thus, with your score, you've outperformed about 1,479,000 students placing you ahead of the majority with only 221,000 test takers achieving a higher score.

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SAT 1290 Public Private 4 year

352 results nationwide

List of 1290 SAT Colleges

Displaying 352 colleges where your 1290 SAT score is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Hint: Filter by admission chance for 1,197 target schools (good chance), 192 reach (harder) schools and 3,498 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

The University of Texas at Austin
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T
Austin, TX

The University of Texas at Austin

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

1370 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#14 Best Public Universities in America

  • 52,384enrollment
  • $17,434net price
  • 31%acceptance rate
  • 1230-1500SAT range
  • 26-33ACT range
  • 3.8Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance24%

Applications Due Dec 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Florida State University
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F
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

1290 Average SAT Score

 

#3 Best Colleges in Florida

  • 44,161enrollment
  • $14,003net price
  • 25%acceptance rate
  • 1210-1370SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • 3.7Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance25%

Applications Due Mar 1

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Clemson University
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C
Clemson, SC

Clemson University

Public 4 Year

9 reviews

1320 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Public Universities in South Carolina

  • 28,466enrollment
  • $24,577net price
  • 43%acceptance rate
  • 1220-1410SAT range
  • 28-32ACT range
  • 3.75Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance39%

Applications Due May 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Arizona State University
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A
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University

Public 4 Year

5 reviews

1210 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Colleges in Arizona

  • 80,065enrollment
  • $14,808net price
  • 90%acceptance rate
  • 1100-1320SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.54Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance93%

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Georgia
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G
Athens, GA

University of Georgia

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

1320 Average SAT Score

 

#3 Best Colleges in Georgia

  • 40,607enrollment
  • $17,180net price
  • 43%acceptance rate
  • 1220-1420SAT range
  • 27-32ACT range
  • 4.0Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance38%

Applications Due Jan 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
Penn State Main Campus
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P
University Park, PA

Penn State Main Campus

Public 4 Year

11 reviews

1300 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Public Universities in Pennsylvania

  • 50,028enrollment
  • $26,747net price
  • 55%acceptance rate
  • 1210-1390SAT range
  • 26-31ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance53%

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Virginia Tech
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V
Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Tech

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

1340 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Public Universities in Virginia

  • 38,170enrollment
  • $19,301net price
  • 57%acceptance rate
  • 1240-1430SAT range
  • 27-32ACT range
  • 3.97Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance49%

Applications Due Jan 15

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Michigan State University
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S
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

1260 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Colleges in Michigan

  • 50,023enrollment
  • $22,803net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • 1160-1360SAT range
  • 25-31ACT range
  • 3.72Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance90%

Compare Calculate my chances 
The University of Alabama
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A
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama

Public 4 Year

7 reviews

1270 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#3 Best Colleges in Alabama

  • 38,644enrollment
  • $20,592net price
  • 80%acceptance rate
  • 1130-1410SAT range
  • 23-31ACT range
  • 3.76Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance81%

Applications Due May 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Central Florida
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C
Orlando, FL

University of Central Florida

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

1280 Average SAT Score

 

#3 Best Public Universities in Florida

  • 68,346enrollment
  • $13,108net price
  • 41%acceptance rate
  • 1200-1360SAT range
  • 25-29ACT range
  • 3.64Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance43%

Applications Due May 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
San Diego State University
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S
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

1200 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#10 Best Public Universities in California

  • 37,402enrollment
  • $13,017net price
  • 39%acceptance rate
  • 1090-1300SAT range
  • 22-29ACT range
  • 3.82Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance53%

Applications Due Nov 30

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Auburn University
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A
Auburn University, AL

Auburn University

Public 4 Year

9 reviews

1300 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#1 Best Public Universities in Alabama

  • 31,764enrollment
  • $25,271net price
  • 44%acceptance rate
  • 1220-1380SAT range
  • 24-30ACT range
  • 3.97Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance42%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of California Irvine
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C
Irvine, CA

University of California Irvine

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

1330 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#10 Best Public Universities in America

  • 35,937enrollment
  • $14,033net price
  • 21%acceptance rate
  • 1230-1430SAT range
  • 26-33ACT range
  • 3.75Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance17%

Applications Due Nov 30

Compare Calculate my chances 
Baylor University
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B
Waco, TX

Baylor University

Private 4 Year

14 reviews

1320 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#5 Best Private Colleges in Texas

  • 20,709enrollment
  • $45,988net price
  • 46%acceptance rate
  • 1230-1410SAT range
  • 28-33ACT range
  • 3.74Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance41%

Applications Due Feb 1

Compare Calculate my chances 
University of Washington Seattle Campus
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W
Seattle, WA

University of Washington Seattle Campus

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

1330 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#8 Best Public Universities in America

  • 52,319enrollment
  • $10,603net price
  • 48%acceptance rate
  • 1200-1453SAT range
  • 27-33ACT range
  • 3.82Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance43%

Applications Due Nov 16

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The University of Tennessee
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T
Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee

Public 4 Year

4 reviews

1250 Average SAT Score

 

#1 Best Public Universities in Tennessee

  • 33,805enrollment
  • $21,880net price
  • 68%acceptance rate
  • 1170-1330SAT range
  • 25-31ACT range
  • 3.66Estimated Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance75%

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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
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N
Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Public 4 Year

4 reviews

1370 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#22 Best Public Universities in America

  • 36,700enrollment
  • $14,852net price
  • 47%acceptance rate
  • 1280-1460SAT range
  • 28-33ACT range
  • 3.83Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance33%

Applications Due Jan 15

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University of Kentucky
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K
Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

1180 Average SAT Score

Test Optional

#2 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 31,547enrollment
  • $18,693net price
  • 95%acceptance rate
  • 1070-1290SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.59Avg GPA
Your 1290 SAT
Admission Chance97%

Applications Due Feb 15

Compare Calculate my chances 

FAQs

Is a 1290 a good SAT score?

Yes, you have a lot of opportunities at very good schools with a score of 1290. The score puts you in the top 87th percentile of those who take the test. Explore colleges you can get into with a 1290 SAT score.

What colleges can I get into with a 1290 SAT score?

The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University and Clemson University are some of the best colleges that you have a competitive chance of getting into. Explore the full list: Colleges for a 1290 SAT score.

What percentile is 1290 on the SAT?

A 1290 ranks in the top 87th percentile of all students who take the SAT exam.

What is the equivalent ACT score to a 1290 SAT?

A 1290 converts to a 27 on the ACT using College Board / ACT concordance tables. Explore the colleges: Colleges for a 27 ACT score.