1300 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
UT Austin and Clemson both line up well with a 1300 SAT, and that's a strong score. You're around the 91st percentile, with about 1,520 colleges in range. Hundreds of those are realistic targets, not just long shots.
How 1300 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 91st - higher than about 91% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Above 1050 - you're above the typical score.
- ACT equivalent: ~28 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,520 schools (411 target, 60 reach, 1,049 safety).
Is a 1300 SAT Score Good?
Yes, a 1300 SAT is well above the national average and competitive at a lot of well-known publics. Virginia Tech's middle 50% is 1280-1450, and Penn State's is 1240-1420, so you overlap both.
UCLA remains a reach. A 1300 touches the low end of its 1300-1530 middle 50%, but the admit rate is low, so it is still tougher to get into. University of Georgia (1270-1480) is a more comfortable match.
Admissions officers also look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations. The test is only one part of your application, and this score already gives you plenty of solid options.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 1300 SAT
Florida State (1270-1410) and Arizona State (1100-1320) are familiar names where a 1300 is in range or even toward the high end. UCLA (1300-1530) is still a reach because it is so selective. UCF (1200-1350) is another well-known target near the top of its usual band.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your 1300 falls inside the middle 50% at Clemson (1240-1410) and Auburn (1260-1390). That usually means a good shot.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Michigan (1360-1530) and UNC Chapel Hill (1390-1530) typically enroll students with higher scores, and both are highly selective. A 1300 can still be considered, but these are tougher admits.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
You clear the middle 50% at Texas Tech (1090-1280) and Appalachian State (1120-1280). Odds look strong at these schools, and there are more than a thousand options like them.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 1300 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 1300 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 1300 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 1300?
A retake is optional at 1300. You already have a wide set of solid colleges, including well-known state universities. It is mainly worth another sitting if you want a better shot at highly selective schools.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Time away from grades and activities |
| Could raise you inside tougher score bands | Another Saturday plus extra prep |
| Useful if your first test felt rushed | Gains are not guaranteed |
Focused prep often adds about 50-100 SAT points, especially if you work your weaker section. A few timed practice tests and a simple error log usually beat random drilling. Give yourself several weeks, not a last-minute cram.
You can apply with a 1300 as it stands, or prep for one more test date if those extra points would change your targets.
1300 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 1300 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1240 | 26 |
| 1260 | 27 |
| 1280 | 27 |
| 1300 | 28 |
| 1320 | 28 |
| 1340 | 29 |
| 1360 | 30 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1300 SAT places you in about the 91st percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 91% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 1300 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 1290 and 1310
- Browse the equivalent 28 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026