950 SAT Score: Popular Colleges You Can Get Into
Georgia State and San Francisco State both enroll students with SAT scores around 950. You have about 1,200 colleges that fit this score, and hundreds of them are realistic matches rather than long shots. Around the 38th percentile, you can use this number now or try to raise it.
How 950 SAT Compares Nationally
- Percentile: 28th - higher than about 28% of recent test-takers.
- National average: Near or below 1050 - the typical national score.
- ACT equivalent: ~17 composite (College Board/ACT concordance).
- College options: Competitive at 1,194 schools (337 target, 501 reach, 356 safety).
Is a 950 SAT Score Good?
A 950 SAT is a workable score, not a high one. Cal State Los Angeles (870-1060) and Sam Houston State (930-1120) both have middle 50% ranges that include 950, so you line up with students they already enroll.
It is below the national average of 1050, which is why more selective public universities will feel like stretches. Texas Southern (800-1000) is a closer fit, with 950 toward the top of its middle 50%.
Admissions officers also look at your GPA, essays, activities, and recommendations. The SAT is one piece, not the whole application.
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 950 SAT
Grand Valley State (940-1190) and Cal State Sacramento (930-1130) both put 950 inside their middle 50%. Morgan State (840-1070) overlaps that range too. Arizona State's middle 50% starts at 1100, so that one is a tougher reach. The tables below group schools by how hard they are to get into at this score.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Clark Atlanta (880-1120) and the University of Memphis (915-1180) both have a 950 inside their middle 50%. You have a good shot at schools in this group.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
San Diego State (1090-1300) and Howard University (1090-1320) both run middle 50% ranges well above 950. Getting in is possible, but much tougher at this score.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
A 950 is above the middle 50% at Savannah State (845-980) and Albany State (740-900). Odds look strong here, and this bucket is large, including community colleges like Miami Dade.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 950 SAT
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
Browse colleges for a 950 SAT in popular states:
Local Options for a 950 SAT
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Should you retake the SAT if you have a 950?
With a 950, a retake is often worth the effort. A modest gain can shift some harder schools into a more realistic range and give you more four-year options. If you can put in a few weeks of focused practice, it usually pays off.
| Pros of retaking | Cons of retaking |
|---|---|
| May open more selective targets | Time away from grades and activities |
| Modest gains expand your college options | Another test date with no guaranteed jump |
Serious prep often adds about 50-100 SAT points. Drill the weaker section, take full timed practice tests, and review every miss. A few steady weeks beat a last-minute cram.
You can apply with this 950 if time is short, or prep and retake while you still have a date left.
950 SAT to ACT Equivalent Conversion
Colleges use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores. The following table shows the 950 SAT to ACT equivalent and nearby scores for context. These conversions are approximate.
| SAT Score | ACT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 890 | 16 |
| 910 | 16 |
| 930 | 17 |
| 950 | 17 |
| 970 | 18 |
| 990 | 19 |
| 1010 | 19 |
Individual colleges may interpret scores slightly differently, so treat concordance as a guide rather than an exact rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 950 SAT places you in about the 28th percentile nationally, meaning you scored higher than about 28% of recent test-takers.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 950 SAT
- Compare nearby scores: 940 and 960
- Browse the equivalent 17 ACT college list
Published: August 19, 2026