The SAT is a college entrance exam taken by high school students throughout the country that covers the subjects of writing, reading, and math. Utilizing a scoring scale of 400 to 1600, the SAT’s best possible result is a 1600. A score of 1200 demonstrates an above average performance and shows that you answered a majority of the questions on the standardized test correctly.
Is a 1200 SAT Score (74th Percentile) Good?
A 1200 is an above average score that places you in approximately the 74th percentile of all high school students taking the exam. A score of 1200 makes it possible to apply to the vast majority of schools throughout the nation and be competitive for admission at a sizable number of colleges. Because one of the goals in taking the SAT is to generate a large number of college options to choose from, a score of 1200 proves to be very effective for this purpose.
What Colleges Can I Get Into With a Score of 1200?
A score of 1200 leads to a sizable amount of college options, so all you have to do is compile a list of colleges and universities that fit your criteria and match your academics. To help sort through all the options, pay a visit to your school’s college resource center and schedule a meeting with the college counselor. Other than that, now is the time to ensure that your academic record remains strong for the rest of your high school career. Remember that colleges tend to weigh SAT scores about equally with GPA, so keeping your performance strong is crucial.
Should I Retake the SAT with a 1200 Score?
A 1200 is a great score and makes you a competitive applicant at a number of institutions. However, if you want to increase your score, either to become eligible or competitive at more selective institutions or for more merit aid, junior year is a great time for that. Schedule a retake date at least 4 to 6 weeks out so you have enough time to study. Utilize the free SAT study website or look into SAT prep books to familiarize yourself with the materials. If you’re trying to increase your score significantly, it may be worthwhile to look into a test prep class or hire a tutor, if possible.
If you’re a senior, it may be difficult to retake the SAT with enough time to study, get your score back, and still apply to colleges you’re interested in. If you’re intent on retaking it, make sure to know all of your application deadlines and schedule accordingly. In the end, your time may be better spent concentrating on preparing the rest of your application. Be sure to set aside time to craft a well-developed personal essay that’s both persuasive and thoughtful. To make it as readable as possible, show it to your college counselor and ask for their suggestions for improvement, and don’t forget to ask for recommendations from your teachers and compile a list of your extracurriculars.
1200 SAT to ACT Equivalent
A 1200 SAT score is equivalent to a score of 25 on the ACT. College and universities don’t have a preference for one test over the other, but many states do have requirements about taking one or the other before high school graduation.
As a student, you may want to consider which test is best for you, though. While one test isn’t harder than the other, per se, there are some key differences between the SAT and ACT that you’ll want to consider.
For instance, the ACT asks more advanced, complex math questions, but the SAT has a no-calculator portion of their test — which is more difficult is up to you. The ACT’s “science” portion is more about the ability to read graphs and charts, while the SAT requires line citations in their Reading section. They also have very different approaches to essay writing.
The most prominent difference, though, is in the actual taking the test: the ACT is much more time-demanding, often asking test takers to answer more questions than there are minutes. The SAT offers a bit more time per question and may be better for certain types of test takers.
Scholarships for a 1200 SAT Score
With a 1200 SAT score you won’t have too much difficulty finding scholarships to apply for! Find a good mix of merit-based and extracurricular-based scholarships to build a nice nest egg to help offset the cost of college tuition. Start early, apply often, and you’ll thank yourself later!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1200 a good SAT score?
The average SAT score is 1059, putting a 1200 SAT score just above the average. It makes you a competitive candidate at a good number of institutions, which is the primary goal, making a 1200 SAT a good score.
What colleges can I get into with a 1200 SAT score?
Among the wide variety of colleges and universities you can apply to, you can consider Michigan State University, San Diego State University, and Howard University, which all have an average SAT score acceptance around 1200. Be sure to consider all of your options and make solid lists of likely, target, and reach institutions.
What percentile is a 1200 SAT score?
Earning a 1200 SAT score puts you at the 74th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 74% of test takers.
What is the ACT equivalent of a 1200 SAT score?
A 1200 SAT score is equivalent to a score of 25 on the ACT.
What scholarships can you get with a 1200 SAT score?
You can apply for a wide range of scholarships, including some merit-based ones. Apply to as many scholarships as you’re eligible for to start building up a nest egg. This will help offset the cost of college tuition!
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