If you scored a 990 on the SAT Exam, don’t worry—you still have lots of college options! A 990 is close to the national average, showing you’re ready for college-level work in reading, writing, and math. The SAT helps colleges see how prepared you are for college. You might wonder, “Is 990 a good SAT score?” It may not be enough for very competitive schools, but it’s still a good starting point. Many colleges accept students with this score, and you can also get scholarships or financial help based on things like your GPA, activities, and essays. With some effort, you can find the right college for you!

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Is 990 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 990 SAT score is a good starting point, especially if it’s your first time. It’s a little below the national average of around 1024, but it still shows you understand reading, writing, and math. Many colleges accept students with this score, so you have plenty of options. With some more practice and effort, you can raise your score and increase your chances of getting into even more schools.

What Colleges Accept a 990 SAT Score?

A 990 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges. Schools like Texas State University, University of North Texas, and Arkansas State University often accept students with this score. These colleges offer strong programs, a fun campus life, and support for students. While a 990 may not be enough for top-ranked U.S. schools, it’s still a solid score that gives you plenty of options to start your college journey.

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How Does a 990 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 990 SAT score is just below the national average SAT score, which was 1024 last year. This means you scored close to what most students across the U.S. get. With a 990, you're in the 46th percentile, meaning you did better than 46 out of every 100 test takers. While it's not a top score, it shows you're ready for college-level work and gives you plenty of college options.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 990?

Yes, it's a good idea to consider retaking the SAT. Many students improve their score by 60-70 points when they retake it. For example, answering just 4 more questions correctly could raise your score to 1050, which is above the national average. If you're a junior, you still have time to prepare. You can use practice tests, sign up for an SAT prep course, or get a tutor. Even a 50-100 point improvement can make you a stronger college candidate.

If you're a senior and the application deadlines are close, check if any schools accept SAT scores from January to March. If not, many schools are test-optional, meaning they focus on your GPA, essays, and recommendations instead of SAT scores. You can also consider starting at a community college and transferring later.

📌 Read about What is SAT Superscore? How to Calculate It?

990 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 990 SAT score is about the same as a 19 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are a little below the national average, but they still show you have the basic skills for college. If you're not sure which test is better for you, try taking practice tests for both the SAT and ACT. That way, you can see which one feels easier and helps you get a higher score.

📌 Know about SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should You Take for College Admissions?

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 990 SAT Score

A 990 SAT score can help you get scholarships at some colleges. The amount of money you get depends on the school, but many offer awards for students with this score. Here are a few colleges and the scholarships they offer:

1. University of Arizona - Merit-based scholarships up to $10,000 per year.
2. University of Alabama - Scholarships up to $8,000 annually.
3. University of Oklahoma - Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for eligible students.
4. University of Mississippi - Merit scholarships up to $4,000 per year.
5. University of Kansas - Academic scholarships up to $5,000 for students.

📌 Read about ACT to SAT Conversion: Convert SAT Scores Into ACT Scores

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 990 SAT Score

If you got a 990 on the SAT, you still have lots of good college options. Even though it’s not a super high score, many colleges in the U.S. accept students with a 990. These schools offer strong academics, fun campus life, and even scholarships. Check out this list of the top 15 colleges that accept a 990 SAT score and what makes each one a great choice.

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and pertain to in-state students. Graduation rates and enrollment figures are based on the most recent data available from official university sources.

These colleges have different programs and helpful services to support students. If you're thinking about applying to any of them, it’s smart to check their official websites or talk to their admissions offices. That way, you’ll get the latest info about what they look for and what programs they offer.