Is 1230 a good SAT score? Yes, it is! A 1230 is higher than the national average and shows colleges that you’re ready for college-level work. The SAT Exam is a test that checks your skills in reading, writing, and math. Many public and private universities accept students with a 1230 SAT score, and some even offer scholarships or financial aid. With this score, you have a strong chance of getting into good schools with solid academic programs, fun campus life, and great support. In this guide, we’ll share a list of the best universities that accept a 1230 SAT score. We’ll also give you helpful info like acceptance rates, tuition fees, and scholarship options so you can make smart choices for your college journey.

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Is 1230 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 1230 score is a good SAT score. It means you scored better than 81% of students who took the test. This score makes you a strong applicant for many colleges, and you might even get merit scholarships. Some top schools may want a higher score, but a 1230 is still strong for most public and private universities. It also helps make your college application stand out in a good way.

Best Universities for a 1230 SAT Score

What Colleges Accept a 1230 SAT Score?

A 1230 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges. Schools like Penn State University, University of Alabama, Michigan State University, and University of Iowa accept students with this score. These colleges have strong academics and fun campus life. While the most competitive schools may want higher scores, a 1230 is still solid for many public and private universities. It gives you lots of great options for your college plans.

How Does a 1230 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1230 SAT score is better than the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was around 1024, so with a 1230, you did better than most students—about 81% of them. This means your score is strong and shows colleges that you're ready for college-level work. A 1230 can help you stand out in applications and gives you a good chance of getting into many schools.

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Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1230?

If you’re happy with your 1230 SAT score, you don’t have to retake it. But if you want to improve your chances of getting into harder schools or earn more scholarship money, taking it again could help. Most students improve by about 60–70 points when they retake the test. If your score is close to or higher than what your top colleges usually accept, you’re in a good spot. If your score is lower than what those schools want, a retake might be worth it. Junior year is a great time to try again, but senior year might be too late if deadlines are close. If you don’t retake it, focus on making the rest of your application strong—especially your personal essay.

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1230 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1230 SAT score is about the same as getting a 26 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are above average and show that you're ready for college-level work. If you're trying to choose between the SAT and ACT, it helps to see how your scores compare. Try taking practice tests for both to see which one feels easier or matches your strengths better. Pick the one you feel more confident taking.

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Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1230 SAT Score

A 1230 SAT score can help you get scholarships at many colleges. With this score, you might qualify for money to help pay for college. Here are some schools and the scholarships they offer:

  • University of Alabama: Merit-based scholarships, ranging from $4,000 to $28,000 per year
  • Michigan State University: Spartan Scholarship Program, up to $20,000 annually
  • University of Iowa: Iowa Commitment Scholarship, up to $12,000 per year
  • University of Arizona: Arizona Excellence Award, up to $35,000 over four years
  • University of Minnesota: Gold Scholarship, up to $12,000 per year

🚀 Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT!

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1230 SAT Score

A 1230 SAT score is a strong score that gives you lots of college choices. With this score, you can apply to many public and private schools and have a good chance of getting in. Many of these colleges have great classes, fun campus life, and even scholarships for students with a 1230 score. Below are the top 15 colleges that accept a 1230 SAT score and give you great options to explore.

University Name

SAT Score Range

Average GPA

ACT Score Range

Acceptance Rate

Admission Chance

Tuition Fees (In-state)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

University of Texas at Austin

1200–1500

3.8

26–33

31%

Competitive

$17,434

85%

52,384

Florida State University

1200–1340

4.1

26–30

37%

Competitive

$6,516

83%

41,717

Clemson University

11900–1400

4.4

27–32

49%

Competitive

$15,558

83%

26,406

Arizona State University

1120–1370

3.54

22–29

88%

High

$11,338

69%

77,881

University of Alabama

1070–1330

3.76

23–31

80%

High

$11,620

72%

38,100

Indiana University Bloomington

1150–1360

3.73

24–31

80%

High

$11,333

78%

43,064

University of Iowa

1130–1340

3.76

23–28

84%

High

$9,942

73%

30,318

University of Oregon

1100–1310

3.68

22–28

83%

High

$13,856

72%

22,760

University of Kansas

1060–1290

3.6

21–28

93%

Very High

$11,166

63%

27,638

University of Arkansas

1120–1290

3.72

23–29

77%

High

$9,574

66%

27,778

University of Tennessee

1170–1330

3.89

25–30

79%

High

$13,244

72%

30,559

Virginia Tech

1160–1340

4.0

24–28

65.8%

Moderate

$13,691

84%

37,010

Florida Polytechnic University

1210–1360

3.9

26–31

54.6%

Moderate

$4,940

66%

1,400

Lawrence Technological University

1040–1230

3.5

22–28

81.1%

High

$36,630

58%

2,500

Texas A&M University–College Station

1160–1390

3.68

25–31

63%

Moderate

$12,153

82%

68,679

Note: Tuition fees listed are for in-state students and are approximate figures. Graduation rates and enrollment numbers are based on the most recent data available.

A 1230 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges. These schools offer different majors, fun campus life, and even chances for scholarships. While the most selective colleges might want higher scores, a 1230 still puts you in a strong spot for lots of public and private universities. If you take time to look at schools that fit your goals, you can make the most of your 1230 SAT score.

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Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated: Jun 7, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025. 

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

Colleges That Accept 1230 SAT Score FAQs

Is a 1230 SAT score good enough for college?
Yes, a 1230 SAT score is better than most students—you're in the top 81%. It’s a solid score for many public and private universities.
Can I get scholarships with a 1230 SAT score?
Yes! Many schools offer merit-based scholarships for students with a 1230 SAT. Schools like University of Alabama and Michigan State University have great options.
Should I retake the SAT if I got a 1230?
If you’re happy with your score and it matches your target colleges, you don’t need to retake it. But if you want better chances at top schools or more scholarships, retaking could help.
What ACT score is equal to a 1230 SAT?
A 1230 SAT score is about the same as a 26 on the ACT—both are above average and show you’re ready for college-level work.
What kind of colleges can I get into with a 1230 SAT?
You can apply to many good schools like Florida State, Arizona State, Indiana University, and University of Alabama. These colleges have strong academics and campus life.
Is 1230 above the national average SAT score?
Yes! The average SAT score in 2024 was about 1024. A 1230 is well above that, which makes your score stand out.
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