Over 2 million students take the SAT every year, and if you’re one of them with a 1200 score, congratulations—you’ve already outperformed most test-takers! A 1200 SAT score puts you in the 76th percentile, giving you a strong range of options for colleges in the USA.
Finding the right college that aligns with your 1200 SAT score can seem like a challenge, but focusing on colleges that match your academic strengths and career goals can make the process smoother.
This guide includes a curated list of colleges in the USA that accept a 1200 SAT score. It categorises them into easy, moderate, and hard options for better clarity. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to take the next step in your academic journey.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Colleges Accepting SAT Score in USA Acceptance Rate | 5% to 97% |
| Colleges Accepting SAT Score in USA Annual Fees | INR 25L to INR 83L(USD 28.7K to USD 97K) |
Top Colleges in the USA Accepting SAT Scores for Indian Students
If you’re looking for colleges where getting in with a 1200 SAT score is more achievable, you’re in luck! Over 430 colleges and universities in the USA accept a 1200 SAT score, many of which have higher acceptance rates.
Here is a table highlighting the SAT exam accepting colleges in USA and their acceptance rates.
| Colleges Accepting SAT Scores in USA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| California State University | 92% |
| Washington State University | 85% |
| Illinois State University | 89% |
| San Jose State University | 80% |
| Florida Atlantic University | 73% |
| Georgia State University | 52% |
| Ohio University | 85% |
| Howard University | 53% |
| Pace University | 77% |
| Boston University | 11% |
| University of California, Davis | 40% |
| Northeastern University | 6% |
| University of Southern California (USC) | 12% |
| New York University (NYU) | 16.2% |
| University of Oregon | 85% |
| University of Vermont | 60% |
| Michigan State University | 84% |
| University of Alabama | 76% |
| University of Idaho | 76% |
| University of Arizona | 85.7% |
| Texas State University | 88.8% |
| Kansas State University | 95% |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | 97.8% |
| Colorado State University | 90% |
| University of Houston | 70% |
| San Diego State University | 34% |
| Arizona State University | 90% |
| University of Oklahoma | 76% |
| University of Cincinnati | 88% |
| Virginia Tech University | 57% |
What Is a Good SAT Score?
When it comes to college admissions in the USA, the definition of a “good” SAT score can vary. While a perfect score of 1600 is impressive, most colleges focus on whether your score aligns with their admission requirements and how it compares to other applicants.
Here’s what you should know.
Score Range: 400 to 1600, with two sections (Math and EBRW) scored between 200–800 each.
Average Score: The national average is around 1050, with Math averaging around 521 and EBRW around 529.
Scoring above average improves your chances at many colleges, and a 1200 SAT score puts you in the 76th percentile, making you competitive for numerous universities. Higher scores open doors to more options and scholarships.
Knowing what score to aim for depends on the type of colleges you’re considering, for example.
Mid-Tier Colleges: A score of 1200 is often competitive and aligns well with many institutions’ average ranges.
Top Universities: Scores between 1470–1580 are typical for Ivy League and elite schools, putting you in the top 5% of test-takers.
Read More: SAT Exam Dates
Ready to see where a 1200 SAT score can take you? Read on.
Colleges in USA Where It Is Easy to Get Admission with a 1200 SAT Score
If you’re looking for colleges where getting in with a 1200 SAT score is more achievable, you’re in luck! Many colleges accepting SAT scores in USA have high acceptance rates (85% or more) and admission ranges that align with a 1200 SAT score.
Here is a table highlighting colleges accepting SAT scores in USA that are easy to get into with 1200 score in SAT.
| Colleges Easy To Get Into with 1200 SAT / Acceptance Rate | Average SAT Score | Avg. Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona / 85.7% | 1150 | INR 26L to INR 34L (USD 30K to USD 40K) |
| Texas State University / 88.8% | 990 – 1180 | INR 36L (USD 42K) |
| Kansas State University / 95% | 1230 | INR 36L (USD 42.5K) |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) / 97.8% | 1134 | INR 42L (USD 48.8K) |
| Colorado State University / 90% | 1178 | INR 27L (USD 32K) |
Read Next: SAT Exam Registration
Colleges in USA Where It Is Moderate to Get Admission with a 1200 SAT Score
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, a 1200 SAT score makes you a competitive candidate for many mid-range colleges in the USA. These colleges often have acceptance rates between 60% and 85%, so look for well-rounded applications that showcase your essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
Here is a table highlighting moderately competitive colleges accepting SAT score in USA.
| Colleges Moderate To Get Into with 1200 SAT / Acceptance Rate | Average SAT Score | Avg. Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon / 85% | 1253 | INR 32L (USD 37.3K) |
| University of Vermont / 60% | 1270 | INR 40L (USD 46.5K) |
| Michigan State University / 84% | 1215 | INR 37L (USD 43.5K) |
| University of Alabama / 76% | 1120 | INR 42L (USD 49.1K) |
| University of Idaho / 76% | 1240 | INR 25L (USD 28.7K) |
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Colleges in USA Where It Is Hard to Get Admission with a 1200 SAT Score
Top universities like Harvard University and Stanford University are highly competitive, often requiring SAT scores above 1400. While a 1200 score falls below their average range, strong academic performance, leadership achievements, and compelling essays can still help you stand out.
Here is a table highlighting colleges accepting SAT score in USA that are hard to get in.
| Colleges Hard To Get Into with 1200 SAT / Acceptance Rate | Average SAT Score | Avg. Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University / 11% | 1418 | INR 57L (USD 66K) |
| University of California, Davis / 40% | 1280 | INR 59L to INR 67L (USD 69K to USD 78K) |
| Northeastern University / 6% | 1460 | INR 54L (USD 63K) |
| University of Southern California (USC) / 12% | 1460 | INR 29L (USD 34K) |
| New York University (NYU) / 16.2% | 1480 | INR 44L to INR 83L (USD 52K to USD 97K) |
Also Read: SAT Exam Results
Next, explore universities in the USA that don’t require SAT scores at all.
Top USA Universities Without SAT Scores for Indian Students
Not all colleges in the USA require SAT scores for admission. Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning you can apply without submitting SAT scores if you feel they don’t reflect your academic potential.
These universities focus more on your GPA, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.
Here is a list of universities in the USA that don’t require SAT scores.
| University Name | Acceptance Rate | Avg. Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | 5% | INR 57L (USD 67K) |
| Wake Forest University | 22% | INR 57L (USD 66K) |
| George Washington University | 44% | INR 58L (USD 67.4K) |
| Pitzer College | 16.7% | INR 37L (USD 43.6K) |
| Cornell University | 8.7% | INR 32L (USD 38K) |
How Test-Optional Admissions Work
Test-optional colleges allow you to decide whether to submit SAT scores, focusing more on other parts of your application. To stand out you must.
- Submit optional materials like essays or portfolios, if available.
- Highlight a strong GPA, leadership roles, and extracurricular achievements.
- Check individual college policies, as some may still consider SAT scores optional.
If your SAT score isn’t competitive, applying to test-optional colleges can be a great way to showcase your strengths in academics or community involvement.
Read More: SAT Exam Centres
Choosing the right universities that accept SAT in USA is all about finding a place that matches your goals, interests, and strengths. With so many options available, focus on what makes you stand out. Your dream college is closer than you think!
If you’re serious about acing the SAT exam, LEAP’s SAT preparation is here to help. With expert tutoring, 100+ mock tests, and personalised feedback, achieving a 1500 SAT score has now become much easier. This opens the door to top universities and bright opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Which university in the USA accepts SAT?
Ans. Many universities that accept SAT in USA include top schools like Stanford University, University of Chicago, and New York University. Most colleges accepting SAT score in USA use it as part of their admission criteria to evaluate students’ readiness for academic programs.
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Q. Can Indian students take SATs?
Ans. Yes, Indian students can take the SAT. It is widely accepted by universities that accept SAT in USA for undergraduate admissions. Indian students often use their SAT scores to apply to prestigious colleges accepting SAT score in USA.
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Q. What is the lowest score colleges will accept?
Ans. The lowest SAT score accepted varies by institution. Some colleges accepting SAT score in USA may consider applications with scores as low as 900 for certain programs, though competitive universities usually require higher scores.
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Q. Can I go to USA without SAT?
Ans. Yes, some universities in the USA are test-optional and do not require SAT scores. These SAT exam accepting colleges in USA focus on other aspects of your application, such as GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities.
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Q. Is SAT compulsory for MIT?
Ans. Yes, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) requires SAT scores for undergraduate admissions. Being one of the top universities that accept SAT in USA, MIT uses these scores to evaluate applicants’ academic abilities.
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Q. Does an American university accept SAT?
Ans. Yes, many American colleges accept SAT scores in the USA. While it has a test-optional policy, students can still submit their SAT scores to strengthen their application. If you feel your SAT score reflects your potential, it’s worth including it in your application to enhance your chances.
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Q. Does Harvard accept SAT?
Ans. Yes, Harvard University accepts SAT scores. A competitive SAT score, along with your academic record and extracurricular achievements, can help set you apart in the highly selective admissions process.
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Q. Is 1100 ok on SAT?
Ans. An SAT score of 1100 is above average and may qualify you for admission to certain SAT exam accepting colleges in USA. However, for more competitive universities, a higher score might be necessary.
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Q. What are SAT scores, and why are they important for college admissions?
Ans. SAT scores are standardised test results used by colleges accepting SAT score in USA to evaluate applicants’ readiness for university-level education. They play a crucial role in the admission process for many universities that accept SAT in USA.
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Q. What is the scoring range for the SAT?
Ans. The SAT scoring range is between 400 and 1600. Colleges accepting SAT score in USA often look for scores above the average of 1050, but competitive universities require higher scores.
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Q. How do colleges use SAT scores in the admission process?
Ans. Colleges accepting SAT score in USA use these scores to assess students’ critical thinking, math, and writing skills. They often combine SAT results with other application elements like GPA and essays for a holistic review.
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