The SAT is an entrance exam utilized by many colleges and universities as part of their admissions process that consists of sections covering math, reading, and writing. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600 with 1600 being the best possible result. A score of 1000 falls just shy of the national average range between 1050-1100.
Is A 1000 SAT Score (40th Percentile) Good?
A score of 1000 on the SAT places you at the 40th percentile of all exam takers. With a score of 1000, you’ll be eligible to apply to a decent number of colleges, however, it won’t make you a competitive applicant at most of them. If the goal of taking the SAT is to give yourself as many college choices as possible and to increase your odds of acceptance, a score of 1000 only partially accomplishes this objective.
To understand this a little bit better, let’s look at percentiles. The national average SAT score falls between 1050 and 1100, almost without fail every year. Let’s call 1059 the national average for our purposes right now. Earning a 1059 is at the 50th percentile, which means a student earning an 1059 scores higher than 50% of all test takers — a good goal for all SAT takers.
Earning a 1000 puts you in the 40th percentile, meaning you scored better than 40% of all other test takers in the country. Being in the top half of all test-takers is a major boost for college applications.
What Colleges Can I Get Into With an SAT Score of 1000?
There are a fair number of schools that will consider students who earn a score of 1000 on the SAT and we’ve assembled a list of them below. Be aware that a standardized test score is not a guarantee of admission, but these institutions have established a history of accepting students with a score of 1000.
Should I Retake the SAT with a 1000 Score?
Yes, you should consider retaking the SAT. On average, students score between 60-70 points better on retakes and answering a mere 4 questions better would put you at 1050 — the national average.
Consider retaking the SAT with the goal of bettering your score. As a junior, you still have enough time before college application season begins. To prepare for the retake, pick up a book of practice SATs or download a practice test online. Time yourself while taking each practice exam to simulate test day conditions.
If you think it will be more beneficial for you, sign up for a test prep course through your high school or hire a private tutor specializing in the SAT if possible. Raising your score by even just 50-100 points will land you in the range for the national average making you a more competitive candidate. If the idea of raising your score 50 points seems intangible, know that it only takes answering four more questions correctly to raise your score 50 points! Totally doable, right?
If you’re working through senior year it may be difficult to squeeze in a retake for the SAT before the bulk of college application season. Check the deadlines for the institutions you want to apply to and see if any of them extend into January through March—you may be able to retake it during fall semester.
If not, there are still several schools that accept applications featuring a 1000 ACT, but you can also consider test optional colleges and universities. Since they don’t take into account standardized test scores, the focus shifts to other portions of your application, such as your GPA, personal statement, and recommendations.
You can also consider applying to your local community college. After establishing a good academic record over the next two years, you can then transfer to a 4-year institution as a rising junior.
1000 SAT to ACT Equivalent
A 1000 SAT score is equivalent to a 19 on the ACT. However, there are several key differences between these two tests, including the timing requirements, tools used, and even content. If the SAT doesn’t seem to fit your test-taking style, it may be worth taking a practice ACT to check your compatibility.
Scholarships for a 1000 SAT Score
Scholarships that require a certain SAT score, or ACT score or GPA, are referred to as “merit scholarships.” A 1000 SAT likely won’t make you eligible for much merit aid, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for scholarships! There are those that award money for extracurriculars, life circ*mstances, and passions. Start with our extensive database below to build your nest egg and offset the cost of college tuition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1000 a good SAT score?
When labeling an SAT score “good” or “not-so-good,” it comes down to opportunity — does the score make you a competitive candidate at a wide variety of schools? Does it make you competitive for your ideal school? A 1000 makes you an okay candidate at a handful of schools, but falls just short of that national average score that increases your eligibility.
What colleges can I get into with a 1000 SAT score?
You’re an eligible candidate for an okay number of schools, falling just short of that national average score. Among others, you can include the California State University-Fresno, Manchester University, and Lynn University in your Target institutions.
What percentile is a 1000 SAT score?
A 1000 SAT score falls in the 40th percentile, meaning that you score higher than 40% of all other test takers.
What is the ACT equivalent of a 1000 SAT score?
A 1000 SAT score corresponds to an ACT of 19. Keep in mind that there are some key differences between these two tests, so what you earn on one test may not be what you’d earn on the other.
What scholarships can you get with a 1000 SAT score?
Scholarships requiring certain scores on standardized testing, like the ACT or SAT, or a certain GPA, are typically referred to as “merit scholarships.” A 1000 SAT score isn’t likely to make you eligible for merit scholarships, but there are plenty of other types to apply for, including those based on extracurriculars, life circ*mstances, and location. Use our extensive scholarship database to find them!
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