The SAT is a college entrance exam for high school students that tests academic proficiency in reading, writing, and math. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with 1600 being considered a perfect score. A score of 1050 falls on the bottom end of the 50th percentile range, which is 1050-1100.
Is A 1050 SAT Score (49th Percentile) Good?
A score of 1050 on the SAT is just a hair below the 50th percentile, clocking in at the 49th percentile.
With a 1050, you’ll be eligible to apply to a good number of colleges, and may even be relatively competitive at a select few, but a good portion would love to see you inch that score up past the 50th percentile mark.
Percentiles are an easy way for colleges to see where you land among all test takers, which is why they factor into understanding your score. Look at it this way — there are more than 2 million students who take the SAT every year. That’s a lot of test takers. So, every year, The College Board (the SAT administrators) take all of those scores and average them out.
Let’s say the average of all 2 million scores is 1059. That means a student earning a 1059 is at the 50th percentile or that they scored higher than 50% of all test takers. This 50% mark dictates all of the other percentiles, putting a score of 1050 at 49%. This allows colleges to quickly analyze scores and determine an individual student’s standing in the given test year.
That said, anything about a 50% and up is indicative of an average to above-average score.
What Colleges Can I Get Into With an SAT Score of 1050?
A score of 1050 is eligible for admission at a decent-sized sample of colleges and universities. We’ve compiled a list of these schools below. Remember that while an SAT score is an important part of the application process, it’s not a guarantee of acceptance. All of these schools have established a history of admitting students with an SAT score of 1050.
Should I Retake the SAT with a 1050 Score?
It may be worth your while to retake the SAT one more time if you earn a score of 1050. As indicated above, a score of 1050 makes you eligible to apply at a decent number of colleges but an improvement of even a 100 points would open up more college options and increase the competitiveness of your applications. If you need an extra boost to retake it, know that students who retake the SAT average an increased score by 60 to 70 points.
If you’re a junior, there’s definitely enough time to consider retaking the SAT. Prepare by first reviewing your initial test and see which portion was your weakest. Focus your study efforts there. Take a few practice tests using a stopwatch to simulate the time constraints on each section. You can also enroll in a test prep course offered by your high school or seek the services of a tutor specializing in standardized tests. The six weeks of studying and exam retake will be worth it for an improved score that leads to more college options during the application process.
For seniors, it can be tough to retake the SAT with enough time to study and still have the scores in time for college application season, but there are summer and even early fall options that will get your test results to you in time.
A number of colleges will consider a 1050 SAT score, though, so if time is short focus on the rest of your application. Take the time to compose a thoughtful and persuasive personal essay and have your college counselor review it to offer a critique. Putting effort into the rest of your application could make the difference in your chances for acceptance into college. You should also take a look at several test optional institutions, which don’t accept standardized test scores and focus their analysis on your GPA, personal statement, and recommendations.
1050 SAT to ACT Equivalent
A 1050 SAT score is equivalent to earning a 20 on the ACT. There are several key differences to these tests, though, including time constraints, tools used, and even content. If the SAT doesn’t seem to jive with your test-taking style, consider taking a practice ACT to see your score.
Scholarships for a 1050 SAT Score
Scholarships that require a certain ACT or SAT score, or GPA, are considered scholarships based on merit. You may be eligible for some merit-based scholarships, you should also search for scholarships based on extracurriculars, life circ*mstances, and passions! Our extensive scholarship database is a great place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1050 a good SAT score?
While “good” and “not-so-good” are relative, the goal is to get a score that allows you to apply as a competitive candidate to a wide variety of schools, as well as your ideal school. A score of 1050, right on the cusp of the national average, puts you in a decent spot to apply to a wide variety of schools, making it a decent score in our book!
What colleges can I get into with a 1050 SAT score?
Considering a 1050 SAT is roughly around/at the national average SAT score, there are a decent number of schools that use 1050 as a competitive mark, including Sam Houston State University, San Francisco State University, and Eastern Michigan University.
What percentile is a 1050 SAT score?
A 1050 SAT score falls at about the 49th percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 49% of all other test takers.
What is the ACT equivalent of a 1050 SAT score?
A 1050 SAT score is equivalent to a 20 ACT score. There are some key differences between the two tests, so the score you earn on one test may not be the score you earn on another test.
What scholarships can you get with a 1050 SAT score?
Scholarships that require a certain SAT or ACT score, or a certain GPA, are considered “merit scholarships.” A 1050 is close, but likely won’t make you eligible for too many merit aid options — but it’s always worth a look. There are a ton of other options for scholarships that don’t depend on standardized test scores, though, so look for ones based on extracurriculars, life circ*mstances, passions, and more!
