Is 1250 a good SAT score? Yes—it’s above the national average and can help you get into many great colleges. The SAT Exam is a standardized test that measures your skills in reading, writing, and math to show colleges how ready you are for college-level work. With a 1250, you’re in a strong spot to apply to a mix of public and private universities. Many schools that accept this score also offer scholarships and financial aid. Whether you're aiming for strong academics, exciting campus life, or both, there are plenty of colleges to consider. In this guide, we’ll cover the best universities that accept a 1250 SAT score, along with helpful details about acceptance rates, tuition costs, and scholarship opportunities to help you plan your next steps.

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Is 1250 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 1250 is considered as a good SAT score. It puts you in the 81st percentile, meaning you scored higher than 81% of test takers. This score makes you a strong candidate for many colleges and can even help you qualify for merit scholarships. While some top schools may want higher scores, 1250 is still competitive at most universities and helps support your overall college application.

What Colleges Accept a 1250 SAT Score?

A 1250 SAT score opens doors to many great colleges. Some schools that accept this score include Penn State University, University of Alabama, Michigan State University, and University of Iowa. These colleges offer strong academic programs and a good campus life. While more selective schools may want higher scores, a 1250 is competitive at many public and private universities, giving you plenty of options for your college journey.

How Does a 1250 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1250 SAT score is higher than the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was around 1024, so a 1250 places you above most test takers. This means you scored better than about 81% of students nationwide. With a score of 1250, you're in a strong position for college applications, showing you're ready for college-level work and can compete with other applicants.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1250?

There's no urgent need to retake the SAT if you're happy with your 1250 score. However, if you want to become a more competitive candidate or earn more merit aid, retaking it could help. On average, students improve by 60-70 points on a retake. If your score is close to or exceeds the 75th percentile for your target colleges, you're in good shape. Focus on your high school performance and a well-rounded college list. If your score is below the 25th percentile for top schools, consider retaking it. Junior year is a great time for a retake, but senior year might not leave enough time for results before application deadlines. If you can't retake it, make your application strong in other areas like your personal essay.

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1250 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1250 SAT score is roughly equivalent to a 26 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are above average and show that you're prepared for college-level work. If you're deciding between the SAT and ACT, it's helpful to know how your scores compare. Try taking practice tests for both to see which one fits your strengths better and choose the one you're most comfortable with.

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Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1250 SAT Score

A 1250 SAT score opens doors to several scholarships at many colleges. Here are some schools and their scholarship opportunities:

• 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

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Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1250 SAT Score

A 1250 SAT score is a solid score that opens up many college opportunities. With this score, you can apply to a variety of colleges and universities, both public and private, and be a competitive applicant. Many schools offer strong academic programs, great campus life, and even scholarships for students with a 1250 SAT score. Here are the top 15 colleges that accept a 1250 SAT score and offer great options for students.

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 1250 SAT score opens doors to many reputable colleges, offering a variety of academic programs, campus life, and scholarship opportunities. While it may not be competitive for the most selective schools, it places you in a strong position for a wide range of public and private universities. By researching schools that match your academic goals, you can make the most of your 1250 SAT score.