A 1320 on the SAT is a strong score that places you well above the national average and opens doors to a variety of competitive colleges and universities. With the SAT scored out of 1600, a 1320 reflects solid academic readiness and qualifies you for admission into many respected public and private institutions across the U.S. In this guide, you’ll discover top colleges that accept a 1320 SAT score, how your score compares nationally, scholarship opportunities available, and whether it’s worth retaking the SAT.

Is 1320 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Yes, a 1320 SAT score is a commendable achievement—especially for first-time test takers. It places you in the 89th percentile nationally, meaning you outperformed the vast majority of test-takers. While Ivy League schools generally require scores above 1450, a 1320 positions you well for many top 100 universities like:

• University of Iowa
• University of Oregon
• University of Delaware
• Texas Christian University (TCU)

Pro Tip: To strengthen your application, focus on building a compelling personal statement, obtaining strong recommendation letters, and demonstrating leadership through extracurriculars.

What Colleges Accept a 1320 SAT Score?

A 1320 SAT score lands you within or just above the middle 50% of many reputable schools’ admitted student ranges. Here are colleges where a 1320 SAT is competitive:

• University of Arizona
• Michigan State University
• Colorado State University
• Temple University
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Iowa
• University of Oregon

These universities often consider applications holistically—emphasizing GPA, essays, involvement, and personal qualities in addition to standardized test scores.

How Does a 1320 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

The national average SAT score for the class of 2024 is around 1024, making a 1320 a strong result. It places you in approximately the 89th percentile, indicating high academic potential and readiness for college-level work.

Should You Retake the SAT If You Scored 1320?

While a 1320 is a great score, you might consider retaking the SAT if:

• You're aiming for highly selective schools that admit students with scores over 1400.
• You want to qualify for top-tier merit scholarships.
• You believe you can improve by at least 50+ points with additional preparation.

If you’re content with the colleges your score already qualifies you for, consider investing your time in strengthening your application profile instead.

1320 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1320 SAT score is approximately equal to an ACT score of 28, based on official concordance tables released by the College Board and ACT. This indicates that your performance in school is significantly higher than the national average on both standardized tests.

To put this in perspective, the national average ACT score is usually around 20–21, and the average SAT score is around 1020–1050. Scoring a 28 on the ACT puts you in the top 12% of all test-takers, just like a 1320 SAT puts you in the 89th percentile. Colleges that accept either SAT or ACT scores use these equivalency tables to assess applicants on a level playing field, irrespective of which test they opt to send.

Scholarships Available for a 1320 SAT Score

Many universities offer merit-based scholarships for SAT scores in the 1300+ range. Here are a few worth noting:

• University of Mississippi – Offers scholarships starting at a 1300 SAT.
• Texas Tech University – Tiered awards are available for scores around 1320.
• University of Arizona – Eligible for the Wildcat Excellence Award.
• University of Alabama – While higher awards start at 1360, students with 1320 may still qualify for college-level or departmental scholarships.
   

Tip: Check the scholarship and financial aid pages of each college for specific criteria and deadlines.

Top Colleges That Accept a 1320 SAT Score

Here’s a breakdown of top public and private universities where a 1320 SAT score makes you a strong candidate:

A 1320 SAT Score: What’s Next?

Earning a 1320 SAT score is a key achievement. While it might not secure admission to Ivy League or ultra-selective schools, it makes you a competitive applicant at many highly respected public and private universities. Focus on enhancing the rest of your application—GPA, personal essay, leadership roles, and recommendation letters—to boost your chances of acceptance and scholarship offers.