If you got a 970 on the SAT Exam, you're not alone—and you still have a lot of college options. A 970 is pretty close to the national average, which means you’ve shown basic skills in reading, writing, and math. The SAT helps colleges see if you’re ready for college-level work. While a 970 might not be enough for top schools, it’s still a good starting point. Many public and private colleges accept this score. Some may also give scholarships or financial aid based on your GPA, activities, and essays. With some effort and planning, you can find a college that’s a great fit for you.

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Is 970 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 970 SAT score is a good place to start, especially if it was your first try. It’s just a little below the national average of around 1024 and shows that you’ve got the basics down in reading, writing, and math. Lots of colleges accept students with this score, so you still have great options. With more practice and prep, you can raise your score and open the door to even more schools.

What Colleges Accept a 970 SAT Score?

A 970 SAT score can get you into lots of good colleges. Schools like Texas State University, University of North Texas, and Arkansas State University often accept students with this score. These colleges offer strong classes, fun campus life, and helpful support to make sure you do well. A 970 might not be enough for the top US schools, but it’s still a solid score that gives you many options to start your college journey.

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How Does a 970 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 970 SAT score is just a little below the national average SAT score of 1024 from last year. That means your score is close to what most students across the U.S. got. Scoring 970 puts you in the 42nd percentile, which means you did better than 42 out of every 100 students. It’s not a top score, but it still shows you’re ready for college-level work and gives you lots of college options.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 970?

Yes, retaking the SAT is a smart move. A lot of students improve their scores by 60–70 points when they take it again. Just getting 4 more questions right could raise your score to 1050, which is above the national average.

If you're a junior, you still have time to study. You can use free practice tests, take an SAT prep course, or get help from a tutor. Even a small jump—like 50 to 100 points—can help you get into more colleges.

If you’re a senior and college deadlines are close, check if any colleges accept SAT scores from January to March. If they don’t, no worries—many schools are test-optional and focus more on your GPA, essays, and recommendation letters. You can also think about starting at a community college and transferring later.

📌 Read about What is SAT Superscore? How to Calculate It?

970 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 970 on the SAT is about the same as an 18 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are a little below the national average, but they still show that you have the basic reading, writing, and math skills needed for college. If you’re not sure which test is better for you, try taking practice tests for both the SAT and ACT. This can help you see which one feels easier and helps you get a better score.

📌 Know about SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should You Take for College Admissions?

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 970 SAT Score

A 970 SAT score can help you get scholarships at a lot of colleges. The amount of money you get depends on the school, but many colleges give awards based on your SAT score. Here are some colleges and the scholarships they offer.

1. University of Arizona - Merit-based scholarships up to $10,000 per year.
2. University of Alabama - Scholarships up to $8,000 annually.
3. University of Oklahoma - Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for eligible students.
4. University of Mississippi - Merit scholarships up to $4,000 per year.
5. University of Kansas - Academic scholarships up to $5,000 for students.

📌 Read about ACT to SAT Conversion: Convert SAT Scores Into ACT Scores

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 970 SAT Score

If you got a 970 on the SAT, there are still lots of great colleges you can get into across the U.S. Even though it’s not a super high score, many schools accept students with a 970. These colleges have good classes, fun activities, and even offer scholarships. Here’s a list of 15 colleges that accept a 970 SAT score and what they give you.

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and pertain to in-state students. Graduation rates and enrollment figures are based on the most recent data available from official university sources.

These colleges have lots of programs and support to help you succeed. If you’re thinking about applying, it’s smart to check their websites or talk to their admissions offices to get the most up-to-date info on what they need and what they offer.