Achieving a 1330 on the SAT is no easy feat, placing you solidly in the top 10% of all test-takers nationwide. With a maximum score of 1600, a 1330 reflects exceptional academic ability and shows colleges that you're highly qualified to handle the challenges of college. Your score puts you in a good position to apply to many quality public and private colleges across the U.S. In this guide, we’ll explore which colleges consider a 1330 a competitive score, how it ranks nationally, what scholarship options may be available to you, and whether it's worth aiming even higher with a retake.

Is 1330 a Good SAT Score for the First Time?

Yes—a 1330 on your first time taking the SAT is a great score. It indicates that you've got a firm grasp of fundamental academic skills and are in the running for admission to respected colleges like Penn State, University of Minnesota, and Rutgers University. While ultra-selective colleges usually prefer scores of 1450–1500 or higher, a 1330 keeps you in consideration at a lot of top 100 colleges.

Pro Tip: With a strong score established, move your attention to other important areas of application such as writing a compelling personal statement, gathering good letters of recommendation, and demonstrating leadership in extracurricular activities.

What Colleges Accept a 1330 SAT Score?

A 1330 SAT score is well above average and in the comfortably middle 50% SAT range of most highly regarded colleges. Below is a list of schools where a 1330 will place you as a competitive candidate:

• Rutgers University – New Brunswick
• University of California – Santa Cruz
• Temple University
• University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
• Texas A&M University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• University of Oregon
• Loyola Marymount University
• University of Alabama
• University of Arizona

These colleges assess your entire application—not just SAT scores—so maintaining a high GPA, writing strong essays, and presenting well-rounded achievements will increase your chances of acceptance.

How Does a 1330 SAT Score Compare Nationally?

The average national SAT score of the class of 2024 is approximately 1024. This indicates your SAT score of 1330 is well over 300 points above average and you're around the 90th percentile. That's clear proof of college preparedness as well as your academic ability.

Should You Retake the SAT If You Scored 1330?

Retaking the SAT depends on your college goals. A 1330 is a very good score, but you might consider a retake if:

• You’re aiming for highly selective colleges (top 30), where SAT ranges often exceed 1400.
• You think you can improve by 50–100 points with focused preparation.
• You want to qualify for more competitive merit scholarships.

If you're happy with your college list and your GPA aligns with your SAT, it may be smarter to spend your time refining other application elements instead.

1330 SAT to ACT Equivalent

A 1330 SAT score equates to about a 28–29 on the ACT. This is a very good ACT equivalent that most universities accept positively. Many institutions accept both exams and can superscore them—selecting your best scores from various sections across test dates.

Scholarships Available for a 1330 SAT Score

Many schools offer merit-based scholarships starting around the 1300 mark. Your 1330 SAT score could qualify you for automatic or competitive aid at the following universities:

• University of Alabama: Offers generous merit scholarships starting at 1330+.
• Temple University: Competitive aid for students scoring 1300+.
• University of Arizona: Wildcat Excellence Scholarships begin in this score range.
• Texas Tech University: Tiered merit awards available for 1300+ SAT scorers.
• University of Mississippi: Automatic merit scholarships for scores 1300 and above.

Tip: Visit each university’s financial aid page to verify the most recent scholarship criteria and deadlines.

Top Colleges That Accept a 1330 SAT Score

Here’s a breakdown of well-ranked public and private colleges that view a 1330 SAT score favorably:

A 1330 SAT score gets you into dozens of competitive colleges across the U.S. While it won't quite meet the ultra-high expectations of Ivy League schools, it puts you in excellent standing for a range of public and private universities. Combined with a solid GPA, extracurricular activities, and well-thought-out application materials, your 1330 can lead to both acceptance and scholarship awards.