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Colleges That Accept a 950 SAT Score | Scholarships and Admission Info

Last Updated on Jun 09, 2025

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Got a 950 on the SAT Exam? Don’t worry—you still have lots of college options. While a 950 SAT score is a little below the national average, it shows that you’ve got the basic skills in reading, writing, and math. The SAT is a test that colleges use to see how ready you are for college-level work. Many colleges across the U.S. accept students with this score and offer strong programs, helpful support, and even scholarships based on your full application. Your GPA, activities, and essays also play a big role in admissions. If you’re wondering, is 950 a good SAT score?—it’s a solid starting point, especially if it’s your first time taking the test. With more practice, you can improve your score and unlock even more opportunities.

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Is 950 a good SAT score for the First Time?

If you’re asking, “is 950 a good SAT score for the first time?” — the answer is yes, it’s a good place to start. A 950 shows you have basic skills in reading, writing, and math. It’s a bit below the national average, but many students improve with more practice. With some studying and effort, you can raise your score and increase your chances of getting into more colleges.

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What Colleges Accept a 950 SAT Score?

Many colleges accept a 950 SAT score, especially public and regional universities. Schools like San Francisco State University, University of Texas at El Paso, and University of Houston-Downtown often admit students with this score. A 950 shows you have the basic skills needed for college. While it may not be enough for top US schools, it’s still strong enough to get into many good colleges that offer support, good programs, and a great campus experience.

How Does a 950 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 950 SAT score is a bit below the national average SAT Score of around 1024 and puts you in the 38th percentile. This means you scored higher than 38 out of every 100 students. While it’s not a top score, it still shows you have basic reading, writing, and math skills. Many colleges accept a 950 SAT score, and with more practice, you can improve your score for even more options.

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Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 950?

Got a 950 on the SAT? It’s definitely worth taking the test again! You’re close to the national average (about 1050–1100), and most students who retake it improve by 60–70 points. Just getting 4–8 more questions right can boost your score a lot!

If you’re a junior or early senior, study more using practice tests and time yourself to get better. Focus on questions you got wrong to improve faster.

If you're a senior later in the fall, check which colleges accept a 950 or go SAT test-optional —they’ll look more at your GPA, essays, and recommendation letters. You can also start at a community college and transfer to a 4-year school later. A 950 isn’t the end—just the beginning of your college journey!

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

950 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 950 SAT score is about the same as getting a 17 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are a bit below the national average, but they still show you have the basic skills needed for college. If you're not sure which test is better for you, try a practice SAT and ACT. Then, pick the one where you feel more confident and can score higher with some practice.

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

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 950 SAT Score

A 950 SAT score can still help you get scholarships at some colleges, especially if you have a good GPA. Many schools offer financial aid or merit awards based on test scores, grades, and other achievements. Here are some colleges and their scholarship amounts:

  • Arkansas State UniversityA-State Scholar Award: Up to $4,500/year with SAT 950+ and 3.25+ GPA.
  • Texas State UniversityAssured Scholarships: Around $2,000–$3,000/year for SAT 950–1080 and top 25% class rank.
  • University of North TexasExcellence Scholarship: Up to $1,000–$3,000/year for SAT 950+ and strong academic record.
  • Western Kentucky UniversityAcademic Merit Award: Starts at $1,500/year for SAT 950+ and GPA 3.0+.
  • Mississippi Valley State UniversityPresidential Scholarship: Up to $3,000/year for SAT scores near 950 and GPA 3.0+.

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

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 950 SAT Score

Got a 950 on the SAT? Don’t stress—you still have lots of college options! A 950 SAT score shows you have the basics down in reading, writing, and math. Many public and private colleges across the U.S. accept students with this score. These schools offer great programs, fun campus life, and helpful support. Here’s a list of 15 good colleges that accept a 950 SAT score to help you get started.

University Name

SAT Score Range

Average GPA

ACT Score Range

Acceptance Rate

Tuition Fees (In-state)

Graduation Rate

Enrollment

California State University, Los Angeles

900–1150

3.3

17–23

76%

~$6,782

47%

27,000+

California State University, East Bay

910–1150

3.2

18–24

76%

~$7,000

47%

14,000+

California State University, Stanislaus

900–1150

3.3

18–24

89%

~$7,542

53%

10,000+

San Francisco State University

910–1150

3.4

19–24

94%

~$7,484

53%

27,000+

University of Texas at El Paso

900–1180

3.2

19–24

100%

~$9,450

39%

24,000+

University of Houston-Downtown

890–1150

3.3

18–24

88%

~$6,848

22%

15,000+

Ferris State University

850–1150

3.3

19–24

81%

~$13,290

49%

14,000+

Benedict College

900–1150

3.3

16–22

68%

~$14,291

26%

2,100+

Bloomfield College

910–1150

2.7

17–23

78%

~$30,680

33%

1,800+

St. Andrews University

900–1150

3.1

21–26

65%

~$28,730

38%

600+

Ferrum College

850–1150

3.1

18–24

84%

~$36,250

35%

1,000+

Notre Dame College

870–1150

3.1

18–24

79%

~$30,160

38%

1,500+

Central State University

850–1000

2.8

16–20

89%

~$10,451

26%

2,000+

South Carolina State University

910–1050

3.2

17–22

84%

~$20,795

39%

2,900+

Coppin State University

900–1050

2.6

17–22

45%

~$11,686

23%

2,500+

A 950 SAT score may not be the highest, but it still gives you plenty of college choices. Many schools accept this score and offer good programs, support, and even scholarships. You can also improve your score by studying and trying again. Keep working hard, explore your options, and choose the college that fits you best. Remember—your SAT score is just one part of your college journey!

Latest SAT Exam Updates

Last updated on Jun 11, 2025

-> The next SAT 2025 Exam is going to be held on June 7, 2025. The Regular Registration Deadline for the same has ended on May 22, 2025 and the late registration deadline ended May 27, 2025. 

-> According to the SAT Exam Schedule, the next fall semester SAT after the June exam is on August 23, 2025.

-> Top US Universities use SAT Scores to measure a student’s preparedness for college-level studies in a consistent and standardized way.

-> The candidates can attempt the SAT Practice Tests by Testbook that offers a suite of solutions for high schoolers who want to improve their SAT score above 1400.

Colleges That Accept 950 SAT Score FAQs

A 950 SAT score is a decent starting point, especially if it’s your first time taking the test. It shows you have basic skills in reading, writing, and math, but you can improve with practice.

Yes! Many colleges accept students with a 950 SAT score, especially public and regional universities. Your GPA, activities, and essays also matter a lot in admissions.

If you can, yes! Most students improve their score by 60 to 70 points when they retake it. Studying more and practicing with tests can help you get into even more colleges.

Some colleges offer scholarships for students with SAT scores around 950, especially if you have a good GPA. Scholarships can help reduce tuition costs.

A 950 SAT score is a little below the national average of about 1020. It puts you around the 38th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 38 out of 100 test takers.

Yes! A 950 SAT score is about the same as a 17 on the ACT. You can try both tests and choose the one you feel more confident about.

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