If you're asking, "Is a 1170 SAT score good?" The answer is yes! A 1170 is above average and puts you in about the 71st percentile of all students who take the test. The SAT Exam measures your skills in reading, writing, and math, helping colleges see if you're ready for college work. With a 1170 SAT score, you have a good chance to apply to many colleges and universities. While it might not be enough for the most competitive schools, it still gives you lots of options. In this guide, we'll look at top colleges that accept a 1170 SAT score, your chances of getting in, scholarship opportunities, and more to help you make the best choice.

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Is 1170 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 1170 SAT score is a good SAT Score for your first try. It’s above average and puts you in about the 71st percentile of all high school students who take the test. With this score, you can apply to many colleges across the country and have a good chance of getting accepted to a lot of them. The SAT helps open up college options, and a 1170 score does just that.

What Colleges Accept a 1170 SAT Score?

Many colleges, both public and private, accept a 1170 SAT score. Some examples include Penn State University, University of Alabama, Michigan State University, and University of Iowa. These schools offer different academic programs and campus experiences. While more competitive schools may want higher scores, a 1170 is still a strong score and gives you many options for your college applications.

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How Does a 1170 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1170 SAT score is higher than the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was around 1024. Scoring 1170 places you in about the 71st percentile, meaning you scored better than most students who took the test. This shows colleges that you're prepared for college-level work and can compete with other strong applicants.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1170?

A 1170 is a good SAT score and can help you get into many colleges. But if you want to apply to more selective schools or earn bigger scholarships, you might want to retake the test. Junior year is a great time for that. Spend 4–6 weeks studying with free SAT websites, prep books, or even a tutor or class if possible.

If you're a senior, retaking the test might be tricky because of deadlines. Make sure you know the test dates and plan ahead. You may be better off focusing on the rest of your application. Write a strong personal essay, ask teachers for recommendations, and list your activities. Ask your counselor to help improve your essay. A well-rounded application makes a big difference.

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1170 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1170 SAT score is about the same as a 24 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are above average and show you're ready for college-level work. If you're trying to decide between the SAT and ACT, this comparison can help. You can also try practice tests for both to see which one matches your strengths better. Choose the test you feel more confident about and think you can do your best on.

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1170 SAT Score

A 1170 SAT score can help you earn scholarships at many colleges. It shows you have strong academic skills and places you above the national average. Many schools offer merit-based scholarships for students with scores like yours. Here are some colleges that offer scholarships for students with a 1170 SAT score:

• University of Alabama – Merit scholarships up to $6,000/year for a 1170 SAT
• Arizona State University – New American University Scholarship for eligible SAT scorers
• Mississippi State University – Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship for SAT 1170+
• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Merit scholarships starting at 1100 SAT and up
• University of Iowa – Advantage Iowa Award and other merit scholarships
• Texas State University – Presidential and Merit scholarships for SAT scores starting at 1170
• University of Missouri – Missouri Land Grant or Curators Award for qualifying SAT scores

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

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1170 SAT Score

A 1170 SAT score is a solid score that opens up many great college options. It’s above the national average and shows you’re prepared for college-level work. With a 1170, you can apply to many public and private universities across the U.S. These schools offer good academics, fun campus life, and even scholarships. Here is a list of the top 15 colleges that accept a 1170 SAT score to help you find the right college for you.

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 1170 SAT score gives you a good chance to get into many colleges across the country. It shows you’re ready for college and can handle the work. With this score, you have lots of schools to choose from, both public and private. Many of these schools offer scholarships and financial help. Be sure to check out your options, work on your whole application, and choose a college that matches your goals and interests.