Is 1220 a good SAT score? Yes—it’s better than the national average and can help you get into many good colleges. The SAT Exam is a test that checks your reading, writing, and math skills to show colleges you’re ready for college-level work. With a 1220, you have a strong chance at getting into both public and private schools. Many colleges that accept this score also give out scholarships and financial aid. Whether you’re looking for strong academics, fun campus life, or both, you’ve got lots of great options. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best colleges for a 1220 SAT score, plus info on acceptance rates, tuition, and scholarships to help you get started.

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Is 1220 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 1220 score is a good SAT score. It means you scored higher than 76% of students who took the test. This score makes you a strong applicant for lots of colleges and could even help you get merit scholarships. Some top colleges may look for higher scores, but a 1220 is still competitive at many public and private schools and can boost your college application.

What Colleges Accept a 1220 SAT Score?

A 1220 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges. Schools like Penn State, University of Alabama, Michigan State, and University of Iowa accept this score. These colleges have strong academic programs and fun campus life. While some top schools may want higher scores, a 1220 is still a strong score for many public and private colleges. It gives you lots of choices for your college plans.

How Does a 1220 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 1220 SAT score is higher than the national average. In 2024, the average SAT score was around 1024, so a 1220 places you above most test takers. This means you scored better than about 76% of students nationwide. With a score of 1220, you're in a strong position for college applications, showing you're ready for college-level work and can compete with other applicants.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 1220?

If you’re happy with your 1220 SAT score, you don’t have to retake it. But if you want to improve your chances at competitive colleges or get more scholarship money, taking it again might help. Most students who retake the SAT go up by about 60–70 points. If your score is close to the top 25% of scores at your dream colleges, you’re doing great. Focus on doing well in school and applying to a mix of colleges. But if your score is lower than what top schools usually want, think about retaking it. Junior year is the best time to try again. If you’re a senior, you might not have time before deadlines, so make sure the rest of your application, like your essay, is strong.

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1220 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 1220 SAT score is about the same as getting a 25 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are better than average and show that you’re ready for college-level work. If you’re trying to choose between the SAT and ACT, it’s good to know how the scores compare. Take a practice test for each to see which one feels easier for you, then go with the test that fits your strengths best.

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Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 1220 SAT Score

A 1220 SAT score can help you get scholarships at many colleges. Lots of schools offer money to students with scores like this. Here are some colleges that give scholarships for a 1220 SAT score and what they offer:

• University of Alabama: Merit-based scholarships, ranging from $4,000 to $28,000 per year
• Michigan State University: Spartan Scholarship Program, up to $20,000 annually
• University of Iowa: Iowa Commitment Scholarship, up to $12,000 per year
• University of Arizona: Arizona Excellence Award, up to $35,000 over four years
• University of Minnesota: Gold Scholarship, up to $12,000 per year

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Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 1220 SAT Score

A 1220 SAT score is a good score that gives you lots of chances to get into college. With this score, you can apply to many public and private colleges and still be a strong applicant. A lot of these schools have good classes, fun campus life, and even offer scholarships for students with a 1220 SAT. Here are 15 great colleges that accept a 1220 score and give you great options to choose from.

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 1220 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges. These schools offer strong classes, fun campus life, and chances for scholarships. While super competitive colleges may want higher scores, a 1220 still makes you a strong applicant at many public and private universities. If you take time to look at schools that match what you want, your 1220 score can take you far.