The SAT is a standardized measure used in the United States to evaluate a student’s readiness for college-level coursework. The test is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, covering Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics sections. A student’s score is one component that college admissions committees consider when evaluating an application. Understanding what a specific score, such as 1120, signifies requires context regarding national performance and institutional selectivity.
The Statistical Reality of 1120
An SAT score of 1120 places a student above the recent national average for test-takers. The average total score for the class of 2024 was approximately 1024, meaning 1120 exceeds the performance of the typical student taking the examination. This score demonstrates proficiency in the tested academic areas compared to the general population of college-bound students.
An 1120 score typically falls around the 66th percentile among test-takers. This means the student scored higher than 66 percent of the other students who took the SAT. While this statistical position indicates above-average performance, it does not guarantee admission. The score’s relevance shifts depending on the specific colleges to which an applicant applies.
College Admissions Landscape for a 1120 Score
A score of 1120 is competitive for a wide range of institutions, particularly regional state universities and less selective four-year colleges. For many open-enrollment institutions, which admit a high percentage of applicants, this score places the student within the accepted range. Universities such as Arizona State University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Missouri-Columbia often find this score to be within the typical range for admitted students.
This score is well-suited for applications to public universities that primarily serve a local or regional population. However, an 1120 score is below the competitive range for highly selective universities, where the middle 50% of admitted students often score above 1400. For these institutions, the score will likely not strengthen an application and may be viewed as a non-competitive element. The practical impact of the score depends entirely on the institution’s average profile, making targeted research on specific schools the most informative step.
Strategies for Improving Your Profile
Students who have achieved an 1120 score have several options to strengthen their college application profile. Retaking the SAT is one possibility, as an increase of 100 to 150 points can boost the student’s percentile rank and increase acceptance chances at more competitive schools. Focused preparation on the weaker section, whether Math or Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, can be an efficient way to achieve this score improvement.
Many colleges continue to use test-optional policies, allowing students to decide whether to submit their score. If the 1120 score is below the average for a target school, a student may choose to withhold it, letting the rest of their application stand on its own strength. Utilizing test-optional admissions is a strategic decision that focuses the committee’s attention on non-test components.
The most effective strategy involves concentrating on elements outside of standardized testing. Admissions committees weigh factors such as a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA), the rigor of their high school curriculum, and the quality of their personal essays. Strong extracurricular involvement and recommendation letters can demonstrate personal qualities and achievements that offset a score below a school’s average.