Is 1100 a Good SAT Score? (2026)

Where an 1100 stands for college admissions, scholarships, and your next steps.

An 1100 is an above-average SAT score. It places you in the 67th percentile nationally and the 63rd percentile among students who actually took the SAT, so you scored higher than roughly two thirds of test takers. It sits about 70 points above the national average of around 1030.

An 1100 makes you competitive at a broad range of large public universities. It is below the typical range at more selective schools, but it is a solid foundation, and it is very achievable to push it higher with focused practice.

What Percentile Is an 1100 SAT Score?

Here is how an 1100 compares to other score benchmarks, using College Board percentile data:

An 1100 is clearly above the middle of the pack. For the full mapping of scores to percentiles, see our SAT percentiles guide, and for context on the typical score, the average SAT score.

Colleges Where an 1100 Is Competitive

An 1100 puts you in range at many large public universities. Here is how it lands at a sample of schools (middle-50% figures are for students who submitted scores):

Many large state universities admit a wide band of students in the 1050 to 1250 range, so an 1100 is genuinely competitive there, especially paired with a strong GPA. At more selective schools, including most flagship honors programs and any school with a median above about 1250, an 1100 is below the typical range. If you scored a bit higher, see our guide to a 1200 SAT score.

Does an 1100 Qualify for Scholarships?

Some merit aid is available at this level, though raising your score unlocks meaningfully more:

• Entry-level merit awards: A number of state universities, particularly in the South and Midwest, offer automatic awards starting around 1100 combined with a solid GPA
• The biggest lever is more points: Most generous automatic scholarships kick in at 1200, 1300, and above. A 100-point gain can move you into a substantially larger award bracket
• Check the thresholds: Each school's financial aid page lists its specific SAT-based award levels, so it is worth checking your target schools directly

Should You Retake the SAT With an 1100?

For most students at this level, a retake is worth it, because the gains come relatively easily and they widen your options:

• Your target schools have medians around 1050-1150: You are already in range. A retake is optional
• Your target schools have medians around 1200-1300: A retake is worth it. A 100 to 150 point gain puts you solidly in range and unlocks more scholarships
• You want more selective options: A structured study plan can move you into the 1200s or higher

Students at 1100 usually have the fundamentals but are losing points to specific, fixable patterns. Focused practice on your weakest areas often yields 50 to 150 points. Most colleges superscore, so improving even one section helps, and there is no limit on retakes.

How to Go From 1100 to 1200 or Higher

1. Diagnose your weak spots. Review your score report to find the two or three question types costing you the most. Take a diagnostic quiz on Larry Learns to pinpoint your weakest categories
2. Target high-yield content. In Math, algebra and problem solving usually offer the quickest gains; in Reading and Writing, grammar rules are the most learnable
3. Build pacing. Many 1100-level students know the content but run out of time. Timed practice trains the instincts you need on test day
4. Keep an error log. After each session, write down why you missed each question. This stops you from repeating the same mistakes
5. Give yourself a runway. Plan four to six weeks of focused prep before your next test. See when to take the SAT for timing

1100 SAT: Where It Fits in the Big Picture

To put an 1100 in perspective:

• You scored higher than about 67% of US high school students nationally
• You are competitive at a wide range of large public universities
• You have access to some entry-level merit aid, with more available as you raise your score
• You are below the typical range at selective schools, but a 100-point gain is very achievable and opens many more doors

An 1100 is a solid starting point with real room to grow. A focused retake is often the highest-value move at this level.

Frequently Asked Questions About an 1100 SAT Score

Is 1100 a good SAT score?

It is above average. An 1100 is in the 67th percentile nationally, about 70 points above the national average of around 1030, and makes you competitive at many large public universities.

What colleges can I get into with an 1100 SAT?

You are in range at many large state universities, including schools like Howard, Michigan State, and other flagships that admit a broad band of students. More selective schools with medians above about 1250 are a reach at this score.

Is 1100 enough for a scholarship?

Some schools offer entry-level automatic awards starting around 1100 with a strong GPA, but the larger scholarships generally begin at 1200 and above. Raising your score is the most effective way to unlock more aid.

Should I retake the SAT if I got an 1100?

Usually yes. Gains come relatively easily at this level, and a 100 to 150 point improvement opens more schools and scholarships. Most students can get there with targeted practice on their weakest areas.

How does an 1100 SAT compare to the ACT?

An 1100 SAT is roughly equivalent to a 22 on the ACT. See our SAT vs. ACT comparison for help deciding which test to focus on.