Wondering how your 1190 SAT Score stacks up and what it can do for you? You’ve come to the right place.
- Understanding Your Score: This 1190 SAT score guide will put your score into perspective, explaining the SAT scoring system and where this score places you.
- College Admissions and Scholarships: Learn about which colleges might accept a score of 1190 and possible scholarship opportunities.
- Improving Your Score: Get actionable tips to boost your score, if you find yourself thinking “my 1190 SAT Score needs improvement”.
Let’s decode the opportunities and implications of a 1190 SAT Score together.
Understanding the SAT Scoring System
The SAT, a standardized test widely used in college admissions in the United States, utilizes a unique scoring system that might confuse some test-takers at first. Understanding this system, including how scores are tabulated, the meaning behind the numbers, and the particularities of SAT scoring, can help clarify what exactly a 1190 SAT score represents.
Breakdown of Scores per Section
The SAT consists mainly of two sections – Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW). Each of these sections is scored on a scale from 200 to 800. The scoring system of the SAT is objective, meaning it only considers the number of questions a person answered correctly. This method, also known as rights-only scoring, discourages guessing as there’s no penalty for incorrect answers.
Total Scores
The total SAT score is simply the sum of the scores from the Math and ERW sections. Hence, the total score ranges from 400 to 1600.
Misconceptions about the Lowest Score
There is a misconception about 1190 being the lowest possible SAT score. This is incorrect, as the lowest score on the SAT is 400, not 1190. With the given range, it’s clear that a score of 1190 is actually significantly higher than the lowest possible score.
The Optional Essay Section
Aside from the two main sections, the SAT also offers an optional Essay section scored separately. The Essay section doesn’t affect the total score, as it is scored on a different scale. Three scores are given for this section—reading, analysis, and writing—each on a scale of 2 to 8. This score doesn’t add to or subtract from a student’s total score but is listed separately on the score report.
Is 1190 a Good SAT Score?
Labeling a SAT score as “good” can be quite subjective—it largely depends on the particular context and benchmark.
Percentile Ranking
According to available data, a score of 1190 falls in the 68th-75th percentile range. This means that if you have such a score, you have performed better than 68-75% of test-takers. Considering this, a score of 1190 is relatively commendable.
Possible College Admissions
An SAT score of 1190 might even be considered impressive depending upon the institutions a student is applying to. For instance, Michigan Technological University, University of North Texas, and San Francisco State University are among the schools where an SAT score of 1190 is considered average for admitted students.
As with every element of college applications, it is essential to have a holistic understanding of your accomplishments, abilities, and experiences when assessing the competitiveness of your SAT score.
Is 1190 a Bad SAT Score?
As the proverbial coin flips, if we consider gaining admission into top-tier Ivy League schools like Yale, MIT, Harvard, or Princeton, a score of 1190 is relatively low. These prestigious institutions usually require significantly higher SAT scores.
Comparison with Other Universities
However, when evaluated in comparison to schools like UCLA or the University of Oregon—universities that are well respected yet not as fiercely competitive—the perception of a “bad score” changes. A score of 1190 could possibly place an applicant within their range of acceptable scores.
It is crucial to understand that a bad SAT score is relative and depends largely on a student’s academic goals, selected colleges, and admission requirements of those colleges.
1190 SAT Score Percentile
Percentiles are used to place your SAT score in context. They help you understand how your score compares to other students who took the test.
Performance Context
A 1190 score falls within the 68th-75th percentile range. This means you’re performing better than 68-75% of all test-takers. This compares explicitly to the general test-taking public to give a clearer picture of your academic performance.
How Hard Is It to Get a 1190 SAT Score?
Achieving a 1190 score requires conscientious preparation. However, the level of effort needed can vary among students depending on their academic strengths and study habits.
Comparison with Lower Scores
A lower score, say around 1100, falls within the 61-68 percentile range. Acquiring such a score generally requires rigorous study and a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts tested on the SAT.
Comparison with Higher Scores
If a student aims higher towards a score of around 1300, which is categorized in the 86-90 percentile, the study regimen would need to be more stringent. Achieving these higher scores tends to require more intensive studying, including detailed understanding of complex topics, careful time management during the exam, and often professional tutoring.
Study Techniques
Students can enhance their study techniques by adhering strictly to a pre-planned structured study schedule focused on improving weak areas, practicing mock tests to understand the SAT question pattern, and timing their attempts to improve speed and efficiency.
Remember that the journey to a higher score begins with recognizing where your strengths and weaknesses lie in the context of the SAT. A 1190 score is solidly above average, but perhaps not perfectly aligned with your highest academic aspirations. This understanding is a perfect starting point for incremental improvements.
1190 SAT Score to ACT
Understanding the equivalent of a 1190 score in the ACT scoring system can potentially offer a broader perspective on a student’s performance.
Conversion Charts
Conversion charts, developed and published by the College Board and the ACT, provide a correspondence between SAT and ACT scores. According to these common charts, a 1190 score equates to an ACT score in the 24 to 26 range.
Percentile Comparison
This ACT score falls within the 76th to 83rd percentile range, making it parallel to the percentile range of a 1190 score. This means that a student with an SAT score of 1190 or an ACT score of 24 to 26 has outperformed around 76-83% of test-takers.
Having an understanding of both SAT and ACT scoring systems can be helpful, especially for students who plan on taking both tests or are undecided about which examination to pursue.
Should I Submit a 1190 SAT Score?
The decision to submit a 1190 score largely depends on a variety of factors including the academic aspirations of a student and the specific requirements of the targeted colleges.
Ivy League Applications
If a student is aiming for Ivy League colleges, a score of 1190 may not be competitive enough. Admissions in these prestigious institutions typically call for much higher SAT scores. An SAT score of 1190 may fall short of the average scores at such schools.
Other College Applications
However, for numerous other colleges, a 1190 score might fall within or above their average SAT scores for admitted students. As such, submitting a score of 1190 could potentially be beneficial in this context.
Always bear in mind, it’s critical to align your SAT scores with the standard of the schools to which you are applying.
1190 SAT Score Colleges
There are several colleges and universities where a 1190 score falls within the average range for admitted students. The list includes, but is not limited to:
- University of North Texas: Here, an average SAT score range is from 1060-1260, making 1190 a good score for admission.
- California State University Sacramento: With an average SAT score range from 910-1110, a score of 1190 would be considered above average.
- Michigan Technological University: Here, the average SAT score range stands between 1140-1350, making 1190 an acceptable score for admission.
It’s worth checking the average SAT scores at each individual college you’re interested in. While a 1190 score holds strong in many institutions, it might not be as competitive at others.
1190 SAT Score Scholarships
Achieving a high SAT score such as 1190 could potentially enhance a student’s chances of securing scholarships. Some potential scholarship opportunities for students with this score may include:
- University Merit Scholarships: Most universities offer merit scholarships based on students’ SAT or ACT scores. With a score of 1190, students can apply for merit scholarships at various universities.
- National Merit Scholarship Program: Though this program primarily considers PSAT scores, a strong SAT score can bolster a student’s application for this highly prestigious scholarship.
- Local Scholarships: Various community organizations, clubs, and companies often offer scholarships that consider academic merit, which can be demonstrated with a competitive SAT score.
Regardless of the score, it’s always worthwhile to explore and apply for various scholarships available. Each scholarship has its own set of selection criteria, and they may not always be exclusively dependent on SAT scores.
Tips to Improve Your 1190 SAT Score
While obtaining a score 1190 is an accomplishment in itself, there’s always room for improvement. Here are a few tips to increase your SAT score:
- Set a realistic goal: Aim for an achievable score increase. An increase of 100-200 points with dedicated study and practice is a realistic expectation.
- Follow a study routine: This helps maintain a steady pace of learning and avoids cramming information at the last moment.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify topics that tend to lower your score. Concentrating on improving these areas can help increase your score.
- Take practice tests: Regularly taking full-length practice tests helps familiarize you with the pattern of the test and improves your confidence.
- Quality over quantity: Rather than trying to cover a large number of practice questions, focus on understanding the concepts behind the questions thoroughly.
Striving for improvement is part of the learning curve and can help shape a student’s readiness, not just in taking the SAT but for future academic challenges as well.
For more information about improving your SAT score we recommend checking out: The College Board Website
SAT Scores 400 to 1600
| 400 | 410 | 420 | 430 | 440 |
| 450 | 460 | 470 | 480 | 490 |
| 500 | 510 | 520 | 530 | 540 |
| 550 | 560 | 570 | 580 | 590 |
| 600 | 610 | 620 | 630 | 640 |
| 650 | 660 | 670 | 680 | 690 |
| 700 | 710 | 720 | 730 | 740 |
| 750 | 760 | 770 | 780 | 790 |
| 800 | 810 | 820 | 830 | 840 |
| 850 | 860 | 870 | 880 | 890 |
| 900 | 910 | 920 | 930 | 940 |
| 950 | 960 | 970 | 980 | 990 |
| 1000 | 1010 | 1020 | 1030 | 1040 |
| 1050 | 1060 | 1070 | 1080 | 1090 |
| 1100 | 1110 | 1120 | 1130 | 1140 |
| 1150 | 1160 | 1170 | 1180 | 1190 |
| 1200 | 1210 | 1220 | 1230 | 1240 |
| 1250 | 1260 | 1270 | 1280 | 1290 |
| 1300 | 1310 | 1320 | 1330 | 1340 |
| 1350 | 1360 | 1370 | 1380 | 1390 |
| 1400 | 1410 | 1420 | 1430 | 1440 |
| 1450 | 1460 | 1470 | 1480 | 1490 |
| 1500 | 1510 | 1520 | 1530 | 1540 |
| 1550 | 1560 | 1570 | 1580 | 1590 |
| 1600 |
Conclusion
Understanding SAT scores, analyzing them in terms of percentile and their equivalent ACT scores, assessing their competitiveness for college applications, and recognizing potential room for improvement are all crucial aspects when considering a 1190 score.
A 1190 score demonstrates commendable academic performance, proving competitive for many colleges. However, it may not be sufficient for Ivy League institutions, which typically require higher scores.
Students should not only aim for improvement in their scores, but also look outside the confines of standardized tests. Remember, while your SAT scores are an important part of your application, they’re not the only factor considered by colleges. A holistic approach encompassing good grades, strong letters of recommendation, and impressive extracurricular activities also contributes significantly to a successful college application. With or without a 1190 score, pursuing your college dreams is a journey, not a race. Stay confident, positive, and consistent on your path to success.