Colleges That Accept an 860 SAT Score: A Comprehensive Guide

An SAT score of 860 is below the national average, which typically falls between 1020 and 1050. This places you in approximately the 17th percentile, meaning you scored higher than only 17% of test-takers. Despite this, an 860 SAT score doesn't necessarily mean the end of your college aspirations. Many institutions, including community colleges, open-admission schools, and some four-year universities, consider students with scores in this range.

Understanding Your SAT Score

A score of 860 on the SAT places you below the national average, specifically in the 17th percentile. This indicates that 83% of test-takers performed better than you. It's important to remember that this score is just one aspect of your academic profile.

SAT to ACT Conversion

An 860 SAT score roughly translates to an ACT score of 15-16, which is also below the national average ACT score of 20-21. If possible, consider taking the ACT as an alternative.

Strategies to Improve Your College Application

Even with a lower SAT score, there are several ways to strengthen your college application:

Strong Personal Statement: A compelling personal statement can highlight your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations, capturing the attention of admissions officers.
Solid Grades: Consistent academic performance in high school demonstrates your commitment to learning and your ability to succeed in college.
Teacher Recommendations: Positive recommendations from teachers provide valuable insights into your character, work ethic, and potential.

Colleges to Consider With an 860 SAT Score

While highly competitive colleges typically require SAT scores above 1100, several institutions consider students with scores in the 800-900 range. These colleges often offer excellent support programs and accessible education paths.

Read also: 15 ACT Score College Options

Colleges in Georgia

Based on admission data for the academic year 2023-2024, two Georgia colleges have SAT scores between 810 and 910: one public and one private school. The average undergraduate tuition and fees for these schools are $22,291, while graduate tuition and fees average $14,921. Wesleyan College has the highest tuition and fees at $27,650. The average acceptance rate for these colleges is 62.44%, with Wesleyan College having the tightest rate at 62.07% and Fort Valley State University having the highest rate at 62.80%.

Other Colleges to Evaluate

Here are some additional colleges to consider, along with information about tuition, acceptance rates, school spirit, and recent graduate salaries:

Virginia Union University (Richmond, VA): This four-year, full-time, inclusive, historically black university has an enrollment of 1,190 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 93.78%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,052. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 840.0. Popular majors include Communication and Media Studies, Computer and Information Sciences, Theological and Ministerial Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Criminology, and Business Administration. Virginia Union University is known for its intense school spirit and community involvement.
Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach, FL): This four-year, full-time, inclusive university has an enrollment of 2,513 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 99.84%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $11,854. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 910.0. Popular majors include Communication and Media Studies, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Registered Nursing, and Business Administration. Bethune-Cookman University is known for its vibrant school spirit and sense of community.
Gallaudet University (Washington, DC): This four-year, full-time, inclusive university has an enrollment of 998 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 61.69%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $22,616. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 941.0. Popular majors include American Sign Language, Biology, Health and Physical Education/Fitness, Social Work, and Business Administration. Gallaudet University is the world’s only bilingual, exclusively deaf university, and it has a very strong school spirit.
Bloomfield College (Bloomfield, NJ): This four-year, full-time, inclusive university has an enrollment of 1,294 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 84.03%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $21,704. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 941.0. Popular majors include Teacher Education, English Language and Literature, Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Visual and Performing Arts, Registered Nursing, and Business Administration. Bloomfield College is known for having a strong sense of community and school spirit.
Fisher College (Boston, MA): This four-year college has an enrollment of 1,086 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 72.35%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $24,758. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 952.0. Popular majors include Communication and Media Studies, Teacher Education, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Human Services, Health and Medical Administrative Services, and Business Administration. Fisher College has a strong sense of school spirit, with various events and activities organized throughout the year.
Johnson University Florida (Kissimmee, FL): This four-year, full-time, inclusive university has an enrollment of 148 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 42.07%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,041. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 959.0. Popular majors include Bible/Biblical Studies, Theological and Ministerial Studies, Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Mental and Social Health Services, and Business Administration. Johnson University Florida has a strong sense of community and school spirit.
Mercy College of Ohio (Toledo, OH): This four-year college has an enrollment of 1,215 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 40.97%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $24,068. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 960.0. Popular majors include Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences and Registered Nursing. Mercy College of Ohio is a Catholic institution known for its strong sense of community and vibrant school spirit.
Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA): This four-year, full-time, inclusive, historically black university has an enrollment of 3,376 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 58.24%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $33,836. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 970.0. Popular majors include Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Education, Biology, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Corrections, Public Administration, Social Work, Design and Applied Arts, Fine and Studio Arts, and Business Administration. Clark Atlanta University has a strong tradition of school spirit and pride.
Missouri Valley College (Marshall, MO): This four-year, full-time, inclusive university has an enrollment of 1,447 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 65.88%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,440. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 970.0. Popular majors include Health and Physical Education/Fitness, Psychology, and Criminal Justice and Corrections. Missouri Valley College has a vibrant school spirit culture.
St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens, FL): This four-year, full-time, inclusive university has an enrollment of 1,797 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 70.86%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $27,150. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 971.0. Popular majors include Educational Administration and Supervision, Special Education and Teaching, Law, Biology, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Business Administration. St. Thomas University has a vibrant school spirit.
Warner University (Lake Wales, FL): This four-year, full-time, more selective university has an enrollment of 762 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 53.13%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $20,162. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 975.0. Popular majors include Teacher Education, Health and Physical Education/Fitness, Psychology, and Business Administration. Warner University is a private Christian university with a strong sense of community and high school spirit.
William Penn University (Oskaloosa, IA): Information about William Penn University was not fully provided in the source data.

Test-Optional Policies

Many colleges and universities are test-optional, meaning they do not require you to submit standardized test scores. If your SAT score doesn't reflect your academic abilities, consider applying to these institutions.

Community Colleges

Attending a local community college can be a great option. You can establish a strong academic record and then transfer to a four-year institution as a rising junior.

Alternative Testing: The ACT

The ACT is another standardized test used for college admissions. It employs different skills and features different types of content compared to the SAT. The ACT includes a science section to test critical thinking and analytic skills. Unlike the SAT, the ACT does not allow the use of a calculator on any section.

Read also: 1030 SAT Score College Guide

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Don't let financial concerns deter you from pursuing higher education. Explore scholarships based on your extracurriculars, interests, and life circumstances to offset the cost of college tuition.

Improving Your SAT Score

If you have time, consider retaking the SAT. Familiarize yourself with the format by using sample exams and practice tests. Time yourself to simulate the actual test environment. Focus your studies on areas where you struggle. Consider a test prep class or tutoring service. Remember to pace yourself during the test and use the process of elimination to make educated guesses.

Read also: 1110 SAT Score College Options

tags: #colleges #that #accept #860 #SAT #score