Colleges Accepting an 840 SAT Score: Opportunities and Options

Receiving an SAT score of 840 might prompt questions about college prospects. While an 840 SAT score is below the national average, it doesn't eliminate higher education opportunities. Many accredited colleges consider scores in this range, and some have test-optional policies. A good SAT score hinges on your academic aspirations and college preferences.

Understanding the 840 SAT Score

The SAT combines two section scores: evidence-based reading and writing, and math, each scored between 200 and 800, totaling a scale of 400 to 1600. An 840 SAT score falls around the 20th percentile, indicating that you scored higher than approximately 20% of test-takers. Although highly selective schools may be challenging to enter, numerous colleges, particularly those with flexible or test-optional admissions, consider an 840 SAT score.

Colleges That Accept an 840 SAT Score

Several public and private universities accept an SAT score of 840. Keep in mind that an SAT score of 840 can qualify you for admission at these schools; however, it does not guarantee admission.

Some public universities that accept this score are:

Albany State University
Alcorn State University
Central State University
Delaware State University
Gordon State College
Morgan State University
South Carolina State University
University of North Texas at Dallas
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Private universities that accept an 840 include:

Read also: 15 ACT Score College Options

Andrew College
Bluffton University
Chowan University
Randall University
Paine College
University of Dubuque
Tougaloo College
Virginia Union University
Wilberforce University

Featured Institutions

Here's a closer look at some of the institutions that consider students with an 840 SAT score:

Delaware State University: Located in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) offering over 40 undergraduate majors in fields like business, health sciences, education, and agriculture. Delaware State University values diversity, leadership, and community engagement.
Western Kentucky University: Situated in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public university providing over 170 academic programs, including options in journalism, education, health sciences, and business. WKU is known for providing a welcoming environment for students from varying academic backgrounds and considers factors such as GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essays in their admissions process.
Central State University: Located in Wilberforce, OH, Central State University is a public HBCU emphasizing academic excellence, leadership, and service in a supportive and affordable learning environment.
Gordon State College: Gordon State College is a public college in Georgia offering associate and bachelor's degrees in areas of study including business, education, health sciences, and liberal arts. Freshman admissions require a minimum high school GPA of 2.5.
Southern New Hampshire University: A private, nonprofit institution in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is also well-known for its online learning options. The school is test-optional; however, students may choose to submit these scores to be considered during the admissions process.
Roosevelt University: Roosevelt University is a private institution with campuses in Chicago and Schaumburg. Freshman applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0, although students with a GPA below this threshold may still be considered for admission by submitting additional materials.
Aurora University: Located in Illinois, Aurora University is a private university offering 60 undergraduate majors and has a test-optional admissions policy.
University of Dubuque: The University of Dubuque is a private university in Iowa, offering undergraduate programs in liberal arts, business, education, sciences, and more. The school has a test-optional admissions policy with more emphasis placed on high school transcripts, extracurriculars, and other indicators of academic success.
Eastern Oregon University: Eastern Oregon University is a public university in La Grande that offers over 30 bachelor's programs. Freshman applicants with a high school GPA of 2.75 or higher are automatically admitted when they meet subject-area requirements in English, math, science, social studies, and language.
Virginia Union University: A historically black university located in Richmond, Virginia, with an enrollment of 1,190 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 93.78%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,052.
Bethune-Cookman University: Located in Daytona Beach, FL, with an enrollment of 2,513 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 99.84%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $11,854.
Gallaudet University: Located in Washington, DC, with an enrollment of 998 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 61.69%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $22,616.
Bloomfield College: Located in Bloomfield, NJ, with an enrollment of 1,294 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 84.03%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $21,704.
Fisher College: Located in Boston, MA, with an enrollment of 1,086 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 72.35%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $24,758.
Johnson University Florida: Located in Kissimmee, FL, with an enrollment of 148 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 42.07%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,041.
Mercy College of Ohio: Located in Toledo, OH, with an enrollment of 1,215 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 40.97%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $24,068.
Clark Atlanta University: Located in Atlanta, GA, with an enrollment of 3,376 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 58.24%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $33,836.
Missouri Valley College: Located in Marshall, MO, with an enrollment of 1,447 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 65.88%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,440.
St. Thomas University: Located in Miami Gardens, FL, with an enrollment of 1,797 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 70.86%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $27,150.
Warner University: Located in Lake Wales, FL, with an enrollment of 762 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 53.13%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $20,162.
Texas Southern University: Located in Houston, TX. Average Tuition Cost: $8,972 (in-state), $21,443 (out-of-state). TSU takes a holistic approach to admissions.
Bowie State University: Located in Bowie, MD Average Tuition Cost: $8,574 (in-state), $19,224 (out-of-state). Bowie State University is test-optional.
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO): Located in New Orleans, LA Average Tuition Cost: $7,692 (in-state), $16,838 (out-of-state).
Paine College: Located in Augusta, GA Average Tuition Cost: $14,186. SAT scores are optional.
University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP): Located in El Paso, TX Average Tuition Cost: $9,744 (in-state), $24,952 (out-of-state). UTEP is a test-optional school.
Voorhees College: Located in Denmark, SC Average Tuition Cost: $12,630.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania: Located in Cheyney, PA Average Tuition Cost: $10,904 (in-state), $16,170 (out-of-state).
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB): Located in Pine Bluff, AR Average Tuition Cost: $8,326 (in-state), $15,544 (out-of-state).

Factors Considered

When compiling a list of colleges that accept an 840 SAT score, several important factors are typically considered, including the college's admission policies, average SAT scores of admitted students, and emphasis on holistic review.

Test-Optional Policies

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several colleges and universities are currently waiving test scores or allowing for a test-optional admissions process. Check the admissions pages or reach out to admissions counselors at the schools you are interested in for more information.

Improving Your Chances of Admission

Schools with lower minimum score requirements or holistic admissions consider your GPA, essays, and activities alongside your SAT score when making decisions.

Retaking the SAT

Retaking the test could improve your chances at more competitive schools or scholarships. If you do decide to retake the SAT, prepare carefully beforehand so that you can maximize your chances of improving your scores. Practice tests are helpful for this goal. You could also explore whether the ACT would be a better fit for your abilities and learning style.

Read also: 1030 SAT Score College Guide

Tips for Retaking the SAT

Take official SAT practice tests to help you identify areas of improvement and guide your studying.
Use resources like the College Boardâs SAT prep books to help you prepare.
Enroll in an SAT prep course or hire a one-on-one tutor for personalized support.
Practice time management strategies to ensure you have enough time to complete each section without rushing.
Use your prior SAT experience to tailor your study habits to your weak areas.
Get enough sleep before you take your exam, eat a healthy breakfast, and practice stress reduction techniques to make sure youâre physically and mentally prepared for test day.
If you have the time and energy, take the SAT more than once to see if you can improve any section of your score, especially if you are applying to any colleges that superscore your results.

Alternatives to the SAT

Many colleges are test-optional, meaning you donât have to submit SAT or ACT scores. Additionally, some schools may place more weight on other aspects of your application, such as essays, interviews, and extracurriculars. You can also consider a local community college, where you can establish a good academic record over the next two years, then transfer to a 4-year institution as a rising junior.

School Spirit and Community

Many colleges with a more inclusive admissions policy are known for their vibrant school spirit and sense of community.

Virginia Union University has a significant emphasis on school spirit with a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic teams.
Bethune-Cookman University is known for its vibrant school spirit and sense of community, promoting school spirit through events, traditions, and the support of its athletic teams.
Gallaudet University has a strong school spirit, fostering a sense of community and school pride through athletic events, homecoming, cultural events, and clubs and organizations.
Bloomfield College is known for having a strong sense of community and school spirit, offering a variety of clubs, organizations, and events that promote student engagement and pride in their school.
Fisher College has a strong sense of school spirit, with various events and activities organized by the Office of Student Engagement throughout the year.
Johnson University Florida has a strong sense of community and school spirit, offering many opportunities for students to get involved.
Mercy College of Ohio is known for its strong sense of community, which translates into a vibrant school spirit, offering a diverse range of student activities, clubs, and organizations.
Clark Atlanta University has a strong tradition of school spirit and pride, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in campus life.
Missouri Valley College has a vibrant school spirit culture, with students frequently attending games to cheer their teams on.
St. Thomas University has a vibrant school spirit, offering a number of opportunities for students to get involved on campus and show their school spirit.
Warner University has a strong sense of community, and the school spirit is high among students, faculty, and staff.

Additional Options

Many online degree programs are available to help you reach your goals.

Read also: 1110 SAT Score College Options

tags: #colleges #accepting #840 #SAT #score