If you got a 960 on the SAT Exam, you’re not alone—and you still have plenty of college choices. A 960 is close to the national average, which means you’ve shown you have the basic skills in reading, writing, and math. The SAT helps colleges see if you're ready for college-level work. While a 960 might not get you into the most competitive schools, it’s still a solid start. Many public and private colleges accept this score, and some may even offer scholarships or financial aid based on your GPA, activities, and essays. With some effort, you can find a college that's a great fit for you.

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Is 960 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 960 SAT score is a good starting point, especially if it was your first time taking the test. It’s just a bit below the national average of around 1024, and it shows you have the basics down in reading, writing, and math. Many colleges accept students with this score, so you still have plenty of options. With more practice and studying, you can improve your score and have more schools to choose from.

What Colleges Accept a 960 SAT Score?

A 960 SAT score can help you get into many good colleges. Schools like Texas State University, University of North Texas, and Arkansas State University often accept students with this score. These colleges have great classes, fun campus life, and plenty of support to help you succeed. While a 960 might not be enough for the top schools in the U.S., it’s still a solid score that gives you lots of options to start your college journey.

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How Does a 960 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 960 SAT score is just slightly below the national average SAT score of 1024 from last year. That means your score is close to what most students in the U.S. get. With a 960, you're in the 40th percentile, meaning you scored better than 40 out of every 100 students. It’s not a top score, but it still shows you're ready for college-level work and gives you plenty of college options.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 960?

Retaking the SAT can be a smart choice. Many students improve their scores by 60–70 points when they try again. Just getting 4 more questions right could raise your score to 1050, which is above the national average.

If you’re a junior, you still have time to study. You can use free practice tests, take an SAT prep course, or get help from a tutor. Even a small improvement of 50 to 100 points can help you get into more colleges.

If you're a senior and college application deadlines are coming up, check if any schools accept SAT scores from January to March. If not, don't worry—many schools are test-optional, which means they focus more on your GPA, essays, and recommendation letters. You could also consider starting at a community college and transferring later.

📌 Read about What is SAT Superscore? How to Calculate It?

960 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 960 on the SAT is about the same as getting an 18 on the ACT Exam. These scores are a little below the national average, but they still show you have the basic reading, writing, and math skills for college. If you’re not sure which test is better for you, try taking practice tests for both the SAT and ACT. That way, you can see which one feels easier and helps you get a higher score.

📌 Know about SAT vs ACT: Which Test Should You Take for College Admissions?

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 960 SAT Score

A 960 SAT score can help you get scholarships at many colleges. How much money you get depends on the school, but lots of colleges give scholarships based on your SAT score. Here are some schools and the scholarships they offer.

1. University of Arizona - Merit-based scholarships up to $10,000 per year.
2. University of Alabama - Scholarships up to $8,000 annually.
3. University of Oklahoma - Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for eligible students.
4. University of Mississippi - Merit scholarships up to $4,000 per year.
5. University of Kansas - Academic scholarships up to $5,000 for students.

📌 Read about ACT to SAT Conversion: Convert SAT Scores Into ACT Scores

Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 960 SAT Score

If you got a 960 on the SAT, you still have plenty of good colleges to choose from in the U.S. Even though it’s not a really high score, lots of schools accept students with a 960. These colleges offer good classes, fun campus life, and even scholarships. Here’s a list of 15 colleges that accept a 960 SAT score and what they offer.

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and pertain to in-state students. Graduation rates and enrollment figures are based on the most recent data available from official university sources.

These colleges have many programs and helpful services to support you. If you’re planning to apply, it’s a good idea to visit their websites or contact their admissions offices to get the latest info about what they need and what they offer.