If you got a 980 on the SAT Exam, you're not alone—and you still have lots of college choices. A 980 is close to the national average, which means you’ve shown basic skills in reading, writing, and math. The SAT is a test many colleges use to see if you’re ready for college-level work. While 980 might not get you into super competitive schools, it’s a strong start. Many public and private colleges accept this score. Plus, they may offer scholarships or financial aid based on your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. With some effort and planning, you can find a college that fits you well.

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Is 980 a good SAT score for the First Time?

A 980 SAT score is a good starting point, especially if it’s your first time taking the test. It’s just a little below the national average of about 1024, and it shows you have basic skills in reading, writing, and math. Many colleges accept students with this score, so you have solid options. With more practice, you can raise your score and get into even more colleges.

What Colleges Accept a 980 SAT Score?

A 980 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 strong classes, fun campus activities, and lots of support to help you succeed. While a 980 might not work for top US colleges, it’s still a good score that gives you plenty of choices to begin your college journey.

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How Does a 980 SAT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 980 SAT score is just a bit below the national average SAT Score of 1024 from last year. This means you scored close to what most students in the U.S. got. A 980 puts you in the 44th percentile, which means you did better than 44 out of 100 students. It’s not a super high score, but it shows you’re ready for college-level work and still gives you lots of college choices.

Should You Retake the SAT if You Score a 980?

Yes, retaking the SAT can be a smart idea. Many students raise their scores by 60–70 points when they take it again. For example, getting just 4 more questions right could boost your score to 1050, which is higher than the national average.

If you're a junior, you still have time to study. Try practice tests, SAT prep courses, or get help from a tutor. Even a 50–100 point increase can help you get into more colleges.

If you're a senior and college deadlines are near, check if any schools accept SAT scores from January to March. If not, many colleges are test-optional, so they look at your GPA, essays, and recommendations instead. You can also start at a community college and transfer later.

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

980 SAT to ACT Equivalent 

A 980 SAT score is about the same as an 18 on the ACT Exam. Both scores are a bit below the national average, but they still show you have the basic skills needed for college-level work. If you're not sure which test is better for you, try practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to see which one you feel more comfortable with and which helps you score better.

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

Colleges Scholarships That Accept a 980 SAT Score

A 980 SAT score can help you qualify for scholarships at many colleges. While the scholarship amounts can be different, many schools offer awards based on your SAT score. Here are some colleges 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 980 SAT Score

If you scored a 980 on the SAT, you have a lot of good college options in the U.S. While it's not the highest score, many colleges accept students with a 980 SAT score. These colleges offer strong programs, fun campus life, and scholarships. Here’s a list of 15 colleges that accept a 980 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 offer many programs and support to help students do well. If you're thinking about applying to any of these schools, it's a good idea to visit their websites or contact their admissions offices for the latest information on what they require and what they offer.