Convert your 1250 SAT score to ACT equivalent and understand what it means for college admissions.
A composite SAT score of 1250 is a decent result – roughly the 81st percentile nationally. According to official concordance tables, an SAT 1250 is equivalent to about an ACT 26 on the 36-point scale (with a typical range of 25–27). In other words, scoring 1250 on the SAT should translate to around 25–27 on the ACT. Below we break down how a 1250 SAT maps to ACT section scores, and discuss what this means for college admissions and test choices.
You can double-check this estimate with an online concordance calculator:
Instructions
Enter your SAT or ACT score in the fields below to convert between the two tests using the official concordance tables.
SAT Score (400-1600)
ACT Score (1-36)
By concordance, an SAT 1250 converts to an ACT composite of about 26 (out of 36). Most concordance tables place a 1250 SAT in the 25–27 ACT range, with 26 being the most common equivalent. In practical terms, that means a 1250 SAT is roughly like scoring in the mid-20s on the ACT. Keep in mind these conversions are approximate – some colleges draw their own comparisons – but official tables give a solid guide. In short, a 1250 SAT ≈ 26 ACT.
Although SAT and ACT composite scores convert by table, it's useful to see how individual sections compare. Here's a rough breakdown if you scored 1250 total on the SAT:
SAT Math (~625) → ACT Math ~26. Official SAT/ACT concordance shows that an SAT Math score around 625 corresponds to about 26 on the ACT Math section. (For context, a perfect SAT Math 800 equals an ACT Math 36.)
SAT Reading and Writing (~625) → ACT English + Reading ~26 each. The SAT combines Reading and Writing into one 800-point section, while the ACT separates them. Concordance tables show that an SAT Reading and Writing score around 625 maps to about 26 on both ACT English and ACT Reading sections. In other words, if you scored 625 on SAT Reading and Writing, you'd expect roughly 25–27 on both ACT English and Reading.
SAT has no Science section → ACT Science varies. The SAT has no separate science section, while the ACT includes Science Reasoning. Since there's no SAT science score to convert from, your ACT Science score would depend entirely on your science reasoning abilities. Many students find ACT Science challenging because it's unlike anything on the SAT.
It's worth noting the digital SAT format (introduced in 2024) consists of exactly two sections: Reading and Writing combined (64 minutes, 54 questions) and Math (70 minutes, 44 questions). The SAT score of ~625 we quoted is the total for the entire Reading and Writing section, while the Math score of ~625 is for the Math section. The digital SAT is adaptive (each section has two modules of varying difficulty) and fully computer-based. Overall, a 1250 SAT roughly translates to about 26 Math / 26 English / 26 Reading / variable Science on the ACT format.
Since the ACT includes a Science Reasoning section but the SAT does not, remember that your SAT composite of 1250 provides no direct guidance for ACT Science performance. The SAT instead weaves science-related questions into its regular Reading and Math sections. In practice, this means your ACT Science score will be determined by your ability to interpret graphs, charts, and scientific passages – skills that aren't explicitly tested on the SAT. When converting from SAT to ACT, we can only estimate English, Reading, and Math scores. Science remains a wild card that could significantly impact your ACT composite.
With a 1250 SAT, you have a decent score that places you above 81% of test-takers, making you competitive at many universities. However, for highly selective schools, you should consider improvement options.
A college admissions expert notes that a 1250 SAT "makes you competitive at many colleges and universities, including many state flagships and private institutions." At selective schools like Cornell and Dartmouth, a 1250 is well below their 25th-percentile score (usually 1440–1460), while at ultra-selective schools like Harvard and Stanford, it's far below their typical range (usually 1460–1580).
If you're aiming for highly competitive schools (where 75th percentile SAT scores are 1500-1600), you should definitely consider a retake. Focus on identifying your weak areas and developing targeted improvement strategies. Many students can improve significantly with focused preparation.
What about taking the ACT? Many students double up and sit for both, but it's optional. If you have access to practice, try a full-length ACT practice test to see how you score.
The advice from test prep pros is to "take a timed full-length practice test of each type" and compare results. Some students find they do slightly better on one format.
For example, if you prefer having more time per question (the SAT offers about 41–44% more time per question than the ACT) or you're more comfortable with the SAT's built-in formulas and calculator on all math problems, you might lean toward the SAT.
Conversely, if you're quick at processing information, enjoy science reasoning, or find the ACT's straightforward question style more appealing, you might prefer the ACT.
A 1250 SAT gives you access to many colleges. At state flagships and large public universities, a 1250 is usually at or below the middle of admitted students. For example, public universities like the University of Wisconsin or University of Minnesota often report mid-50% SAT ranges that include the upper 1200s to mid-1400s, so a 1250 would make you competitive. Likewise, many private universities have similar ranges.
At Ivy League and other highly selective schools, 1250 is well below their typical range. For instance, Cornell University's admitted SAT range is about 1450–1550, and Dartmouth's is 1440–1560. That means a 1250 is well below their 25th percentile. (Harvard and Stanford tend to have higher ranges, around 1460–1580, so a 1250 is far below their 25th percentile.) Another example: Northwestern University's mid-50% is roughly 1440–1550, so 1250 is well below their typical range there. In general, with a 1250 you could expect to be competitive at most schools outside the top 100.
Moreover, many colleges and universities would consider a 1250 SAT a decent score. Some merit scholarships may be available. One college guide notes that "a 1250 makes you competitive at many colleges and universities, including many state flagships and private institutions." And of course, public honors programs and state flagships routinely admit students in this range.
In practical terms, you should include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools – but with a 1250, your "safety" schools will be solid programs (often any school outside the top 100). Don't count any college out solely because of your score; a 1250 SAT makes you eligible at many colleges in the country.
If you're considering whether to stick with the SAT or switch to the ACT (or vice versa), it helps to compare the tests. Here are some key tradeoffs and facts:
Format & Timing: The digital SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes total, with two sections (Reading/Writing and Math). The ACT (without essay) is longer, about 2 hours 55 minutes, and has four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science). Because the SAT has fewer questions overall (about 98) and more time, you get roughly 40% more time per question on SAT than on ACT. In contrast, the ACT is more intense time-wise (131 questions in 125 min, about 57 sec per question). If you find timing stressful, the SAT's longer per-question time can be a big advantage.
Sections: The SAT now has two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. Importantly, ACT's Science is optional after 2025, but traditionally there has been a science section, whereas the SAT never has a separate one. (On the SAT, science questions appear within other sections, not standalone.) If you're strong in science reasoning, the ACT's format may suit you. If not, the SAT might feel easier since it never presents a formal science section.
Calculator Policy: On the SAT Math section, you get a built-in graphing calculator app and all necessary math formulas on-screen. On the ACT, you must bring your own calculator and only certain models are allowed; no formula sheet is provided. If you rely heavily on a calculator or the SAT formula sheet, you might prefer the SAT.
Reading Passages: SAT reading passages tend to be shorter and each passage has only 1–2 questions. On the ACT, passages are longer and each passage has about 9 questions. Some students find the SAT's short passages less overwhelming, others prefer fewer questions per passage on the ACT.
Scoring Scale: SAT total is out of 1600, ACT composite is out of 36. Concordance (as above) can map scores between them. For example, 1250 SAT ≈ 26 ACT.
Test Prep & Practice: The SAT offers free official practice via Khan Academy, including 7 full-length practice tests. The ACT has fewer free resources on its site. Many students appreciate the SAT's free materials.
Acceptance: Both tests are accepted at all colleges that require standardized tests. No college inherently favors one over the other. Use practice tests to see which test's style suits you better.
In short, neither test is "harder" overall, but differences exist. The SAT rewards careful pacing, math formula knowledge, and strong vocabulary. The ACT rewards quick work, strong science-reading skills, and comfort with its specific question styles. If you had to pick one, consider your strengths:
If you get anxious about timing, like built-in tools, or prefer shorter reading sections, the SAT might be your pick.
If you are very quick, enjoy science passages, or find SAT's tricks (like vocabulary questions) off-putting, you might choose the ACT.
Many counselors advise trying both if possible. But since you already have a 1250 SAT, you're clearly capable on standardized tests. If you do take the ACT, aim to beat that 26 equivalency – if not, remember the 1250 SAT stands strong on its own.
If you decide to take the ACT after scoring 1250 on the SAT, here are some key strategies to maximize your performance:
Science Section Preparation: Since the ACT Science section is completely new territory for SAT test-takers, focus heavily on this section. Practice interpreting graphs, charts, and scientific data. The Science section tests your ability to analyze information quickly rather than your knowledge of specific scientific facts.
Timing Practice: The ACT's faster pace (about 57 seconds per question) requires different strategies than the SAT. Practice working quickly while maintaining accuracy. Many students find they need to adjust their pacing significantly.
Calculator Familiarity: Unlike the SAT's built-in calculator, you'll need to bring your own to the ACT. Make sure you're comfortable with your calculator model and know which functions are allowed.
Reading Strategy: ACT Reading passages are longer with more questions per passage. Develop strategies for quickly identifying main ideas and supporting details. Practice skimming techniques to save time.
English Grammar: ACT English focuses heavily on grammar rules and sentence structure. Review common grammar concepts and practice identifying errors quickly.