* The college's selectivity: Highly selective universities (Ivy League schools, some top-ranked private colleges, and very competitive public universities) often require significantly higher scores. A 1250 might be competitive for some, but not likely enough for others.
* Your GPA and class rank: Colleges consider your entire application, not just your SAT score. A strong GPA and class rank can significantly improve your chances, even with a score slightly below the average for a particular school.
* Your extracurricular activities and essays: These demonstrate your interests, skills, and personal qualities. A compelling application can compensate for a slightly lower SAT score.
* Your intended major: Some majors, particularly STEM fields, tend to have higher average SAT scores for admitted students.
* Your background and circumstances: Colleges consider the context of your application, including socioeconomic factors and unique challenges you might have faced.
In short, a 1250 is a good SAT score, placing you above the national average. It will likely open doors to many four-year colleges, but research specific schools' average admitted student SAT scores to gauge your chances at each institution. Use online college search tools and pay close attention to each college's holistic admissions process.