What SAT Score Do I Need?

    Every college has a different SAT admissions profile. Enter a school and see the SAT score range that makes you competitive, plus the 25th and 75th percentile of admitted students.

    Harvard University
    ~3% acceptance
    Admitted-student SAT middle 50%: 1500–1580 (target ≈ 1540)
    Well below range — consider raising the score or shifting targets
    MIT
    ~4% acceptance
    Admitted-student SAT middle 50%: 1520–1580 (target ≈ 1550)
    Well below range — consider raising the score or shifting targets
    Stanford University
    ~4% acceptance
    Admitted-student SAT middle 50%: 1500–1570 (target ≈ 1535)
    Well below range — consider raising the score or shifting targets
    Princeton University
    ~4% acceptance
    Admitted-student SAT middle 50%: 1510–1570 (target ≈ 1540)
    Well below range — consider raising the score or shifting targets
    Yale University
    ~4% acceptance
    Admitted-student SAT middle 50%: 1500–1580 (target ≈ 1540)
    Well below range — consider raising the score or shifting targets
    Columbia University
    ~4% acceptance
    Admitted-student SAT middle 50%: 1490–1570 (target ≈ 1530)
    Well below range — consider raising the score or shifting targets
    University of Pennsylvania
    ~6% acceptance
    Admitted-student SAT middle 50%: 1500–1570 (target ≈ 1535)
    Well below range — consider raising the score or shifting targets
    Brown University
    ~5% acceptance
    Admitted-student SAT middle 50%: 1490–1570 (target ≈ 1530)
    Well below range — consider raising the score or shifting targets

    How to use these SAT ranges

    • Aim for the 75th percentile or higher to have the SAT work as a "lift" on your application.
    • Scoring in the middle 50% means the SAT is neutral — admissions will turn on essays, GPA, and extracurriculars.
    • Below the 25th percentile, the SAT is a drag; consider raising it or applying test-optional if policy allows.

    How to build your college score list

    BucketSAT targetApplication meaning
    ReachBelow or near the 25th percentileApply only if the rest of the file is unusually strong or policy is test-optional.
    TargetBetween the midpoint and 75th percentileThe score supports the application without carrying it alone.
    LikelyAbove the 75th percentileThe SAT is a strength; focus next on essays, fit, and scholarships.

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for Ivy League schools?

    The Ivy League middle 50% SAT range is roughly 1470–1580. A 1500+ puts you within range for every Ivy; a 1550+ is competitive at the top of the admitted range.

    Is a 1400 SAT good enough for top colleges?

    A 1400 is above the 94th percentile and competitive at strong flagship universities (UVA, UNC, UT Austin) and many selective private schools (NYU, BU, Emory), but below the 25th percentile at most Ivy-tier schools.

    Do I need to hit the 75th percentile to get admitted?

    No. Being at the 75th percentile is competitive but not required. The middle 50% range means 25% of admitted students scored below the 25th percentile number — typically due to strong non-score factors (athletes, legacy, first-gen, exceptional essays).

    How recent is this admissions data?

    Ranges are drawn from the most recently published Common Data Set and College Scorecard figures available at the time of writing. Always cross-check a college's own admissions page before using these figures for high-stakes decisions.

    SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product.

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