Thinking about applying to the most prestigious colleges in the United States? Then, you’re likely wondering what ACT and SAT scores you’ll need to be competitive. While test scores are just only one piece of the admission puzzle, they still hold significant weight.
In any case, to aim for a certain ACT or SAT score range, you need to see the whole picture. We will explore the average SAT scores for colleges and ACT results that allow you to get into top schools. Keep reading!
How Important Are SAT and ACT for College Admissions?
Since some universities have test-optional policies, it is no wonder that students doubt whether they should take tests at all. Still, some Ivy League universities reinstate standardized tests. Why? Actually, there are a lot of reasons to go for it:
- The SAT test is representative since it’s the same for everyone. No matter where you’re from or what school you went to, the SAT is a fair way for colleges to compare students.
- Your SAT score shows if you’re going to thrive academically. Getting a high score suggests you can handle tough coursework.
- Top colleges, like Ivy League schools, look at SAT scores to find students who can raise their academic reputation.
- Many colleges also use SAT scores to decide who gets scholarships. If you do well on the SAT, you might have a better chance of getting financial help for your studies.
But why are so many colleges saying you don’t have to take standardized tests to apply? The reason is simple: they understand that every student is unique, with different skills and experiences. They believe that your worth isn’t just about test scores but about who you are as a personality. So, they’re looking at other things beyond exams to see how well you might do in college.
Yet, standardized testing is still considered to be a serious determiner for most (if not all) institutions. Even after the SAT went digital and average SAT scores for colleges might be calculated differently, it is still a big deal for the whole college admissions process.
What Are the Average SAT Scores for Colleges?
So, what is a high average SAT score? Or, to put it differently – what is the national average you should aim for? Let’s take a look at the top colleges’ SAT scores. Maybe you’ll see your dream university on this list!
| University | Total SAT Score Range |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1510-1580 |
| Stanford University | 1440-1570 |
| University of Chicago | 1500-1570 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 1460-1560 |
| California Institute of Technology | 1530-1560 |
| Duke University | 1480-1570 |
| Northwestern University | 1440-1550 |
| Vanderbilt University | 1480 – 1570 |
| Rice University | 1470 – 1570 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | 1490 – 1570 |
| University of Notre Dame | 1400 – 1550 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 1330 – 1530 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 1300 – 1530 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 1460 – 1560 |
| Emory University | 1360 – 1530 |
| Georgetown University | 1380 – 1550 |
| New York University | 1350 – 1530 |
| University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | 1350 – 1530 |
| University of Southern California | 1360 – 1530 |
| University of Virginia | 1340 – 1520 |
As you can see, top universities’ SAT scores range from 1340 to 1580. To secure your spot in one of the target schools, you have to aim for 1500. It is a good SAT score.
Top Colleges ACT Scores
The SAT’s sibling is ACT. It’s another choice of test-takers across the U.S. Any Ivy League school considers both as an important part of composite score along with GPA and everything else a student can provide. So, here’s the list of potential schools you could consider and the corresponding ACT scores you should aim for:
| University | Total ACT Score |
| University of Pennsylvania | 34.00 |
| Georgetown University | 31.70 |
| University of Michigan | 32.00 |
| Cornell University | 34.00 |
| University of North Carolina | 31.00 |
| New York University | 35.20 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | 33.80 |
| Indiana University | 32.00 |
| University of Illinois | 31.76 |
| Boston University | 32.00 |
| University of Richmond | 31.00 |
| University of Miami | 31.40 |
| University of Minnesota | 29.00 |
| University of Pittsburgh | 30.00 |
| Dartmouth College | 34 |
| University of Houston | 27.30 |
| MIT | 35 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 31 |
| Stanford University | 35 |
| Duke University | 34 |
If you want to be among competitive applicants, aim for 30 and higher to get into the 75th percentile of students. In any case, the applicant pool for these universities is looking for almost a perfect score, while the average ACT score will be around 30.
How Do You Determine Your Target Score?
To figure out your target SAT score, follow these steps:
- Make a list of the desired colleges and find out the average SAT scores of admitted students. Thus, you’ll have an idea of what score you need to be a strong candidate.
- Look at the SAT scores of admitted students at your chosen colleges and their acceptance rates. This will show how selective the colleges are and what scores you should aim for to be competitive.
- Think about what you want to study in college and check the SAT section scores required for your chosen major. This will help you set specific goals for the Reading/Writing and Math sections of the SAT.
Understanding the Data
Keep in mind that colleges typically report test scores using the middle 50% range. This means that 25% of admitted students scored lower than the minimum listed range, and 25% scored higher than the maximum.
Figuring Out Colleges’ Selectivity Level
Colleges have different SAT standards. Let’s break down the selectivity of colleges based on their acceptance rates:
- Highly selective colleges. These are the toughest to get into, with acceptance rates below 20%.
- Selective colleges. They’re still tough, and acceptance rates range from 20% to 30%.
- Moderately selective colleges. These are a bit easier to get into, with acceptance rates from 30% to 50%.
- Less selective colleges. These are the easiest to get into, with acceptance rates ranging from 50% to 100%.
Looking Beyond the Test Score
Remember, top schools have a holistic approach to applications. Strong grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation are crucial. Don’t get discouraged if your test scores fall outside the middle 50% range for a particular school.
Well-rounded college applications that showcase an applicant’s strengths can still make anyone a competitive candidate. Don’t be shy to seek guidance: connect with mentors, tutors, and college counselors for personalized advice.
How to Ace the SAT and ACT: Strategies for Getting Top Scores
As you understand, standardized tests come with a lot of learning materials. This means you can find something that suits your learning style. What can you do to make the chances of getting into one of the national universities higher?
Utilize Official Resources & A Little Extra
The best way to familiarize yourself with the test format and content is by exploring official resources offered by the College Board (SAT) and ACT. Use official practice tests and set a timer to simulate the actual testing experience and identify areas that need improvement.
But of course, there aren’t that many practice tests available from official sources. So, find an SAT/ACT practicing tool you like and try to complete as many practice tests as possible. Look for resources that work well for your specific learning style. Focus on building a strong foundation before the actual exam by practicing a lot.
Cultivate Strong Reading Habits
Enhancing your reading comprehension is crucial for both tests. Read challenging and varied texts, such as newspapers, articles, and classic literature. Evidence-based reading may be a good thing to improve your vocabulary, reading speed, and critical thinking skills, all essential for success in the Reading section. Many students say they did not know some words on the SAT. Make sure you study words in context to improve your chances of the highest SAT scores.
Practice, Practice, Practice
This is the easiest advice and simultaneously the hardest one. Consistent practice is key to achieving high SAT scores. Regularly take practice tests under timed conditions and meticulously review your mistakes.
Analyze why you got an answer wrong and identify patterns in your errors. Thus, you’ll develop targeted strategies to overcome your weaknesses and eventually conquer one of the national institutions.
Conclusion
Having a map is always better than strolling in the dark, especially if it’s about your future. Now, when you know what the highest score is and how well other applicants do to get into a university, you have a compass that will lead you to the institution of your choice. No matter if it is Columbia University, Dartmouth College, or any other school, you can become a part of its story. Good luck!
