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.

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Your current SAT (optional)

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

Bucket	SAT target	Application meaning
Reach	Below or near the 25th percentile	Apply only if the rest of the file is unusually strong or policy is test-optional.
Target	Between the midpoint and 75th percentile	The score supports the application without carrying it alone.
Likely	Above the 75th percentile	The SAT is a strength; focus next on essays, fit, and scholarships.

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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?

The reference ranges do not have a recorded publication year. Check a college's current Common Data Set and testing policy before setting an SAT target. UCLA and UC Berkeley do not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission.