SAT for USA: Check Top Universities Accepting SAT Scores in USA

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SAT for USA have different score requirements. The average SAT scores for US Colleges ranges from around 1500-1600. In the past two years, and even before the pandemic, there has been media attention given to US universities that do not require ACT or SAT scores. But as the pandemic spread, the test-optional movement gained popularity. The ACT and SAT are now optional until 2026 at top US universities like Harvard, while Yale and Princeton have indicated that they will continue to waive exam requirements until 2023–2024.

What is the Accepting SAT Score for Admission in Colleges? 

Candidates wondering “what's the average SAT score in the US?, “Is SAT enough for admission in USA?” Understanding the SAT score is of utmost importance, as scores can be different in different universities. However, candidates with SAT for USA scores of 1400 are just the candidates with an average SAT score. For the top colleges, around the 75th percentile SAT score is always a better idea because the level of competition in these colleges is always high. A 75 percentile SAT score not only confirms the higher chances of admission, but also it places a candidate above the candidates carrying the average SAT score. Candidates preparing average SAT score for USA can consider the 25th percentile SAT score as the minimum requirement for the most popular universities.

SAT Test-Optional College Options

SAT scores for US colleges have opted for standardized test scores as optional for applicants. Though this test-optional policy is temporary, many top colleges have decided to adopt it permanently. With a good SAT score, candidates can still boost their application for the above competition. SAT Test-optional school policies imply that applicants will not be judged on the absence of SAT for USA scores, but their presence will still be considered.

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SAT Writing and Math Score Changes

Candidates must be aware of the SAT new scoring scale released in 2016. SAT scores grade up to 1600 (previously 2400) due to the reading and writing sections having been combined into one. Hence, each section for SAT for US universities is 800 points. The only two sections for SAT scores for US are Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Mathematics.

SAT Score for the Top-Ranked US Colleges

The SAT preparation needs to be compact in case you are targeting admission to universities like Harvard, MIT, or Princeton, and more. The SAT accepting colleges in USA for higher SAT scores. Here is the list of colleges accepting SAT scores for US colleges:

SAT Colleges in USA25th percentile SAT Score75th percentile SAT ScoreAverage SAT Score
Brown University141015701490
California Institute of Technology153016001540
Carnegie Mellon University143015601490
Colorado School of Mines139014501410
Columbia University145015801515
Cornell University139015501460
Dartmouth College143015801490
Duke University139015801485
Emory University137015101430
Georgetown University138015501460
Georgia Institute of Technology138015301450
Harvard University146015901520
Johns Hopkins University146015801520
MIT149015701528
Northeastern University140015301470
Northwestern University142015601490
Princeton University143015701500
Rice University145015701490
Stanford University139015401465
Tufts University144015501480
UC Berkeley131015301420
UCLA128015301400
University of Chicago148015801530
University of Michigan134015301430
University of Notre Dame144015401490
University of Pennsylvania142015601490
University of Southern California136015301440
Vanderbilt University148015901510
Washington University in St. Louis146015801510
Yale University142015901505

SAT Scores for US Universities

SAT scores for US colleges varies widely. SAT for USA in the below table demonstrates the candidate’s performance in SAT EBRW and SAT Maths. 

SAT Accepting Colleges in USASAT EBRW Score(Evidence based- Reading- Writing)SAT Maths Score
University of Chicago745775
University of Pennsylvania700-770720- 790
Yale University730- 780730-800
Columbia University700-780710-790
Princeton University710-780720-790
Cornell University680-760720-800
University of California, Los Angeles620-710600-740
New York University660-740690-790
Stanford University690-760700-780
Harvard University730-790730-800
California Institute of Technology740-760790-800
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)720-770770-800
University of California, Berkeley630-720630-760
John Hopkins University735780
Chapman University640640
Pitzer College690720
University of Rochester670750
University of Virginia (UVA)705725
Tulane University700720
Binghamton University680695
Indiana University Bloomington625630
University of Florida675685
Stony Brook University640695

SAT Score for Scholarships in USA

The amount of SAT based scholarships for international students in USA is based on the applicant’s requirements. SAT score for scholarships in USA is listed below:

University NameSAT Score RequiredScholarship Amount
Colorado State University1130-1300+$5000-$10,000 (INR 4,16,198.25 – 8,32,396.50)
Baylor University1200-1390+$3000-$15,000 (INR 2,49,718.95 – 1,24,8594.75)
Georgia University1200+$3000 (INR 2,497,18.95)
Texas Tech University1000-11901190-14001401-1600$1000 per year (INR 8,32,39.65)$2000-$5000 (INR 1,66,479.30 – 4,16,198.25)$5000-$9000 (INR 4,16,198.25 –7,49,156.85)
University of Oregon1250$3000-$10,000 (INR 2,49,718.95 – 1,24,8594.75)
University of Mississippi1130$7000-$10,000 (INR 5,82,677.55 – 1,24,8594.75)
University of Missouri1200-1390$3000-$15,000 (INR 2,49,718.95 – 1,24,8594.75)
University of Nevada1130$7000-$11,000 (INR 5,82,677.55 – 9,15,636.15)

To get admission to one of the SAT scores required for top us universities in the world candidates should have at least a 1200 composite score on SAT. SAT for US universities ranges between 1500-1600. 

FAQs

Ques. What are SAT scores, and why are they important for college admissions?

Ans. SAT scores are numerical representations of a student's performance on the SAT exam. They are essential for college admissions because they help colleges assess a student's academic readiness and potential for success in higher education.

Ques. What is the scoring range for the SAT?

Ans. SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, combining scores from two 200-800 point subject areas: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math.

Ques. Do all colleges in the US require SAT scores for admission?

Ans. No, not all colleges require SAT scores. Many colleges have adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies, allowing applicants to decide whether they want to submit SAT scores as part of their application.

Ques. How do colleges use SAT scores in the admission process?

Ans. Colleges use SAT scores, along with other factors like high school GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays, to make admission decisions. The weight given to SAT scores varies from one institution to another.

Ques. Is there a minimum SAT score required for college admission?

Ans. There is no universal minimum SAT score for college admission. Each college sets its own admission requirements, and these can vary widely. It's important to research the specific requirements of the colleges you're interested in.

Ques. Can I send my SAT scores to multiple colleges?

Ans. Yes, you can. When you register for the SAT or afterward, you can choose to send your scores to up to four colleges or scholarship programs for free. Additional score reports may incur a fee.

Ques. How do colleges consider multiple SAT scores if I take the test multiple times?

Ans. Many colleges practice "score choice," which means they consider your highest SAT scores. If you take the test multiple times, they typically review your best scores in each section.

Ques. Do colleges consider the SAT Essay score separately?

Ans. Yes, the SAT Essay score is usually considered separately from the overall SAT score. Some colleges require or recommend the SAT Essay, while others do not consider it in their admissions process.

Ques. Can I retake the SAT if I'm not satisfied with my scores?

Ans. Yes, you can retake the SAT as many times as you'd like. Colleges often consider your highest scores, so retaking the test can improve your chances of admission.

Ques. Can I superscore my SAT scores for college applications?

Ans. Superscoring is when colleges consider your highest section scores from different test dates to create a higher composite score. Many colleges practice superscoring, but policies can vary, so it's essential to check with each institution.

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