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Writer's pictureTaly Cotler

Average SAT/ACT Scores of Top 20 Colleges

Updated: Sep 26

Wondering what SAT/ACT scores you need to apply to a top college in the United States?


Let’s explore the average of SAT/ACT scores for these colleges and their admission requirements. You’re likely wondering what ACT scores you’ll need to be competitive. While test scores are just only one piece of the admission puzzle, they still hold significant weight. Let’s take a look at the average SAT/ACT scores needed for admission to top schools.


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? Well, there are a lot of reasons to go for it: 

  • The SAT/ACT tests are standardized since they are the same for everyone. No matter where you're from or what school you attended, the SAT provides 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.


What Are the Average SAT Scores for Colleges?

So, what is a high average SAT score? Or, what is the national average you should aim for? Let’s take a look at the top colleges’ SAT scores.

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.


What Are the Average ACT Scores for Colleges?

Any Ivy League school considers either the ACT or SAT 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 ACT score, follow these steps:

  1. Make a list of the desired colleges and find out the average ACT scores of admitted students. Thus, you’ll have an idea of what score you need to be a strong candidate.

  2. Look at the ACT 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. 

  3. Think about what you want to study in college and check the ACT section scores required for your chosen major. This will help you set specific goals for the Reading/Writing, Math, and Science sections of the ACT.


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? 


Cultivate Strong Reading Habits

Enhancing your reading comprehension is crucial for the ACT. 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.


Practice, Practice, Practice

This is the easiest advice and simultaneously the hardest one. Consistent practice is key to achieving high ACT scores. Regularly take practice tests under timed conditions and meticulously review your mistakes. 



To learn how to ace the SAT or ACT, visit us at www.academy4achievement.com or call us at 561-235-3677. We also prepare for any standardized tests, such as: GRE and GMAT, tutoring in any subject area of high school or college level, or guidance on the college application, or graduate advising process,





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