What is a Good SAT Score for the Ivy League?

While the Ivy League has gone test optional for the coming admissions cycle, they are still accepting standardized test scores, and doing well on these tests does improve your chances of acceptance. But how good do you really need to do on these tests? And how much can a high standardized test score increase your chances of being accepted?

We’ll investigate these questions in this article. We’ll cover the average SAT and ACT scores of admitted students at each of the Ivy League schools, and then how much each school considers these scores in admissions. Finally, we’ll discuss testing strategy, how much emphasis you should put on preparing for standardized tests, and whether you should submit your scores, or apply test optional instead. Let’s get started!

The Average SAT and ACT scores at each Ivy League School

Here are the average standardized test scores for admitted students who submitted them at each of the Ivy League schools. Note that scores are given as ranges; the middle 50% of admitted students scored in the given range.

While there is slight variation in these numbers, they paint a fairly standard picture overall. Each of these schools admits students who do quite well on their standardized tests. We should note that all of these schools judge the ACT and SAT equally, and don’t have a preference for one over the other. 

These schools all hold standardized test scores in similar regard as well when it comes to making admissions decisions. They all use them as a way to confirm that your academic prowess as demonstrated by your GPA and coursework is an accurate assessment of your potential. 

While both are weighed when evaluating an application, your high school grades count for more, since they are seen as a more accurate representation of your preparation for college and your achievement over time. It is easier to get into one of these schools with high grades and average test scores than with average grades and high test scores. 

While test scores are rarely a deciding factor when it comes to choosing which students to admit, they can serve as a disqualifying factor. Submitting standardized test scores which are far below the average for the school can raise questions in the minds of admissions officers, who will wonder why you struggled so much on the tests, and how accurate an assessment your grades provide. This is especially the case now that most of these schools have gone test optional, and allow you to apply without submitting any test scores at all. 

Testing Strategy for the Ivy League

There are several components to testing strategy. The first, and probably most important, is whether you need to submit test scores at all. All of the Ivy League schools are currently test optional, and if trends continue, they will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. This means every student who takes the SAT or ACT is faced with a choice: is submitting your test scores worth it?

The answer depends on several factors. You must first consider your scores in the context of your overall profile. Do your test scores support the narrative you are telling about yourself? Do they confirm that the grades you have gotten in high school are an accurate portrayal of your academic capabilities? Do they give admissions officers a more well rounded insight into your academic strengths?

On top of this, you need to consider where your test scores fall relative to the average test scores received by the schools. While students with scores below the average get accepted (that is how averages work), these scores are a good metric by which to measure yourself against other potential applicants. 

This does not mean you should only submit your test scores if you did perfectly on the SAT or ACT. Students get in with less than perfect scores every year; these schools are looking for more than that. 

That said, we do advise you to avoid sending in scores if you are too far below the average for the school. If you are above the 25th percentile (the lower number on the table), then you should send your scores if your academics are otherwise stellar. If your scores are below this point, then you should apply without them. 

Simply applying without test scores will not help your application unless you are otherwise qualified for the school already. You need stellar grades, amazing extracurriculars, and essays which convey your fit for the school. While test optional admissions means you can apply without your test scores being a disqualifying factor, the rest of your application still needs to fit the profile of what the Ivy League is looking for in a student.

If your test scores are above the average of the school, then you should always include them in your application. They may not help substantially unless they are very high, but they will be a point in your favor, and contribute to the overall narrative of your application.

Will the Ivy League Stay Test Optional?

Yes. Or at least, all of their incentives are aligned to keep them test optional; since it benefits both the schools, and the students who apply to them. Universities are judged in part on how talented the students who apply to them are, including their average ACT and SAT scores. By going test optional, top universities are able to artificially inflate their test score averages, making them more competitive in the rankings which they claim not to care about. 

It’s true that almost everyone who applies to top universities has excellent standardized test scores, but some students struggle with taking tests generally. While they have stellar grades and extracurriculars, their test scores don’t quite measure up to the rest of their application. These students may suffer if they have to submit their scores, but test optional admissions give them a smoother path. 

Most of the students who apply to Ivy League schools still submit their test scores, even though the schools have gone test optional. While the numbers do vary by school, around 60% of admitted students submitted SAT or ACT scores with their application. We do not have numbers for the overall number of students who include their test scores with their application to these schools, but believe this percentage reflects the number of overall applicants who submit applications without attaching their test scores.

We only have a few years of data on this thus far, so it’s uncertain what future trends will bring. That said, we expect this percentage to remain fairly consistent barring another shift in the testing or admissions landscape. Most students who apply to the Ivy League already have scores in the range that they’re looking for. For those that don’t, test optional admissions are a great way to proceed.

Final Thoughts

The Ivy League schools are well known to be prestigious and competitive, with their admissions rates falling below 5% in some cases this year, and all accepting less than 10% of the students who apply. Students need to have excellent applications to be considered, and test scores are a part of that. We hope that this article has given you a sense of what test scores the Ivy League requires, and how you can apply strategically regardless of your scores.

Of course, getting your perfect test scores is a process, one you don’t need to go through alone. Our tutors are well experienced with both the SAT and ACT, and know the tips and tricks you need to take your scores to the next level. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you with this, or any other aspect of applying to the Ivy Leagues. We have a depth of experience helping students succeed, and are always happy to hear from you.