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Girls Studying

Average SAT and ACT Scores by School
Ever wonder how your score stacks up? Here're some examples.

College admissions have shifted. With many top-tier schools returning to required testing and "test-optional" schools seeing a spike in high-score reporting, these ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students. Aiming for the top end of these ranges makes your application a "strong submit."

The ivies Plus - Highly Selective

  • Harvard: ACT 34–36 / SAT 1500–1580

  • Yale: ACT 33–35 / SAT 1480–1560

  • Princeton: ACT 34–35 / SAT 1500–1560

  • MIT: ACT 34–36 / SAT 1520–1580

  • Stanford: ACT 33–35 / SAT 1470–1570

  • Brown: ACT 33–35 / SAT 1480–1570

Top National Universities

  • Boston University: ACT 32–34 / SAT 1430–1510

  • NYU: ACT 33–35 / SAT 1470–1560

  • Georgetown: ACT 32–35 / SAT 1410–1540

  • UVA: ACT 32–35 / SAT 1390–1530

  • Duke: ACT 34–35 / SAT 1500–1570

  • University of Michigan: ACT 31–34 / SAT 1350–1530

Competitive State Honors & Private Colleges

  • Florida State: ACT 29–32 / SAT 1290–1400

  • Clemson University: ACT 28–32 / SAT 1310–1430

  • Michigan State: ACT 24–30 / SAT 1100–1320

  • Fordham: ACT 31–34 / SAT 1350–1480

  • University of Texas - Austin: ACT 29–34 / SAT 1230–1480

And don't forget that some schools accept the ACT SuperScore, which can really increase your chances! Find out which schools take the SuperScore here.

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Students studying

Important Strategy Updates

​1. The "Required" List is Growing

A massive shift happened for the 2025-2026 cycle. Schools like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown, Dartmouth, UT Austin, and Caltech have joined MIT and Georgetown in requiring test scores again. If these are on your list, testing isn't an option—it’s a requirement.

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2. The Digital Tests Are Here

The SAT is now fully digital and adaptive. This means the test changes difficulty based on your performance in the first module. Prep now requires mastering the "Bluebook" interface and understanding how to maximize points in a shorter, faster-paced format.

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The ACT also offers an online version, but it is the same exact exam as the paper test, which is also still offered. It is not adaptive, which means you see all the questions and won't be locked out of a score.

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3. The SuperScore Advantage

Don't forget that many schools (including most on this list) accept the ACT and SAT SuperScore. This allows us to take your best section scores from different dates to create a higher "composite" total.

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4. A Note on UCLA & UC Schools

The University of California system (UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc.) is currently Test-Blind. They will not look at your scores for admission, even if you send them. Focus your energy on your essays and GPA for these specific applications!

Shoes

Testing Withus

Kate's Tutoring is your guide to these exams. 

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You're unique. Your testing prep and schedule should be unique too. We believe in helping your family create a perfect test prep plan for YOU -- no one else.

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Let's work together to make a plan to fill your needs.

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