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SAT scores of prestigious American universities in 2024 | SAT scores of American universities | SAT FAQs

Updated: Nov 5


|Introduction to the SAT Exam


The SAT, short for Scholastic Assessment Test, is organized by the College Board, a committee of American universities.

It is a widely used standardized test for university admissions in the United States, it's like GSAT (General Scholastic Ability Test) in Taiwan.

When applying to American universities, students must choose between the SAT or ACT as a reference for their scores.



|Who Needs to Take the SAT?


  • Students intending to apply to American universities

  • Students planning to study abroad

For students wishing to apply to American universities or study abroad, besides preparing for language tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC, preparing for the SAT exam is necessary.

Currently, 90% of American universities, especially top private institutions, consider SAT scores as one of the admission criteria.

Additionally, for those seeking scholarships, SAT scores are even more critical!



|Admission Requirements for Top US Universities


The SAT has a total score of 1600 points. To gain admission to elite private universities, a score of at least 1450 is generally required.

Below are the SAT score ranges for some top American universities for the 2024 admissions year, sourced from various official sources including universities and the College Board:

School Name

SAT Score

School Location

Princeton University

1460~1570

Princeton, NJ

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1510~1580

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University

1460~1570

Cambridge, MA

Stanford University

1440~1570

Stanford, CA

Yale University

1460~1570

New Haven, CT

University of Pennsylvania

1450~1560

Philadelphia, PA

Duke University

1450~1550

Durham, NC

Brown University

1440~1550

Providence, RI

Johns Hopkins University

1500~1560

Baltimore, MD

Northwestern University

1480~1560

Evanston, IL

Columbia University

1450~1570

New York, NY

Cornell University

1450~1540

Ithaca, NY

University of Chicago

1500~1560

Chicago, IL

Rice University

1470~1570

Houston, TX

Dartmouth College

1440~1560

Hanover, NH

University of Michigan

1340~1530

Ann Arbor, MI

Georgetown University

1460~1550

Washington, DC

University of North Carolina

1300~1500

Chapel Hill, NC

Carnegie Mellon University

1480~1560

Pittsburgh, PA

Emory University

1390~1530​

Atlanta, GA

University of Virginia

1340~1500​

Charlottesville, VA

Washington University in St. Louis

1500~1560

St. Louis, MO

University of Florida

1290~1470​

Gainesville, FL

University of Southern California

1400~1520

Los Angeles, CA

University of Texas at Austin

1230~1480

Austin, TX

Georgia Institute of Technology

1390~1540

Atlanta, GA

New York University

1350~1530

New York, NY

Boston College

1390~1510

Chestnut Hill, MA

University of Washington~Seattle Campus

1220~1440

Seattle, WA

Boston University

1420~1540

Boston, MA

The Ohio State University

1250~1440

Columbus, OH

Purdue University

1190~1440

West Lafayette, IN

University of Maryland, College Park

1330~1500

College Park, MD

Lehigh University

1330~1500

Bethlehem, PA

University of Georgia

1300~1450

Athens, GA

California Institute of Technology

Not required SAT and ACT

Pasadena, CA

University of California, Berkeley

Not required SAT and ACT

Berkeley, CA

University of California, Los Angeles

Not required SAT and ACT

Los Angeles, CA

University of California, Davis

Not required SAT and ACT

Davis, CA

University of California, San Diego

Not required SAT and ACT

La Jolla, CA

University of California, Irvine

Not required SAT and ACT

Irvine, CA

University of California, Santa Barbara

Not required SAT and ACT

Santa Barbara, CA

*These data represent the SAT score range of the middle 50% of admitted students.

Which means: 25% of students scored higher than this range, and 25% scored lower than this range.


*The provided data is for reference only; specific requirements may vary depending on the application circumstances.


*Data sources include:

  • Official websites of various universities

  • College Board's official SAT website (College Board SAT Suite) (College Board)



|How to Improve SAT Scores?


6 ways

PANO has the most top-notch American teachers in Taiwan, with rich teaching experience in AP/IB and other international courses, providing professional SAT exam guidance and counseling services.

Through PANO's guidance, candidates can receive professional SAT exam preparation, improve their exam scores, and increase competitiveness when applying to American universities.


Read more:



|Is It Better to Take the SAT as much as Times?


No, it is recommended to limit SAT exam registrations to 3 times.

Although there is no limit on the number of SAT registrations, some American universities require submission of all SAT exam scores. This means that all scores will be recorded, and excessive registrations may leave a negative impression on university admissions offices. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates register after adequate preparation.



|Can Low SAT Scores Be Compensated for by Other Means?


Yes, even if SAT scores are not ideal, applicants still have the opportunity to compensate through other means.

Here are some common methods:

  1. Academic Achievements: Outstanding performance in other academic areas, such as excellent grades in class, can serve as supplementary evidence to demonstrate the applicant's learning potential.

  2. Recommendation Letters: Excellent recommendation letters can provide specific examples and evidence of the applicant's academic, leadership, and community involvement, supplementing lower SAT scores.

  3. Personal Statement: Well-written personal statements can showcase the applicant's unique qualities, growth trajectory, and motivations, explaining their learning experiences and achievements, adding attractiveness to their applications.

  4. Special Talents or Achievements: If the applicant has special talents or achievements in a specific field, such as arts, music, sports, or scientific research, these can supplement their application materials.

  5. Volunteer Service and Community Engagement: Active participation in volunteer service, community activities, or leadership positions can demonstrate the applicant's sense of social responsibility and personal character, showing comprehensive development and influence.

  6. Professional Certifications or Awards: Obtaining relevant professional certifications, participating in competitions, or receiving awards can serve as additional evidence of achievements and skills in applications, enhancing competitiveness.

  7. Explanation of Special Circumstances: If the applicant has special personal circumstances or difficulties, such as health issues or family environment, providing corresponding explanations in the application can help admissions offices understand their background and challenges, gaining more understanding and consideration.

  8. Unique Cultural or Background: If the applicant has a unique cultural background, ethnicity, or international experience, these characteristics can serve as rich and diverse resources, enriching the applicant's personal characteristics and cultural contributions.

  9. Interview: Some schools may require or allow applicants to interview, which is an excellent opportunity to showcase personal character, interests, and abilities, helping to supplement their overall qualifications.


Overall, although SAT scores may not be satisfactory, applicants still have many ways to compensate for deficiencies, demonstrating their comprehensive qualities and potential.



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