The Top Colleges with the Highest Average SAT Score

Students aiming to gain acceptance to some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities typically compare their credentials with those of applicants who recently gained admission. One of the most common criteria to compare is SAT scores. According to recent data from U.S. News & World Report, 27 U.S. colleges reported median SAT scores in the range of 1500 to 1550.  A perfect score is 1600.  

The highest median SAT score of 1550 was reported by Duke University (NC), Johns Hopkins University (MD) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  A median SAT score of 1540 was listed by ten institutions: Brown University (RI), Carnegie Mellon University (PA), Dartmouth College (NH), Princeton University (NJ), Rice University (TX), Stanford University (CA), University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt University (TN), Washington University of St. Louis (MO), and Yale University (CT).

Northwestern University (IL) and Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering (MA) reported median SAT scores of 1530, while Amherst College (MA), Cornell University (NY), Harvey Mudd College (CA) and New York University (NYU) were at 1520. Ten points lower were Bowdoin College (ME) and Wellesley College (MA).

 

Colleges with median SAT scores of 1500 are Barnard College (NY), Carleton College (MN), Claremont McKenna College (CA), Emory University (GA), Tufts University (MA), and University of Notre Dame (IN).  

 

Many of these schools which are “test optional” find that their strongest applicants, with the best likelihood of gaining admission, typically do submit SAT scores.

 

Another important criterion for admission is the rigor of an applicant’s academic record, including the number of AP courses taken and the scores earned on the end-of-year exams.

 

Also of top consideration is the level of commitment to volunteer work and extracurricular activities, particularly those that demonstrate leadership and are in the field of study that a student plans to pursue in college.

 

Often, top applicants have pursued a “passion project.” This is a unique activity that relates to a specific area of interest and demonstrates what they’re capable of achieving when working on a project that they’re zealous about. As thousands

of students with a high GPA and impressive standardized test scores apply to the same colleges, a passion project helps one stand out from the multitude of other applicants.

 

It’s important for students to convey their accomplishments on their college applications. Often the best opportunity to do so is on their Common App and supplemental essays, which should be meticulously written to present students in the best possible light. 

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT^® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362