Average ACT and SAT Scores at Ivy League Universities

When people talk about Ivy League “cutoff scores” for the SAT and ACT, it’s important to start by correcting a common misconception: there are no official minimum scores that guarantee admission or automatically eliminate an application to an Ivy League school. Ivy League universities, which are elite, well-respected colleges with a rich American history, evaluate applicants holistically; they consider grades, course rigor, essays, recommendations, extracurricular involvement, character, and personal background alongside any standardized test scores that students choose to submit. Even so, understanding the average or typical score ranges of admitted students can be useful for setting goals and gauging competitiveness.

Across the Ivy League as a whole, SAT scores for admitted students are consistently far above the national average. Most schools report middle 50 percent SAT ranges that fall roughly between 1430 and 1580 on the 1600-point scale. While this range varies slightly by institution, many admitted students cluster toward the upper end, especially at the most selective schools. ACT scores follow a similar pattern, with most admitted students scoring between 33 and 35 out of 36, and a significant number earning scores at the very top of that range. Now, let’s break down average scores at each Ivy.

Harvard
At Harvard University, admitted students who submit SAT scores typically score near the top of the scale, often around 1550 to 1580, while ACT composite scores commonly fall between 34 and 36. 

Princeton
Princeton University shows very similar averages, with SAT scores usually landing in the low to high 1500s and ACT scores centered around 34 or 35. 

Yale
Yale University’s admitted students also post extremely strong results, with SAT scores often ranging from about 1500 to the mid-1500s and ACT scores generally in the low to mid-30s.

Penn
The University of Pennsylvania reports SAT scores for admitted students that commonly sit in the mid-1500s, alongside ACT composite scores around 34 or 35. 

Columbia
Columbia University’s averages closely mirror those of Harvard and Princeton, with SAT scores often falling between the low 1500s and upper 1500s and ACT scores clustered near the top of the scale. 

Brown
Brown University tends to show a slightly wider range, but its admitted students still usually score in the high 1400s to mid-1500s on the SAT and around 33 to 35 on the ACT.

Dartmouth
Dartmouth College, similarly, presents broader score ranges compared to some of the other Ivies, yet their averages remain highly competitive. Dartmouth’s admitted students frequently earn SAT scores in the high 1400s to mid-1500s and ACT scores in the low to mid-30s. 

Cornell
Cornell University, which is the largest Ivy League school, often reports SAT scores beginning in the mid-1400s and extending into the high 1500s, with ACT scores commonly ranging from about 32 to 35.

None of these averages should be mistaken for requirements or guarantees. Admissions offices at Ivy League universities consistently emphasize that standardized test scores are just one part of a much larger picture. A perfect SAT or ACT score does not ensure admission, and a score below the average does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Factors such as GPA, leadership, creativity, resilience, and impact outside the classroom often play a decisive role. Still, knowing typical SAT and ACT score ranges can help students understand how their scores compare to those of admitted students and decide whether submitting test results strengthens their overall application.

If you have a student looking to attend an Ivy League school, or any top American university, Test Prep Chicago can help. As a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Content, making our practice tests some of the most accurate out there. Though our ACT and SAT prep courses have already begun, we are offering one-day workshops for students preparing for the ACT (enroll here), and can always provide individual tutoring (learn more and sign up here) for students preparing for one or both of the exams.

A Breakdown of the ACT

Colleges use ACT and SAT scores alongside grades, extracurriculars, and interviews to evaluate applicants and determine admissions. Scoring well on the ACT can broaden your student’s horizons, allowing them admittance to additional schools and, in some cases, access to additional scholarships.

To maximize the opportunity the ACT presents, students need to have a clear understanding of the structure of the exam and a prior knowledge of what types of questions to expect. Test Prep Chicago is a Licensed Provider of Official ACT® Content, and our material includes Officially Licensed ACT® Questions. Thanks to this, we are in a uniquely strong position to offer insights into this exam.

Here is an overview of the sections you can expect to see on the ACT:

English (50 questions. 35 minutes. 42 seconds per question)

The English test includes six to seven personal and informational essays of varying lengths. Longer passages of ~340 words will be accompanied by 10 questions, and shorter passages of ~185 words will be accompanied by 5 questions. You will be tested on a variety of topics, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, style, tone, topic development, organization and cohesion.

Math (45 questions. 50 minutes. ~67 seconds per question)

The math test includes questions that require you to solve practical math problems using logical reasoning. Approximately 80% of the math questions test high school level concepts, with the remaining 20% focusing on complex, multi-step problems and applicable knowledge of those concepts. At least 20% of all problems in the math section utilize mathematical models, such as graphs, diagrams, charts, matrices, etc. Note that an approved calculator is allowed for the math section.

Reading (36 questions. 40 minutes. ~67 seconds per question)

The reading test consists of three long passages and a pair of short passages. Passages will include both literary narratives and informational texts from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each passage will have approximately 9 corresponding questions involving main ideas, details, point of view, and analysis of the author’s word choice and purpose.

Science* (40 questions. 40 minutes. 60 seconds per question)

The science test consists of six or seven passages that present scientific information from the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and astronomy. The information is presented in reading passages and graphic representations. Most questions in the science section will not test outside scientific knowledge but will instead rely more heavily on reading comprehension and interpretation of data. The answer to each question will typically be in the corresponding passage.

Writing* (1 prompt. 40 minutes.)

The writing test is a 40-minute essay designed to measure your writing skills. The prompt will present three different perspectives on a contemporary issue. You will be tasked with writing an essay in which you develop your own perspective on the issue and explore how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives. Essays are graded based on ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions.

You can view upcoming ACT test dates and register your student for the exam at act.org. Test Prep Chicago offers 8-week ACT courses and one-day workshops throughout the city. We have many courses that begin the weekend of January 31st, that line up perfectly with the April 11th ACT testing date. You can register for one of our ACT courses here, and sign up for one of our one-day ACT Palooza workshops here. Want a more personalized approach that works with your schedule? Click here to see our individual tutoring options.

*The science and writing tests are optional for students testing privately. However, in Illinois public schools, students in grade 11 will take the ACT with writing, which includes tests in English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing.

How Colleges Really Interpret SAT and ACT Scores

In addition to grades, extracurriculars, and interviews, the SAT and ACT continue to play an important role in how colleges evaluate applicants. Strong performance on either test can provide a meaningful advantage in a competitive college application process.

Colleges use SAT and ACT scores primarily to help them understand a student’s academic readiness compared to other students across the country. High school transcripts vary widely in grading standards, course availability, and academic rigor depending on the school a student attends, so test scores help to provide a more standardized method of understanding a student's academic performance. Note that scores are typically viewed in ranges rather than as hard cutoffs, and they are interpreted alongside GPA, course rigor, and trends over time.

The SAT is often read as a strong indicator of reasoning. Its focus on evidence-based reading and math allows colleges to assess how well students can analyze texts, interpret information, and apply foundational mathematical concepts. Admissions officers tend to view strong SAT scores as confirmation that a student’s classroom success reflects real mastery of core academic skills. The ACT, while equally respected, provides different information to admissions committees. Its faster pacing and broader subject coverage, including the science section, allow colleges to see how students perform under time pressure across multiple disciplines. Strong ACT scores are often interpreted as evidence of content knowledge, efficiency, and academic stamina. 

Importantly, colleges do not prefer one exam over the other. SAT and ACT scores are converted so they can be evaluated on the same scale. From an admissions standpoint, the value lies not in which test a student takes, but in how clearly that score reflects readiness for college-level work. This is why preparation matters; a well-prepared score signals discipline, familiarity with the exam’s structure, and the ability to perform at a student’s true academic level. Colleges understand that just as much as standardized tests are knowledge-based, they are also skills-based, and they expect scores to reflect preparation as much as academic talent.

Admissions officers also read scores in context. A score is evaluated relative to a student’s high school, available coursework, and opportunities. A strong score from a student who attended a school with limited advanced classes can carry significant weight, while a similar score from a highly resourced environment may be interpreted differently. In this way, test scores help colleges identify students who have made the most of their circumstances and demonstrated academic initiative and a desire to learn.

Ultimately, colleges view the SAT and ACT as important tools because they provide a standardized method of interpreting academic ability in an admissions landscape that is highly variable. These exams allow students to demonstrate readiness, resilience, and mastery in a format that colleges trust and understand. With thoughtful preparation, the SAT and ACT can be opportunities for students to take control of how their academic abilities are seen and evaluated. 

 While many of the public high schools in Chicago now only administer the ACT, many students choose to take the SAT or both exams. If your child is planning to take either assessment, Test Prep Chicago can help them prepare. We offer one-day ACT prep workshops (click here), ACT prep courses (click here), SAT prep courses (click here), or individual tutoring for either (or both) exams (click here). TPC can offer your student in-depth tutoring and prep material for each section on each exam, practice tests, test-taking strategies, testing analytics, and homework that helps to reinforce said strategies and material, ensuring that your student succeeds no matter what college entrance exam they plan on taking. 

The ACT vs. the SAT: What You Need to Know

As students move closer to college applications, one big question often comes up: should my student take the ACT or the SAT? Both exams are widely accepted by colleges across the country, and neither test is considered “better” overall. That said, understanding how the ACT and SAT differ can help students choose the test that best fits them.

The SAT focuses heavily on reasoning, problem-solving, and working carefully through questions. It includes sections on Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, with an optional essay that very few colleges now require. The math section places a strong emphasis on algebra, data analysis, and word problems that require careful reading. The reading passages often involve complex vocabulary and ask students to analyze tone, evidence, and meaning. The SAT gives students a bit more time per question than the ACT (about 15-25 seconds more time per question), which can be helpful for students who like to think slowly and double-check their work.

The ACT, on the other hand, is faster-paced and more content-based. It includes four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section. The ACT English section focuses strongly on grammar rules and editing skills, while the math section covers a wider range of topics, including geometry and trigonometry. One major difference is the Science section, which tests students on how well they can interpret charts, graphs, and experiments rather than how much science content they have memorized. Because the ACT moves quickly, students must work efficiently and make decisions fast.

Students who tend to do well on the SAT are often strong readers, careful thinkers, and comfortable with multi-step problems. If a student prefers fewer questions with more time to think, enjoys analyzing passages, and feels confident with algebra and word problems, the SAT may be a better fit. The SAT can also feel more manageable for students who struggle with time pressure.

The ACT is often a better choice for students who work quickly, feel confident with grammar rules, and are comfortable switching between topics at a fast pace. Students who enjoy straightforward questions, do well interpreting graphs and data, and have strong math skills across many topics may find the ACT plays to their strengths. Students who are less intimidated by time limits often prefer the ACT’s style.

Many students don’t know which test suits them best until they try both. Taking a practice SAT and ACT is often the smartest way to decide, since real performance matters more than general preferences. Colleges accept scores from either exam equally, so the goal is simply to choose the test that allows a student to show their best abilities. Additionally, many of the public high schools in Chicago now only administer the ACT, which results in many students taking it each year. If your child is planning to take the ACT or SAT, Test Prep Chicago can help them prepare through one-day ACT prep workshops (click here), ACT prep courses (click here), SAT prep courses (click here), or individual tutoring for either (or both) exams (click here). TPC can offer your student in-depth tutoring and prep material for each section on each exam, practice tests, test-taking strategies, and homework that helps to reinforce said strategies and material, ensuring that your student succeeds no matter what college entrance exam they plan on taking.

Considerations When Applying to Test-Optional Colleges

An increased number of colleges and universities across the country went to a test-optional admissions process during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it appears that many of these schools are making the changes permanent. In a test-optional landscape, there are several important factors to consider to optimize your college application.

An important consideration is that your grades may be weighted more if you do not submit a test score. If you do not feel your grades are indicative of your academic potential, a strong test score would augment your application. Alternatively, if your grades are strong and you tend to score poorly on tests, an admissions exam may not be as appropriate. The same can be said for extracurricular activities and achievements–keep in mind that these parts of your application may be more closely scrutinized in the event that you do not submit a test score.

Additionally, be sure to check if the school to which you are applying is test-optional (meaning you get to decide if you submit any scores), test-flexible (meaning they will consider additional tests other than the SAT or the ACT), or test-blind (meaning they will not consider test scores even if you submit them). Some schools that are test-optional for admissions require test scores to be considered for merit-based scholarships, so make sure you understand the policy of each school.

Understanding the various options available to you will allow to you choose a path forward that will best highlight your skills and interests to the admissions committee.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Will You Take the Digital or Paper SAT?

You may be wondering if you will take the digital or the paper-pencil version of the SAT. In short, it will depend on your location and your class year!

International testing centers have transitioned fully to the digital SAT, so if you do not live in the USA, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, you will be taking the test digitally.

Otherwise, it will depend on several factors. If you are a member of the class of 2024, you will take the paper test. If you are in the class of 2025 and taking the SAT in the fall of your junior year or earlier, you will also take the paper test. Members of the class of 2025 who plan to test in the spring of their junior year or later will take the digital version, as will members of the class of 2026 and all future classes.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266