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.

Underfunding Public Universities in the State of Illinois

A state-funded commission reports that public universities are underfunded by approximately 1.4 billion dollars in Illinois. Co-chair of the commission Kimberly Lightfoot outlines how underfunding  these establishments creates an inequitable educational environment as it “perpetuates a cycle of inequalities, where those from affluent backgrounds have access to better education and subsequently better opportunities, while others are left behind.”  Similarly, the executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability claims “we are making higher ed more unaffordable for everyone in Illinois generally, but in particular, for low-income families and families that have been marginalized for decades.”

From 2002 – 2021 they found that state funding has decreased from 72% to 35%. The commission posits that allocating 100 – 135 million dollars to public universities each year would nullify this issue within the next 10-15 years. A 135 million dollar increase would amount to a 12% difference leading to a 10-year track to fully funding public universities, while a 100 million dollar increase would net a 9% difference culminating in a 15-year timeline. These findings will be presented at budget hearings within the coming weeks.  

Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator

kayley@testprepchicago.com

312-848-1266

2023-24 College Application Tips for Rising Seniors

With the start of the school year, rising seniors who intend to attend college will need to keep track of the steps for a successful college application. To navigate this transition successfully, here are some essential steps that rising seniors should get a head start on as the summer draws to a close.

1. Narrow Down Your List - The world of higher education offers many options that cater to different interests and aspirations. As a rising senior, it's crucial to start narrowing down your college list. Reflect on your academic and extracurricular passions, preferred location, campus culture, and potential majors. By identifying colleges that align with your values and goals, you'll make the application process more manageable and focused.

2. Visit College Campuses - While virtual tours have become a convenient way to explore campuses, there's no substitute for an in-person visit. If possible, consider visiting the campuses of your top choices. Walking through the quads, attending information sessions, and engaging with current students can provide invaluable insights into the college environment. These firsthand experiences can help you gauge whether a particular institution feels like the right fit for you.

3. Draft Your College Essay - The college essay is your opportunity to paint a vivid picture of your personality, experiences, and aspirations. The College Board essays, widely used by many institutions, offer seven prompts that encourage introspection and self-expression. The 2023-24 prompts have already been released - use this summer to brainstorm, draft, and refine your essays. Allow your authentic voice to shine through, showcasing your uniqueness and leaving a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

4. Ask for Letters of Recommendation - Letters of recommendation provide a glimpse into your character and accomplishments from the perspective of teachers, mentors, or supervisors. Choose individuals who can speak to your strengths, work ethic, and potential contributions to a college community. Reach out to these individuals early, providing them with ample time to craft thoughtful and personalized recommendations that will bolster your application.

5. Make a Plan for Standardized Tests - Standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, continue to be a part of the college application landscape for many institutions. Determine which tests are required or recommended by the colleges on your list. Based on this information, create a study plan that allows you to allocate time for test preparation while balancing other commitments. Practice tests, review materials, and online resources can be valuable assets in your test prep journey.

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