What Is a Good SAT Score for the Ivy League in 2025?
A strong SAT score can set you apart from other applicants and even help you get into your dream school.
But Ivy League colleges are ultra selective, and you may need extremely high scores to be competitive. For example, a 1400 SAT score is around the 93rd percentile among all test-takers who graduated from high school recently, which sounds great — but this score is far below the median scores of enrolled Ivy students.
This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get into an Ivy with a lower score, of course, but anything less than excellent will make it that much harder to get accepted. A college counselor can take the guess work out of building a test plan, assessing competitive Ivy League test scores, and ensuring your application is just as outstanding as your SAT score.
Average SAT Scores for Ivy League Schools
So what is a good SAT score for the Ivy League? To answer this question, we looked at the latest available score data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator.
The “middle 50%” range reflects typical test scores for enrolled students. The lower number represents the 25th percentile score, meaning 25% of test-takers scored at or below this number. The higher number represents the 75th percentile score, meaning 25% of test-takers scored at or above this number.
In other words, half of all enrolled students’ scores fall in this middle 50% range.
Note: The data below is from fall 2023, when all Ivies were still test optional. Since then, many Ivies have reinstated (or will soon reinstate) standardized testing requirements.
| School | Middle 50% SAT Scores | % of Applicants Who Submitted SAT Scores | Requires Test Scores? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | 1500-1570 | 54% | Yes, since fall 2024 |
| Columbia University | 1490-1570 | 40% | No, is permanently test optional |
| Cornell University | 1480-1560 | 37% | Yes, starting in fall 2025 |
| Dartmouth College | 1500-1570 | 43% | Yes, since fall 2024 |
| Harvard University | 1500-1580 | 52% | Yes, since fall 2024 |
| Princeton University | 1500-1580 | 57% | No, but may be required starting in fall 2026 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 1500-1570 | 51% | Yes, starting in fall 2025 |
| Yale University | 1500-1580 | 56% | Yes, but has a test-flexible policy |
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Do All Ivy League Schools Require SAT Scores?
No, not all Ivy League schools require SAT or ACT scores.
For years, the Ivies required standardized test scores for admission. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, many schools — including all eight Ivies — adopted test-optional policies.
Now, the latest trend has been to reinstate testing requirements. Colleges have found that many admitted students who didn’t submit test scores weren’t prepared for college-level work. Even colleges that don’t require the SAT or ACT might be skeptical about applicants who don’t submit scores.
That said, telling a compelling story about yourself is just as important to your overall application as SAT scores, and a college counselor can help ensure you’re hitting the mark.
Within the Ivy League, only Columbia is permanently test optional. Princeton is currently test optional, but continues to monitor the role of standardized testing in its admission process. Additionally, Yale now has a unique test-flexible policy in which applicants can submit AP or IB scores in place of SAT or ACT scores.
For every other Ivy, you must submit SAT or ACT scores.
How to Get a Good SAT Score for the Ivy League: 5 Tips
If your sights are set on the Ivy League, a strong SAT score may be a way to set yourself apart from your competition. Here’s some advice to help you on your way.
1 | Memorize the Patterns
The SAT is a standardized test, meaning it tests the same skills in the same way, every time.
If you know what to expect and what to do, you’ll have an advantage over those who don’t. When you study, use every question as a learning opportunity to find out what’s on the test and the best way to meet the SAT’s challenges.
If you build the skills tested on every SAT, you’ll be better prepared for test day.
2 | Use Official Practice Tests
One of the best ways to build your understanding of what’s on the SAT is to take SAT practice tests. Just make sure to prioritize official SAT practice tests from the College Board.
Some of the questions and tests created by third-party test-prep companies are good for practice, but others may miss the mark. This is why it’s usually best to stick to questions released by the College Board.
There is a limited number of official practice tests, so use them carefully.
3 | Learn Proven SAT Strategies
The College Board is a good source for practice questions, but don’t count on it if you want to learn test strategies. While the organization’s answer explanations are technically correct, they aren’t designed to show you the best ways to solve the questions.
This is where test-prep companies come in. Their job is to show you the best way to answer the questions, which means getting the correct answer quickly and avoiding common SAT traps.
For example, a college counselor can help you craft an SAT study plan.
4 | Decide Between Self-Study, Classes, and Private Tutoring
Self-study options, such as SAT prep books, can offer good SAT advice at a low price — but they tend to offer the same advice to everyone, regardless of your strengths and weaknesses.
An SAT prep course gives you time with an instructor and lots of hours at a higher price. But you’ll likely be in a class with many other people. What’s more, some “SAT teachers” aren’t true SAT experts, so beware!
Private SAT tutoring tends to cost the most per hour, but every session is all about you. Take time to ask around to see who has a track record of success before investing in tutoring.
5 | Consider the ACT
If you’re unsure whether the SAT is for you, consider giving the ACT a shot. A great ACT score could be just as helpful as a great SAT score, and many students who struggle with the SAT do better on the ACT.
If you’re serious about getting a high test score for the Ivy League, give the ACT a look and take an official ACT practice test to get a feel for it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Good SAT Scores for the Ivy League
While there is technically no minimum SAT score to get into Harvard, you’ll likely need a score of around 1500 or higher to be competitive. Even a perfect SAT score won’t guarantee you admission.
A truly spectacular applicant could get into Harvard with so-so test scores, but those applicants are rare.
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