It’s no secret that gaining admission to an Ivy League school is not a walk in the park. Academic performance is one of the most important metrics used to evaluate Ivy League applicants, and standardized test scores are a major part of this process. But just how important are standardized test scores, and just how high have admitted students been scoring in recent years?

Average SAT/ACT Scores of Recently Admitted Ivy League Cohorts

The following data is pulled from the most recently released Common Data Sets for each of the Ivy League schools — Brown University (Class of 2028), Columbia University (Class of 2027), Cornell University (Class of 2028), Dartmouth College (Class of 2028), Harvard University (Class of 2027), the University of Pennsylvania (Class of 2027), Princeton University (Class of 2028), and Yale University (Class of 2028).

SAT and ACT Scores in Recently Admitted Ivy League Cohorts	SAT 25th Percentile	SAT Median	SAT 75th Percentile	ACT 25th Percentile	ACT Median	ACT 75th Percentile
Brown University	1510	1540	1560	34	35	35
Columbia University	1500	1530	1560	34	35	35
Cornell University	1510	1540	1560	33	34	35
Dartmouth College	1440	1520	1560	32	33	35
Harvard University	1500	1550	1580	34	35	36
University of Pennsylvania	1500	1540	1570	34	35	35
Princeton University	1500	1530	1560	34	35	35
Yale University	1480	1530	1560	33	34	35

Reading Between the Lines: SAT and ACT Data at Test-Optional Schools

Before we parse this data, it’s important to note that these score distributions are skewed by a very important factor: the last few admissions cycles for some members of the Ivy League have been test-optional. This means that they only have data on students who elected to send their scores to admissions committees. The rate for SAT score reporting was about 50%, and the rate for ACT score reporting was about 25%, with some variation across each school. Approximately one-in-four students at these schools were admitted without submitting test scores. 

You might be looking at this chart and thinking, “these scores are ridiculously high, I could never dream of Ivy League admission.” But many schools have returned to test-mandatory policies, such as Brown, Dartmouth, and Harvard (Yale, too, but not necessarily the SAT or ACT) which means the interquartile range of scores has gone down a bit compared with past cycles as even the students with lackluster performance are forced to submit their scores. Other schools, like Columbia, have implemented indefinite test-optional policies, which means that students who otherwise would not make the cut will be able to make their way in through the Ivy League gates by withholding their scores (though they’ll be at a significant disadvantage).

Despite the slightly upward-skew of some of the data, these score distributions still reveal quite a bit about the admitted student profile at these schools. It may not come as a surprise, for example, that Dartmouth recorded the lowest median SAT score, while Harvard recorded the highest median SAT score.

Ivy League Admission Is Not Just About Test Scores

Do not give up hope if you’re daunted by these score distributions! Admissions committees across the Ivy League stress that they use “holistic” admissions criteria which evaluate each applicant “in-context.” This is a fancy way of saying that test performance is just one part of a broader picture that is painted by any given application. In fact, Harvard’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, William Fitzsimmons, once asserted that Harvard rejects several classes worth of students with perfect grades and perfect scores (and that was before applications spiked in recent years!).

Some students didn’t shine during their SAT or ACT sittings but wrote compelling essays that were complemented by heartfelt letters of recommendations. Others who may not be great test-takers excelled in the laboratory, debate stage, or concert hall. While it is recommended that each applicant optimize their chances of performing well on standardized tests through preparation and tutoring, a less than ideal score is not an application death sentence.

Below the 25th Percentile? It’s Time to Get Help

However, it is still essential to perform well on standardized tests. Even students at the bottom of the Ivy League testing distribution were still scoring well-above the national median. Take the data above as an indicator of where you should be aiming on standardized tests. If you’re scoring below the 25th score percentile of your target school, you should seriously consider calling in the experts to help boost your numbers!