Brandeis University, known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life, has high expectations for prospective students. This article will detail the Brandeis ACT scores and requirements, providing an overview of what prospective students need to know. Don’t forget to check out our other post about Brandeis’ SAT scores and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at Brandeis?
In keeping with its reputation for academic excellence, Brandeis’ average composite ACT score falls around a 33, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 21.
Additionally, the 25th percentile score for the incoming class is 31. The 75th percentile is a composite score of 34. This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 31 or below, and the highest 25% of scorers had a 34 or above. These numbers demonstrate the high standards Brandeis holds for its students. However, the range also shows that there is no one number that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average ACT English score at Brandeis?
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here, we will break down the Brandeis ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at Brandeis is 34, with the 25th and 75th percentiles falling at 32 and 35, respectively. Overall, Brandeis students perform very well on the English section of the ACT, with the majority achieving high scores.
What is the average ACT Math score at Brandeis?
The average ACT Math score for Brandeis falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles of 28 and 34. Furthermore, an ACT Math score of 31 would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at Brandeis. From these statistics, we can see that 25% of applicants scored at or below 28 on their SAT math section. An additional 25% of applicants scored at or above 34.
While these scores are a bit lower than the English section scores, they are still quite high. However, as with the other sections, there is no one particular benchmark that applicants must meet. Now, let’s look at the specific Brandeis ACT requirements.
What are Brandeis’ ACT requirements?
Brandeis University has maintained a test-optional policy since 2013, longer than most test-optional schools. This means applicants can decide whether or not their SAT or ACT scores best reflect their academic abilities. While the admissions team at Brandeis cares about test scores, they evaluate many aspects of your application together, without solely relying on test scores.
Brandeis allows applicants to self-report their ACT scores on their applications. If you are admitted and choose to enroll, you must submit official scores. There are two approved methods: you submit your official test scores either through the testing agency or through an official school document.
Note that Brandeis does not require the optional ACT Writing section.
For more information about the application requirements at Brandeis, check out their Apply webpage.
What percent of Brandeis applicants submit the ACT?
Among students admitted to Brandeis, 17% chose to submit ACT scores. Another 39% submitted SAT scores. The remaining approximate 44% decided to go test-optional. These statistics shows that more than twice as many successful applicants decided to send SAT scores over ACT scores. Despite this imbalance, though, Brandeis does not maintain a preference for one test over the other.
In addition, the largest percentage of applicants decided to omit test scores from their applications. Evidently, you are not at a disadvantage if you choose to go test-optional.
Should I go test-optional?
Going test-optional is an individual decision that should reflect your personal strengths, desires, and Submitting a high ACT score can enhance your application to Brandeis, but it is not mandatory. If you believe your ACT score reflects your academic abilities well, submitting it could be beneficial.
For this reason, we recommend that all students who are able to study for and take the SAT or the ACT. A strong score will benefit your application. And if you do not feel confident about your score, omitting it will not disadvantage your application. Brandeis emphasizes a holistic review process, considering various aspects of your application beyond test scores.
Does Brandeis superscore the ACT?
Brandeis does generate superscores for its applicants. This means that they will evaluate your strongest scores across multiple test dates. If you choose to send your pre-generated ACT Superscore, Brandeis will also receive the full scores for your single strongest sitting. This is a useful option for students who have taken the ACT multiple times with varying results.
What’s a good ACT score for Brandeis?
While Brandeis does not have specific ACT score cutoffs, aiming for scores within the middle 50% range can be advantageous. The average composite score is around 33, so targeting a score close to this average or higher is a good strategy.
Remember, a “good” score for Brandeis will be quite high when compared to the national averages. Statistically, the average US high school student will score around a 21 composite on their ACT. Thus, the average ACT score of 33 at Brandeis can be a challenging mark to strive for. Ideally, your score will fall at or above the 25th-75th percentile range for Brandeis.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 31 | 33 | 34 |
| English | 32 | 34 | 35 |
| Math | 28 | 31 | 34 |
Can I get into Brandeis with a low ACT?
Admission to Brandeis with a low ACT score is possible, especially considering their holistic review process. A low score, relative to Brandeis’ averages, can be offset by strong academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and compelling personal statements.
In other words, Brandeis values the overall profile of an applicant, including leadership, community service, and other unique attributes. While the lower quartile ACT score at Brandeis is 31, applicants with scores below this range can still gain admission if they demonstrate strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
For more information on the admissions process, visit their “What We Look For” webpage.
When should I take the ACT for Brandeis?
The junior spring of high school preceding college application deadlines is often referred to as an ideal time to take standardized tests for college admissions. Ideally, you take the exam at least two months before the application deadlines for the colleges you plan to send scores to. Brandeis specifically asks that students applying via Early Decision I submit their results by November 1. Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicants must submit scores by January 2.
What is Brandeis’ ACT code?
Brandeis’ ACT code for submitting official test scores is 1802.
While Brandeis no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help. Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our Brandeis SAT Breakdown!
