Northeastern University, known for its emphasis on experiential learning, holds high expectations for its applicants. In this article, we will explore the Northeastern SAT scores and requirements. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses Northeastern’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Northeastern?
Unsurprisingly, Northeastern SAT scores are competitive. The average composite SAT score at Northeastern is 1500 out of a maximum of 1600. The 25th percentile score is 1440, while the 75th percentile reaches a strong 1550.
These statistics show that 25% of Northeastern admits scored below a 1440. Further, 25% of successful applicants scored above a 1550. This range highlights the high standards of the admissions team, but also indicates that there is no single score applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Northeastern?
The SAT consists of two sections: the English, or Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section, and the Math section. Each is scored out of 800 for a combined total of 1600 for the overall SAT score.
Northeastern’s average SAT English score is 730. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score sits at 700 and the 75th percentile score at 760. Thus, an SAT English score below 700 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, while a score above 760 would place you in the highest quarter of Northeastern’s SAT English scores.
What is the average SAT Math score at Northeastern?
The average SAT Math score at Northeastern is 770, forty points higher than the English section score. The 25th percentile score is 740, forty points higher than the average SAT English score. Further, the 75th percentile score reaches a near-perfect 790, thirty points higher than the average English section score. Although there is a disparity between these averages, there is no strict expectation for your math scores to exceed your English scores.
These statistics reveal that the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at Northeastern are near perfect. Further, the lowest quartile of students scored 740 or below on their SAT Math. However, there is no rigid expectation that applicants must reach a perfect score.
What are Northeastern’s SAT requirements?
For the incoming classes through fall 2026, Northeastern is test-optional. This means that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores. Moreover, students who choose to go test-optional are not at a disadvantage. Every applicant will receive full admissions consideration regardless of their testing status.
Applicants can self-report their SAT scores through the Application Status Check. Applicants who are admitted and choose to enroll must submit official SAT scores through the College Board.
Note that Northeastern does not require or expect the optional essay portion of the SAT or SAT Subject Tests.
More details about Northeastern SAT requirements can be found on their Test-Optional and Standardized Testing FAQs page.
What percentage of Northeastern applicants submit the SAT?
Among admitted applicants, roughly 33% choose to submit SAT scores. An additional 11% submit ACT scores. Lastly, the remaining approximate 56% choose to go test-optional. These statistics show that the SAT remains a popular choice for Northeastern applicants. That said, there is no advantage in choosing one test over the other apart from individual preference and circumstance.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can enhance an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive school like Northeastern. We recommend that any student with the means to do so takes the SAT or ACT. If the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your Northeastern application. Giving yourself the opportunity to perform well can only help, and poor scores can always be left off your application without penalty.
Consider your scores in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school like Northeastern. If your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely worth submitting. Sending in a strong score will boost your application, but choosing not to submit will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision.
Does Northeastern superscore the SAT?
Northeastern superscores the SAT. This means that the Northeastern admissions team will combine your highest Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math section scores across multiple test dates to create your superscore.
Northeastern also allows applicants to use the College Board Score Choice option, allowing students to select which test dates to submit scores from. This option is beneficial for students who have a score or two they are most proud of and others they would prefer not to submit.
What’s a good SAT score for Northeastern?
Northeastern does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs. In other words, there is more to an application than test scores. Northeastern has a holistic admissions approach.
While there is no minimum score requirement, most admitted Northeastern students have high standardized testing scores. The average score is around 1500, so aiming for a score at or above this average would put you in a good position. Further, the upper 25% of Northeastern students scored a 1550 or higher, with many scoring near-perfect results. So, as expected, a “good” SAT score for Northeastern is quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1440 | 1500 | 1550 |
| English | 700 | 730 | 760 |
| Math | 740 | 770 | 790 |
Can I get into Northeastern with a low SAT score?
Getting into Northeastern with a low SAT score is challenging but possible. “Low” is a relative term: below-average scores for Northeastern are still quite high overall. The lower quartile SAT score is 1440. With this in mind, it would be in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, if not higher.
That said, it is still possible to gain admission with an SAT score below a 1440. Applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. A student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through a community service project may be judged more favorably than an applicant with an above-average score who doesn’t demonstrate initiative outside of studying and testing.
Therefore, while scores are important, they are not the only factor. Extracurricular passions and projects, as well as academic performance, are just as important as test scores, if not more so. Lastly, remember that if you feel your scores do not accurately reflect your academic capacities, you can choose to go test-optional.
When should I take the SAT for Northeastern?
For students planning to apply during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT for Northeastern is generally during the junior spring semester. However, applicants to Northeastern must submit their test scores by the application deadline. Thus, your last SAT test date must be 2-4 weeks (at the absolute latest) before your application deadline. This will give you just enough time to receive and self-report your test score before you apply.
For more details, see Northeastern’s Deadlines & Decisions webpage.
What is Northeastern’s SAT code?
Northeastern’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 3667.
While Northeastern does not require its applicants to submit standardized test scores, those who do and are admitted to this esteemed university are often high scorers. However, choosing not to submit scores will not harm an applicant. Ultimately, whether or not to take and submit the SAT is a personal decision based on each student’s strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are considering taking the ACT instead, be sure to check out our article about Northeastern ACT scores!
