Purdue University, known for its strong academic programs and innovative research, has specific expectations for SAT scores. This article will provide a detailed look into Purdue’s SAT requirements and what prospective students should know. Be sure to check out our other post discussing Purdue’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Purdue?
Purdue University’s SAT scores are competitive, reflecting their rigorous academic standards. The average composite SAT score for admitted students is around 1330 out of a maximum of 1600. The 25th percentile SAT score falls at 1200. Meanwhile, the 75th percentile reaches a strong 1470.
These statistics mean that 25% of Purdue students scored below 1200. Another 25% of students scored above 1470. While high scores are common among admitted students, there is no strict cutoff for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Purdue?
The SAT is divided into two main sections: English (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and Math, each scored out of 800.
Purdue’s average SAT English score is 650. Further, the 25th percentile sits at 600 and the 75th percentile at 710. Therefore, score below 600 would place you in the lowest 25% of scores among admitted students. Meanwhile, a score above 710 would place you in the highest 25% of students.
Although these statistics indicate that the average SAT score at Purdue is quite high, there is a range of scores among admitted students. While it is ideal to strive for the middle 50% of scores, a high score is not the only criteria for admission.
What is the average SAT Math score at Purdue?
Now, let’s dive into Purdue’s average SAT math scores.
The average SAT Math score at Purdue is 680, thirty points higher than the average SAT English scores at Purdue. Further, the 25th percentile score is 600, and the 75th percentile is 760. Although the 25th percentile scores are the same for the English and math sections, the average SAT math score at Purdue is fifty points higher than the 75th percentile for the English section. Despite these differences, there is no section-specific minimum required for admission.
In addition, these statistics mean that the top quarter of SAT math scores at Purdue hit 760 or higher. Still, the majority of scores fall below this level, with 25% of admitted students scored 600 or below.
What are Purdue’s SAT requirements?
Purdue University does not currently maintain a test-optional policy. This means that the admissions committee expects applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, this is not a hard requirement in the event of unexpected circumstances. In such cases, applications can be submitted without test scores via the Common App.
Applicants may self-report their SAT scores on their applications. However, if admitted and accepting an offer, official scores must be provided directly from the testing organization. The essay section of the SAT is not required. In addition, because SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued, they are not needed for Purdue’s application process.
More details about Purdue SAT requirements can be found on their Freshman Admission Criteria webpage.
What percentage of Purdue applicants submit the SAT?
Among students admitted to Purdue, 67% submitted SAT scores, and 29% submitted ACT scores. Moreover, roughly 4% did not submit any standardized test scores. These statistics show that the SAT remains a popular choice among Purdue applicants, but there is no preference for one test over the other. In addition, the low percentage of students who did not submit standardized test scores evidences that it is only in exceptional circumstances that students are permitted to go test-optional.
Should I go test-optional?
Purdue generally expects applicants to submit standardized test scores, but they allow for exceptions in certain cases. Therefore, unless you are in a unique situation, you should submit a standardized test score. In order to make this decision, you should discuss with your high school counselor or other trusted adults in addition to considering other schools with more flexible test-optional policies.
In summary, submitting a SAT or ACT score can help an applicant’s chances for admission to Purdue. We recommend that any student who has the means to do so should take the SAT or ACT if applying to Purdue.
Does Purdue superscore the SAT?
Purdue allows applicants to report the best scores from across different tests, effectively permitting you to create your own superscore. This policy enables students to showcase their highest performance across multiple test dates.
What’s a good SAT score for Purdue?
Purdue does not have specific SAT score cutoffs, but most admitted students have high scores when compared to the national averages. In addition, students who are not native English speakers are generally expected to achieve a 600 or higher on their English section. Read more about the requirements for non-native English speakers here.
In addition, given that 75% of all students admitted to Purdue who submitted the SAT achieved a 600 or higher on the English and math sections, or a composite 1200 or higher, a 600 section score or a 1200 composite score seems to be a good baseline for an admissible score at Purdue.
In addition, the statistics above show that the average score is around 1330. Thus, aiming for a score at or above this level would be beneficial. Moreover, the upper 25% of Purdue students scored 1470 or higher. As expected, a “good” SAT score for Purdue would be relatively high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1200 | 1330 | 1470 |
| English | 600 | 650 | 710 |
| Math | 600 | 680 | 760 |
Can I get into Purdue with a low SAT score?
Getting into Purdue with a low SAT score is difficult but possible. This is especially the case if your other application components are strong. While the lower quartile SAT score at Purdue is 1200, applicants with scores below this range can still gain admission if they demonstrate strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement. Remember, 25% of students admitted to Purdue achieved a 1200 or below on their SAT.
In other words, 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 thing an upcoming college applicant should devote their time to. Extracurricular passions and projects, as well as coursework and college essays, are just as important as the SAT, if not more so.
When should I take the SAT for Purdue?
For students planning to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT is generally during the spring of their junior year. This is also the time of year that Purdue’s admissions department recommends.
In addition, for those applying for Early Action (EA) and seeking scholarship consideration, the November 1 deadline is crucial. Taking the SAT in the spring of junior year allows time for retakes if needed.
What is Purdue’s SAT code?
Purdue’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 1631.
While Purdue expects applicants who are able to submit standardized test scores, the decision to take and submit the SAT should be based on individual strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are considering taking the ACT instead, check out our article about Purdue ACT scores!
