Stony Brook University, a prominent public research institution and member of the SUNY system, maintains high academic standards for its applicants. In this article, we will explore the SAT scores and requirements for Stony Brook University. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses Stony Brook’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook SAT scores are competitive, reflecting the university’s rigorous academic environment. The average SAT score at Stony Brook is around 1410, out of the maximum SAT score of 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores is 1320, and the 75th percentile is 1500.
This means that 25% of Stony Brook students scored below a 1320, and 25% scored above a 1500. This range indicates the university’s selective nature but also shows that there is flexibility in the scores that applicants can achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Stony Brook University?
The SAT consists of two sections: the English (reading and writing) section and the math section. Each is scored out of 800 for a combined total of 1600.
Stony Brook’s average SAT English score is 680, with a lower 25th percentile score of 640 and an upper 75th percentile score of 720. Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 640 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, and a score greater than 720 would place you in the highest quarter of Stony Brook’s SAT English scores.
What is the average SAT Math score at Stony Brook University?
The average SAT Math score at Stony Brook is 730. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 680, and the 75th percentile at 780. These statistics indicate that 25% of admitted students scored at or below 680. The top 25% of admitted students scored at or above 780, likely with many perfect scorers among them.
This means that the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at Stony Brook are quite high. Further, these scores are, on average, fifty points higher than the English section averages. That said, there is no specific expectation that applicants must reach these scores.
What are Stony Brook University’s SAT requirements?
Stony Brook University has adopted a test-optional admissions policy for first-year applicants. This means that for the upcoming admissions cycles, most applicants can choose whether to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
There are some exceptions to the test-optional policy. Applicants to the Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine honors programs must submit standardized test scores. Moreover, if you are a transfer student who has not yet completed a college-level writing course at a US college (or you received a grade below a C in the course), you must also submit SAT and/or ACT scores.
In addition, Stony Brook allows applicants to self-report their SAT scores. For those with financial hardships, the College Board offers a fee waiver for score submission purposes. Applicants who do not have an SAT fee waiver should have their guidance counselor email the university directly with a financial justification and the full score report.
As of now, Stony Brook neither requires nor expects the optional essay portion of the SAT or SAT Subject Tests.
What percentage of Stony Brook applicants submit the SAT?
Among admitted applicants, around 41% submit SAT scores, with only 5% choosing to submit ACT scores. The remaining approximate 54% of admits choose to go test-optional. Clearly, the SAT remains the most popular standardized test for admitted Stony Brook applicants, with more than eight times as many students choosing to submit the SAT over the ACT. That said, there is no distinct advantage to taking one test over the other apart from personal preference.
Should I go test-optional?
Going test-optional is permissible for most applicants to Stony Brook. Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can only help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive university like Stony Brook. We recommend that any student with the means to do so should take the SAT or ACT. If the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application, and if not, you can choose to omit the score on your Stony Brook application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well will only help, and scores you aren’t proud of can be left off without penalty.
Once you have received your scores, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit them. If your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they may be worth submitting. Again, sending in a strong score will boost your application, but choosing not to do so will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision.
Does Stony Brook superscore the SAT?
Stony Brook does superscore the SAT. In other words, the Stony Brook admissions team will combine your highest Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math section scores across multiple test dates to create your superscore.
Stony Brook 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 Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs, and they implement a holistic review of applicants. However, most students admitted to Stony Brook have strong standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average composite score is around 1410, so aiming for a score at or above this average would be advantageous. The upper 25% of students scored a 1500 or higher, meaning that scores in that range would be highly competitive.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1320 | 1410 | 1500 |
| English | 640 | 680 | 720 |
| Math | 680 | 730 | 780 |
Can I get into Stony Brook with a low SAT score?
Gaining admittance to Stony Brook with a low SAT score is possible, although challenging. “Low” is a relative term, and below-average scores for Stony Brook are still competitive when compared to the national averages. The lower quartile SAT score at Stony Brook is 1320. This means that 25% of students scored at or below a 1320.
In addition, applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. For example, a student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through community service may be judged more favorably than an applicant with a higher score who does not demonstrate such initiative.
While scores are important, they are not the only factor in admissions. Admissions officers also highly value extracurricular passions, projects, and academic achievements. Read more about Stony Brook’s admissions requirements and expectations here.
When should I take the SAT for Stony Brook University?
For students planning to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT for Stony Brook is generally during the preceding junior spring semester.
Students must submit all of their application materials, including standardized test scores, by the relevant application deadline. Students applying early to Stony Brook must submit their applications by November 1. The regular application submission deadline is January 15.
What is Stony Brook University’s SAT code?
Stony Brook’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 2548.
While Stony Brook has adopted a test-optional policy, submitting high scores can be beneficial for applicants. Ultimately, whether or not to take and submit the SAT is a personal decision for each student based on their strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are considering taking the ACT instead, check out our article about Stony Brook ACT scores!
