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 ACT scores and requirements for Stony Brook University. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses Stony Brook’s SAT stats and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook’s average composite ACT score is around 31, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 21. The 25th percentile score for incoming students is 28. Meanwhile, the 75th percentile is a composite score of 34.
These statistics mean that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 28 or below, and the highest 25% of scorers had a composite score of 34. These numbers demonstrate the high standards Stony Brook 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 Stony Brook University?
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 Stony Brook ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at Stony Brook is 32. The 25th and 75th percentiles sit at 27 and 35, respectively. From these statistics, we can see that 25% of admitted students scored at or below 27 on their ACT English. Further, the top 25% of Stony Brook admits scored at or above 35 on their ACT English. Overall, Stony Brook students perform very well on the English section of the ACT, with many achieving high scores.
What is the average ACT Math score at Stony Brook University?
The average ACT Math score at Stony Brook is 30. The 25th and 75th percentiles fall at 28 and 34, respectively. These statistics show that 25% of Stony Brook admits scored at or below 28 on their ACT Math section. The top 25% of admitted students achieved scores of 34 and above.
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.
What are Stony Brook’s ACT 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 ACT 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 ACT Writing section.
What percent of Stony Brook applicants submit the ACT?
Of all the students who enrolled at Stony Brook, 5% submitted ACT scores. An additional 41% submitted SAT scores, while the remaining 54% did not submit scores from either exam. 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 ACT?
Stony Brook does not superscore the ACT. In other words, the Stony Brook admissions team only looks at completely test dates for the ACT, versus evaluating individual sections from different days. As a result, if you have taken the ACT multiple times, you can either submit the single test date you are most proud of, or as many test dates as you would like Stony Brook to evaluate.
What’s a good ACT score for Stony Brook?
Stony Brook does not have specific ACT 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 31, so aiming for a score at or above this average would be advantageous. The upper 25% of students scored a 34 or higher, meaning that scores in that range would be highly competitive.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 28 | 31 | 34 |
| English | 27 | 32 | 35 |
| Math | 28 | 30 | 34 |
Can I get into Stony Brook with a low ACT?
Gaining admittance to Stony Brook with a low ACT 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 28. This means that 25% of students scored at or below a 28.
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 ACT for Stony Brook?
For students planning to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the ACT 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’s ACT code?
Stony Brook’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 2952.
While Stony Brook 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 Stony Brook SAT Breakdown!
