Washington University in St. Louis, renowned for its academic excellence, sets high standards for its applicants. This article explores the SAT scores and requirements specific to WashU. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses WashU’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Washington University in St. Louis?
WashU SAT scores are highly competitive. The average score hovers around 1530 out of a maximum 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at WashU is 1500, and the 75th percentile is 1570. This means that 25% of WashU students scored below 1500, and 25% scored above 1570. This range reflects the high standards of the institution but also demonstrates that there is no one score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Washington University in St. Louis?
The SAT is broken down into two sections: the English (or Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) section, and the Math section. Each is scored out of 800 for a combined total of 1600.
WashU’s average SAT English score is 750. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score falls at 730 and 75th percentile score reaches an impressive 770.
Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 730 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, and a score greater than 770 would place you in the highest quarter of WashU’s SAT English scores. Although these statistics are much higher than the national averages, there is no minimum score required for admission.
What is the average SAT Math score at Washington University in St. Louis?
The average SAT Math score at WashU is 780, thirty points higher than the English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 770, and the 75th percentile at 800.
These scores may be higher than those of the English section, but WashU does not expect perfection from all their applicants. Although the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at WashU are perfect, the majority of scores fall below this mark. Twenty-five percent of successful applicants achieved a 770 or below on the math section of the SAT, so there is a range of scores acceptable for admission.
What are Washington University in St. Louis’ SAT requirements?
For the upcoming admissions cycle, WashU is test-optional. This policy is effective for applicants seeking admission through the fall semester of 2024. Because of this policy, applicants can decide for themselves whether to submit standardized test scores. Students who are unable to or who elect not to submit their test scores will not face discrimination in the admissions process because of this choice.
WashU allows applicants to self-report their SAT scores. This option that makes the application process more accessible as there are no added fees required to apply. That said, if you are accepted to and enroll at WashU and submitted only self-reported scores, you will then be asked to send official score reports from testing agencies.
WashU does not require the optional essay section of the SAT. Additionally, SAT Subject Tests are not required. However, students may elect to submit SAT Subject Test scores, and these will be considered as part of the application.
More details about WashU’s SAT requirements can be found on their Application Guidelines webpage.
What percentage of Washington University in St. Louis applicants submit the SAT?
Among admitted applicants, 27% of students submitted SAT scores. Further, 33% submitted ACT scores. The remaining approximate 40% omitted standardized test scores from their application.
From these statistics, we can see that roughly equal percentages of students chose to submit the SAT versus the ACT for the WashU application. WashU’s admissions committee does not prefer one of these tests over the other. While standardized test scores are not required, they can add another dimension to your application. Still, the largest percentage did not submit standardized test scores, so there is clearly no issue with omitting scores if you do not wish for them to be considered.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can only help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive school like WashU. 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. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your WashU application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well should only help, and poor scores can always be left off of a WashU application without penalty.
Once you have received your scores, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school like WashU that uses a holistic admissions approach. At Washington University in St. Louis, the SAT score averages are in the 1500 to 1570 range on average. If your scores fall within or above those 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 based on your strengths.
Does Washington University in St. Louis superscore the SAT?
WashU creates superscores for its applicants. This means that they consider the highest individual section scores across all test dates that applicants submit. Therefore, it is in your favor to consider submitting multiple test scores if you feel that they demonstrate your ability more fully than a single test score.
WashU also allows applicants to use the College Board Score Choice option. This means that students can select which test dates they submit scores from. This useful option is a good choice for students who have a score or two they are most proud of and others that they would prefer not to submit.
What’s a good SAT score for Washington University in St. Louis?
WashU does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs, and a range of scores are accepted. That being said, most admitted WashU students have high standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average score is around 1530. Thus, shooting for a score at or above the average would put you in a good position.
Further, the upper 25% of WashU students scored a 1570 or higher. This is likely with a considerable number of perfect scorers among them. As expected, a “good” SAT score for WashU is quite high. That said, among the 25% of students who achieved a 1500 or below, there is possibly an even wider array of scores accepted.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1500 | 1530 | 1570 |
| English | 730 | 750 | 770 |
| Math | 770 | 780 | 800 |
Can I get into Washington University in St. Louis with a low SAT score?
Getting into WashU with a low SAT score is difficult, but possible. “Low” is a relative term, of course. Below-average scores for WashU are still quite high when compared to the national averages. The lower quartile SAT score at WashU is a 1500. This means that WashU students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 1500. With this in mind, it would be in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, if not higher.
However, it is still possible to get into WashU with an SAT score below the 25th percentile of admitted students. 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 prospective college applicant should devote their time to. Students should also focus on extracurricular passions and/or projects, as well as grades and teacher recommendations, which are just as important, if not more so, than standardized test scores.
When should I take the SAT for Washington University in St. Louis?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT for WashU is generally during the preceding junior spring semester. Students applying Early Decision I must submit their scores by November 1, and those applying Early Decision II or Regular Decision must submit their scores by January 2. Therefore, students must take their last SAT at least early enough to have received their scores by the applicable deadline.
Test results from any of the student’s high school years are acceptable. In addition, WashU considers only the highest individual scores, regardless of when they occurred.
What is Washington University in St. Louis’s SAT code?
WashU’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 6929.
While WashU does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores, those who do and gain admission to this prestigious university are often high scorers. However, choosing not to submit scores will not necessarily harm an applicant. In the end, whether or not to take and submit the SAT is a personal decision for each student to make based on their strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are considering taking the ACT instead, check out our article about ACT scores at Washington University in St. Louis!
