Yale University, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant community, sets high standards for its applicants. In this article, we’ll delve into how those expectations extend to Yale’s SAT scores and requirements.
What is the average SAT score at Yale?
As expected, the SAT scores of students admitted to Yale are highly competitive. The average SAT score at Yale hovers around 1540, out of the maximum SAT score of 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at Yale lies at 1500, and the 75th percentile is a 1580. This indicates that only 25% of Yale students scored below a 1500, and 25% scored above a 1580. This range reflects the institution’s high standards while also highlighting that there isn’t a single score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Yale?
The SAT is divided into two sections: English (reading and writing) and math, each scored out of 800 for a combined total of 1600.
At Yale, the average SAT English score is 760, with the 25th percentile score at 740 and the 75th percentile score at 780. Therefore, an SAT English score below 740 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, while a score above 780 would place you in the highest quarter of Yale’s SAT English scores.
What is the average SAT Math score at Yale?
The average SAT Math score at Yale is 780, twenty points higher than the English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 760, and the 75th percentile at 800. This indicates that the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at Yale are perfect. However, the majority of scores fall below this mark, so there isn’t a strict expectation for applicants to achieve a perfect score. Now, let’s consider the requirements as stated by the university itself.
What are Yale’s SAT requirements?
Currently, Yale does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. In other words, Yale is test-optional. However, applicants are still encouraged to submit whatever materials they believe will enhance their application. If you have a standardized test score that you are proud of, and your score compares well with the average Yale SAT scores, you are encouraged to submit it, even though it is not required.
Yale allows applicants to self-report their SAT scores on their applications. However, those who are admitted and plan to enroll are required to submit official score records.
The College Board no longer offers the optional essay portion of the SAT. Subsequently, Yale does not consider the essay section. The situation is the same for the SAT Subject Tests, which have similarly been terminated by the College Board.
What percentage of Yale applicants submit the SAT?
Of the admitted applicants for the fall of 2021, 59% of students submitted SAT scores. 29% submitted ACT scores, and the remaining 12% omitted standardized test scores from their application. Most admitted Yale applicants have taken the SAT and submitted their scores, but there is no benefit or advantage to taking one test over the other apart from individual circumstances and preferences.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can enhance an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive college like Yale. Because of this, 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 from your Yale application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well will only help, and poor scores can always be left off of a Yale 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. Yale’s SAT score statistics are detailed above, and if your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely 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 Yale superscore the SAT?
Yale does not create superscores for its applicants, but as they assess your application, they will take into account the highest scores in each section of the SAT across each test date 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.
That being said, Yale does allow 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 Yale?
Yale does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs. There is no one score requirement that applicants must meet to have their application considered. That being said, most admitted Yale students have high standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average score is around a 1540, so shooting for a score at or above the average would put you in a good position. The upper 25% of Yale students scored a 1580 or higher—likely with a considerable number of perfect scorers among them. As expected, a “good” SAT score for Yale is quite high.
Anything that falls within the following ranges should put you in the running:
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1500 | 1540 | 1580 |
| English | 740 | 760 | 780 |
| Math | 760 | 780 | 800 |
Can I get into Yale with a low SAT score?
Getting into Yale with a low SAT score is difficult, but possible. “Low” is a relative term, of course: below-average scores for Yale are still quite high overall. The lower quartile SAT score at Yale is a 1500. This means that Yale 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 Yale with an SAT score below these measurements: applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. 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 supplemental essays and in-school academics, are just as important, if not more so.
When should I take the SAT for Yale?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT for Yale is generally during the preceding junior spring semester. However, students applying via Early Action can take the SAT up until October of their senior year and still submit their scores for evaluation by Yale. Students applying Regular Decision can submit scores from tests as late as the December SAT.
While Yale no longer requires its 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 harm an applicant. Ultimately, 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 instead considering taking the ACT, check out our article about Yale ACT scores, as well as our breakdown of Yale GPA statistics!
What is Yale’s SAT code?
Yale’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 3987.
While Yale no longer requires its 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 harm an applicant. Ultimately, 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 instead considering taking the ACT, check out our article about Yale ACT scores!
