Applicants often struggle to understand what are SAT cutoffs and how to get the previous years ones to study abroad? Well getting this data can be challenging because it is not easily available. But SAT cutoffs play a pivotal role in not just admissions, but also in getting merit-based SAT scholarships to study abroad. SAT cutoffs are important for applicants applying to US universities or Canadian universities because SATs are accepted there widely. SAT cutoff range will vary for each course, university and sometime country as well.
Scoring high on SAT exam is important to meet the already given cutoff for admissions or previous year's cutoff. Here applicants will find information around what is SAT cutoff for top ranking universities accepting their scores. Applicants must note, SAT cutoffs will be available of previous years unless mentioned. Check out everything around SAT cutoffs and prepare accordingly to aim for abroad university admissions.
Some universities require a consolidated SAT cutoff while the other universities may resort their admission policies towards SAT sectional cutoffs. Either ways if something is in the applicant's favour, will drive him to qualify for the said university's admissions. But in case the applicant fails to meet either of the said circumstances, chances are that they disqualify for the admission. Thus, if mentioned, applicants should aim for the given SAT cutoff or slightly higher than the given cutoff.
No, not all universities always offer SAT cutoffs for reference. Applicants sometimes will have to look at admission stats of previous years to assess the benchmark SAT cutoffs when preparing for the exam and to target a score to secure admissions.
There is no set rule which applies when it comes to preparing for SAT exam based on the given cutoff by a specific university. Applicants can check their knowledge by first attempting a mock test and then begin their SAT preparation. Based on each section's performance applicants can set targets for certain topics and attempt them as and when they progress with their SAT exam syllabus. This way strong areas will get stronger and weak areas will also get some attention. Also attempting mocks before appearing for the main exam is also a must. This way applicants will either fall in the SAT cut off as published by the university or they can appear for the exam once more if at all required.
- What is SAT Cutoff for 2026?
- SAT Cut Off Range: Good vs Average 2026
- Universities Abroad with SAT Cutoff
- How to Read Your SAT Scores?
- How to Aim for SAT Cutoff in 2026?
- SAT Cutoffs 2026 FAQs
What is SAT Cutoff for 2026?
Ideally, there is no set SAT cutoff for 2026. With numerous universities abroad choosing to be test-optional or scrapping the SAT or ACT requirements, there were few of them which actually accepted SAT scores in 2025. However, in 2025 itself, universities like Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, MIT, Caltech and many others reinstated the mandatory submission of SAT and ACT scores.
If we see the US News report for SAT scores for Fall 2025 admissions, it was reported that the average SAT score cutoff for middle-ranking US universities was 1029. Where:
- SAT RW score was approximately 521
- SAT Math score was 508 approximately
On the other hand, while the top-ranking universities which include Ivy Leagues accepted SAT scores was between 1510-1580 in 2025. So in 2026, SAT cutoffs can soar higher than this and may touch perfect score of 1600 as well. Thus, SAT cutoffs were not predefined and hence, it is calculated after admissions wrap up.
There is no good SAT score unless the university where the applicant wishes to seek admission predefines an SAT score cutoff. As already mentioned above, very few universities are accepting SAT scores and furthermore, there are even lesser universities which actually publish a minimum SAT cutoff for course-specific admissions. Thus, the SAT cutoff for 2025 would be released once the admission season gets over and after analysis, the report may be released.
Commonly asked questions
SAT cutoffs can be different for international students, but it will still vary per university of admission and ofcourse the course. International students can again refer to officially published school reports for an idea of the SAT score range.
Not all US universities have strict SAT cutoffs for admissions. Colleges will not usually explicitly mention them per se. Rather most of them in their school reports mentioning SAT score range of the admitted students in the previous year. So this can be referred to for reference when applying for admissions in the USA.
SAT Cut Off Range: Good vs Average 2026
Some of the good SAT cutoffs range between 1300 - 1500. Even if an average range of SAT cutoff is given, students should prepare for SAT with the full potential to score within or around that score range. Candidates are advised to send their scores well in advance as most top colleges/ universities take between 4-6 weeks to process an application.
| Category |
Score Range |
Percentile Rank |
Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding (Elite) |
1500–1600 |
98th–99th+ |
Ivy League (Harvard, Yale), MIT, Stanford |
| Very Good (Strong) |
1400–1490 |
93rd–97th |
Top 50 Universities, competitive honors programs |
| Good (Competitive) |
1200–1390 |
75th–90th |
Competitive state universities, mid-tier private schools |
| Average |
1030–1190 |
50th–74th |
Local public US universities, less selective state schools |
| Below Average |
<1000 |
Below 43rd |
Schools with very high acceptance rates or test-optional policies |
Unlike most of the other examinations tested on a similar pattern, SAT's average cut-off score would depend on the course selection unless an average SAT cut-off is notified by the university or college the applicant is applying to. A good SAT score is what makes a candidate eligible for schools where a candidate would want to pursue their higher studies. So, a good score depends on the schools you are interested in and not the SAT cut-off. Check out this article for SAT cutoff-related details and the top universities abroad which have officially released SAT cutoffs for 2026 admissions in the following sections.
Commonly asked questions
Some universities require a consolidated SAT cutoff while the other universities may resort their admission policies towards SAT sectional cutoffs. Either ways if something is in the applicant's favour, will drive him to qualify for the said university's admissions. But in case the applicant fails to meet either of the said circumstances, chances are that they disqualify for the admission. Thus, if mentioned, applicants should aim for the given SAT cutoff or slightly higher than the given cutoff.
Yes, since a lot of US universities have become test optional it may be difficult to find their cutoffs. But those who intend on submitting SAT scores despite the test optionality choice, can look up for previous year's SAT cutoffs on the official websites if available. This way the applicant will have an idea of what score is required and plan a strategy to aim for the said cutoff. The previous year's SAT cutoff will not however be the ideal support but it will just give the applicant an idea of what and how to aim for in SAT.
Universities Abroad with SAT Cutoff
More than 60+ countries accept SAT scores for admitting international students. In 2025, the average SAT cutoff varied between 1220-1350 based on SAT score acceptance in top universities abroad for admission. Here is a country wise university list along with their SAT cutoff for 2025 admissions:
| Country/Region |
University |
Target SAT Cutoff Score 2025 (Composite) |
|---|---|---|
| USA |
1510–1580 |
|
| Harvard University |
1500–1580 |
|
| 1450–1560 |
||
| Yale University |
1470–1515 |
|
| NYU |
1480–1520 |
|
| UK |
1470–1480+ |
|
| 1460+ |
||
| Imperial College |
1400+ |
|
| UCL |
1350–1500 |
|
| Canada |
University of Toronto |
1330–1500 |
| 1300–1500 |
||
| UBC |
1250–1460 |
|
| University of Waterloo |
1250–1480 |
|
| Europe |
Bocconi (Italy) |
1400+ |
| TU Munich (Germany) |
1300–1450 |
|
| IE (Spain) |
1250–1400 |
|
| Jacobs (Germany) |
1250–1400 |
Please note that these cutoffs may change in 2026, as universities do not always release the minimum SAT score cutoffs before admissions. So on the basis of these scores, applicants can aim for their preparation and scoring.
Commonly asked questions
Universities usually do not give minimum SAT cutoff for admissions. So applicants should check the previous year's trends. Based on those scores, prepare and set a goal.
SAT cutoffs can be different for international students, but it will still vary per university of admission and ofcourse the course. International students can again refer to officially published school reports for an idea of the SAT score range.
How to Read Your SAT Scores?
Once candidates have finished appearing for their SAT exam, it is time to send exam scores to the colleges/ universities. This is one of the most crucial parts of the whole application process. Most colleges prefer to get the score reports directly from the official SAT conducting body, the College Board, and not the copies of the report or score report labels on the transcripts. Students could find interpreting their SAT results and score a tedious affair. That is why having a data table for interpreting SAT scores becomes necessary.
Candidates should keep in mind that SAT score results would be available online around 4-5 weeks after their test date. Once the score result is available, the official SAT conducting agency, College Board begins sending SAT score reports to the colleges selected by the candidate at the time of registration.
How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?
Applicants receive four free score reports while registering for the SAT exam from the sat conducting body, College Board. Applicants get the option of sending these reports to their choice of colleges/ universities or scholarship programs for free. Aspirants can send the scores up to nine days of taking the test. After nine days they will be charged for sending the score reports.
Commonly asked questions
Overall SAT scores are calculated between 400-1600 based on its two sections. Both RW and Math sections are scored from 200-800 each for both modules. Anyone can score 1600 maximum on SAT.
Since SAT has gone digital, the process of scoring on SAT has changed. Here is how SAT is calculated in a step-by-step process below:
- College Board scores questions based on correctness, there is no negative marking for wrong or unattempted questions.
- SAT scores are usually determined by Item Response Theory (IRT) which is a consideration of the question's difficulty and patterns in answers.
- Pretest questions on SAT are included to gather data and they usually do not affect the SAT scores.
- Benchmarks for college readiness based on SAT scores remain consistent with the new testing pattern.
Next is to wait for College Board to send your SAT scores to the colleges and universities that were opted for during SAT registration.
SAT results are released within 13 days of taking the exam. Applicants can see their SAT results in 13 days, they will get an intimation and they can log on to College Board website and download their SAT score cards. SAT Digital results are faster in comparison to the previous version of the exam.
How to Aim for SAT Cutoff in 2026?
For students entering abroad college via the 2026 admissions process, there are five strategic pillars to help improve the likelihood of gaining entry level admission by using the higher tier SAT cut-offs. Applicants must follow these so that they maximise their scoring admission selection:
- As a result of the SAT's full digitalisation, take full-length SAT practice tests using the College Board Bluebook App. You will experience how the adaptive test works, as Module 2 will be much more difficult based upon your scores for Module 1.
- Your goal should not be to meet just the average score for the college you'd like to attend. Aim to have score in the Top 75 Percentiles (for Example: A Score of 1560+ for Ivy League Schools) as it will create a buffer for you as an applicant to apply for SAT scholarships.
- The Digital version of the SAT also includes the use of a Desmos Graphing Calculator for all Mathematics sections of the SAT. As you become proficient in keyboard shortcuts and advanced graphing techniques, you can save yourself inordinate amounts of time on the SAT Math section.
- When answering SAT practice paper questions incorrectly, record them according to what you were missing. Categorise by content gap (i.e. Did Not Know the Rule) or process gap (i.e. Misread the Question). This way, you can properly explain why a particular answer is correct to another person, prior to moving on to next SAT book.
- Have at least two SAT test dates scheduled. Most of the top universities (e.g. Stanford, MIT, Oxford) will take the highest Math score from one test date, combined with the highest reading score from another test date, and give you the best possible composite score.
Commonly asked questions
No, College Boars does not set or announce any SAT cutoff or benchmark scores. The College Board is only responsible for administering the SAT exam. Students can just apply for admissions based on their SAT scores, the universities set a benchmark or release (or may be not release) the SAT cutoffs for reference.
SAT scores are submitted through the College Board website to universities the applicant is applying to. The score reports are then sent officially to the universities the applicants choose to submit to for the applicants after the scores are released.
At a Glance – Here are the components of an SAT Score Report and what they mean:
SAT Components | Description | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
Total Score | The aggregate of the two section scores | 400–1600 |
Section Scores | Reading & Writing and Math Sections | 200–800 |
Test Scores | Reading, Writing & Math Sections. | 10–40 |
Cross-Test | These scores show how well you use your skills to analyze texts and solve problems in these subject areas. | 10–40 |
SAT Sub Scores | Reading and Writing: Command of Evidence and Words in Context & Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions. Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math. | 200-200 |
Note: The SAT Optional Essay is no longer a part of the test.
SAT Cutoffs 2026 FAQs
Check out some more information on SAT Cutoff in the following section:
Commonly asked questions
The exam consists of two main sections. Math and Evidence based Reading & Writing, each worth 800 points. The older 2400 point scale was discontinued by College Board in March 2016.
No, usually Australian universities do not release SAT cutoffs, and some of them may not require them also. Only a handful universities of Australia accept SAT scores from international students for admission. The ones who accept SAT scores, may or may not publish SAT cut-offs or minimum SAT score requirements. Even if some universities do that, they give it for a specific course and not for all courses offered at that level in the university in question. Thus, be careful while checking admission requirements.
As per the recent data of 2023, the following are the SAT Math cutoffs for the top 10 US universities:
| Top US Universities | SAT Math Cutoff |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 740-800 |
| Stanford University | 740-800 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 780-800 |
| University of California Berkeley (UCB) | 680-790 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 715 |
| Yale University | 720-770 |
| Columbia University | 740-800 |
| Princeton University | 740-800 |
| New York University (NYU) | 690-790 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 750-800 |
Applicants while registering for SAT exam have the option of indicating which colleges or universities their SAT scores are to be forwarded once they are released. The SAT scores are released to those recipients (colleges and/or universities) and once they are delivered the status against each recipient changes to delivered. Thus, this way applicants can check whether or not their SAT scores have been delivered to their college or university of application post SAT results are declared. Applicants can mention upto four recipients to whom score reports can go to once the results are declared of the SAT exam.
SAT cutoffs can be different for international students, but it will still vary per university of admission and ofcourse the course. International students can again refer to officially published school reports for an idea of the SAT score range.
Yes, it might be possible that SAT score is released on a public holiday. SAT scores are usually released before the weekend begins, that is, usually on a Friday. If SAT score release is delayed it may be possible that they are towards the weekend date (which usually doesn't happen).
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