Hey guys, I've got my eyes on Yale and I'm trying to figure out where I need to aim for my SAT score. Anyone knows what Yale generally expects in terms of SAT scores? Any and all info would be super helpful.
When aiming for a school like Yale, you are obviously targeting one of the most competitive schools in the country. For reference, as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Yale is once again requiring applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores.
Now, Yale itself does not publish any minimum SAT score requirements. However, according to the academic profile of recently admitted students, you'll find that being competitive typically means scoring in the top range. The majority of admitted students tend to have SAT scores between 1500 and 1560. That's just about the top 1% nationwide.
Remember, though, not every student at Yale has these scores. Yes, there are students who get in with lower scores, but they usually stand out in some other critical area like exceptional extracurricular involvement, unique personal circumstances, exceptional talents, or quite impressive letters of recommendation.
While the SAT score is an important part of your application to Yale, be mindful of the fact that acceptance to such an institution is contingent upon several other factors too. An excellent SAT score is just one piece of the puzzle. It's about the whole package, which includes your grades, course rigor, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. Not to mention, you'll also need a compelling reason why Yale is a good fit for you, specifically.
In summary, aim for a high score on your SAT, but also ensure to focus and improve on the other components of your college application. Good luck with your journey ahead!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.