While many universities refer to themselves as “test optional”, the best students will still submit competitive SAT or ACT scores, usually between the 25th percentile and 75th percentile of the scores of students who enrolled the previous year. 

Below is a short selection of popular colleges and their SAT ranges. It’s important to note:

•  The 25th – 75th percentile range is the middle 50% of submitted scores – some students who scored below the 25th percentile applied and were accepted, and some who submitted scores above the 75th percentile did not get accepted 

• Scoring within the 25th – 75th percentiles should be an applicant’s goal, and scoring closer to the 75th percentile is preferred 

• Many students who applied with scores within the 25th -75th percentiles were not accepted to these schools. Standardized test scores are just one part of the admissions process