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Cornell University SAT & ACT scores

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 1500-1570. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 33-35. Cornell University admitted 8.8% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).

SAT middle 50%
1500-1570
ACT middle 50%
33-35
Acceptance rate
8.8%
Test policy, fall 2024
Test-optional
Undergraduates
15,995

Quick answer

What SAT score do you need for Cornell University?

There is no published minimum. Aim for 1570 or higher to sit in the top quarter of Cornell University's SAT submitters; 1500 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 97% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.

Score check

Where does your score land at Cornell University?

The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.

Fall 2024 entering class

Cornell University SAT and ACT score ranges

Score percentiles of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores
Measure25th percentile50th percentile75th percentile
SAT Reading and Writing730750770
SAT Math770790800
SAT total (estimated)150015401570
ACT composite333435

Math runs higher than Reading and Writing here: the top quarter of submitters starts at 800 in Math but 770 in Reading and Writing.

College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1535.

Testing policy

Does Cornell University require the SAT or ACT?

Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional

Cornell University told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.

Check the current cycle

Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on Cornell University's website before deciding whether to submit.

Beyond scores

Cost and outcomes at Cornell University

In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$69,314
Average net price after aid (2023-24)
$28,690
First-year retention rate
98%
Graduation rate within 6 years
95%
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$104,043

Compare

Colleges with similar score ranges

Northwestern UniversityIL · SAT 1510-1570Washington University in St LouisMO · SAT 1500-1570Carnegie Mellon UniversityPA · SAT 1500-1570Brown UniversityRI · SAT 1510-1580Vanderbilt UniversityTN · SAT 1500-1570Yale UniversityCT · SAT 1470-1570

Similar colleges in New York

Columbia University in the City of New YorkSAT 1510-1580New York UniversitySAT 1480-1560Barnard CollegeSAT 1470-1560Colgate UniversitySAT 1430-1540Vassar CollegeSAT 1450-1550Hamilton CollegeSAT 1450-1550

Browse all New York colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 1500 SAT or a 1550 SAT, or colleges for a 33 ACT.

Plan your prep

Turn a target score into a plan

What is a good SAT score?Build your SAT study planSAT section-score goal plannerScore Choice and superscoring

FAQ

Cornell University admissions questions

What SAT score do you need to get into Cornell University?

Cornell University does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 1500 and 1570 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1570 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 1500 marks the bottom quarter.

What ACT score do you need for Cornell University?

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 33 to 35, with a median of 34. Scoring 35 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.

Does Cornell University require the SAT or ACT?

For fall 2024 entry, Cornell University reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on Cornell University's admissions website before you apply.

What is Cornell University's acceptance rate?

Cornell University admitted 8.8% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from

Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.

Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.

Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.

Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].