SAT Scores for Cornell University

Hey, I'm a junior thinking about Cornell as one of my top options. I'm gearing up to take the SAT soon. I know scores alone don't seal the deal but I'd like to know, what kind of SAT scores does Cornell usually look at in their admissions process?

Great question! You're right that scores alone don't cover everything, but they do play an important role in the admissions process, especially at selective schools like Cornell. It's essential to remember that for the 2024-2025 application cycle, Cornell has returned to requiring standardized test scores.

The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students to Cornell tends to be rather high because of its competitive nature. From the most recent data, the middle 50% of SAT scores for students admitted to Cornell ranges from about 1480 to 1560. This means that 25% of accepted students scored below 1480, while another 25% scored above 1560.

That said, it's crucial to note that scoring within or above this range doesn't guarantee you a spot, just as scoring below doesn't necessarily mean you're out of the running. Your score is just one piece of the admissions puzzle to paint a broader picture of you, alongside your GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

Crucially, strive for the best SAT score you can. Any score which puts you in the top 25th percentile makes you a competitive applicant. But work equally hard on other application components—the "spike" in your application, compelling essays, etc—to make yourself a well-rounded and desirable candidate. Best of luck!