Average SAT Score for Yale Applicants?

Hi! Yale is one of my top choices but it's obviously super competitive. I know they consider more than just test scores, but can anyone fill me in on the average SAT score for accepted students? It'd really help me gauge where I stand.

Yale University is indeed very competitive when it comes to admission. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, they have reinstated the requirement for standardized test scores, with the SAT being one of the commonly chosen tests by applicants.

While Yale University does not explicitly publish an "average" SAT score, the middle 50% range for admitted students is typically a good indicator of the kind of scores they are seeking. This means that 25% of students scored below this range and 25% scored above it - so it’s that middle chunk of scorers that you’re aiming to land in. For most recent data available, the middle 50% SAT score for admitted Yale students was within the range of 1500 to 1570.

Keep in mind that a strong SAT score doesn't guarantee admission, just as a lower score doesn't necessarily rule it out. Yale's application review process is holistic, meaning it takes into account a number of factors beyond just test scores, including your essays, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and high school transcript, among others. It's a good idea to strive for the best score possible, but also ensure that the other aspects of your application are strong.

Finally, keep in mind that the SAT is just one standardized test option. If you find that you might perform better on the ACT (college admission test), Yale accepts that test as well. Good luck!