Columbia University
New York, NY · Private University · 8,600 undergraduates
Key Facts
- Columbia's middle 50% SAT range is 1500–1570 — 25% of admitted students scored above 1570, 25% scored below 1500
- Columbia is extremely selective — overall acceptance rate is 3.9%
- Columbia currently requires standardized test scores for admission
- A score within or above the middle 50% range removes academic metrics as an obstacle; essays, recommendations, and context remain the deciding factors
- Students using Auriga's adaptive SAT prep improve an average of 150+ points toward their goal score
Columbia SAT Score Requirements — Class of 2030
Middle 50% SAT Range
1500–1570
3.9% acceptance rate
Typical Score Target
1535
Midpoint of middle 50%
Middle 50% ACT Range
34–36
ACT accepted equally
Test Policy
Test Required
2024-2025
What the SAT Range Actually Means
The middle 50% range (1500–1570) means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1500 and 25% scored above 1570. This is not a minimum cutoff — it's a distribution. Students are admitted with scores across a wide range.
A score within the middle 50% means you are academically competitive. Whether you're admitted depends on the strength of your complete application — essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and how you've used your opportunities.
A score above 1570 (the 75th percentile) removes academic metrics as an obstacle and lets your application compete on the strength of everything else. It does not guarantee admission at an institution as selective as Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need to get into Columbia?
Columbia's middle 50% SAT range is 1500–1570. There is no official minimum, but applicants with scores significantly below 1500 face a more difficult path at an institution with a 3.9% acceptance rate.
Is Columbia test optional?
As of 2024-2025, Columbia requires standardized test scores for admission.
What is the SAT score for the average admitted student at Columbia?
The midpoint of Columbia's middle 50% range is approximately 1535. However, roughly half of admitted students score above this, and half below — there is no single "average" that predicts admission.
Want to hit your target score for Columbia?
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