What is a good SAT score for New York University?

A score at or above 1540 (75th percentile) puts you in a strong academic position at New York University. The middle 50% range is 1370–1540, meaning 50% of admitted students scored within this range.

New York University

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into New York University?

New York University's middle 50% SAT range is 1370–1540. There is no official minimum, but applicants with scores significantly below 1370 face a more difficult path given the 11.8% acceptance rate.

Q: Is New York University test optional?

New York University is currently test optional. You may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.

New York, NY · Private University · 26,733 undergraduates

Key Facts

NYU's middle 50% SAT range is 1370–1540 — 25% of admitted students scored above 1540, 25% scored below 1370
NYU is highly selective — overall acceptance rate is 11.8%
NYU is currently test-optional — you can choose whether to submit your SAT score
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

NYU SAT Score Requirements — Class of 2030

Middle 50% SAT Range

1370–1540

11.8% acceptance rate

Typical Score Target

1455

Midpoint of middle 50%

Middle 50% ACT Range

32–35

ACT accepted equally

Test Policy

Test Optional

2024-2025

What the SAT Range Actually Means

The middle 50% range (1370–1540) means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1370 and 25% scored above 1540. 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 1540 (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 NYU.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SAT score do you need to get into NYU?

NYU's middle 50% SAT range is 1370–1540. There is no official minimum, but applicants with scores significantly below 1370 face a more difficult path at an institution with a 11.8% acceptance rate.

Is NYU test optional?

NYU is currently test optional. You may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If your score is at or above the 25th percentile (1370), submitting it is generally beneficial.

What is the SAT score for the average admitted student at NYU?

The midpoint of NYU's middle 50% range is approximately 1455. However, roughly half of admitted students score above this, and half below — there is no single "average" that predicts admission.

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