Is University of California, Davis test optional?

As of 2024-2025, University of California, Davis requires standardized test scores for admission.

What is a good SAT score for University of California, Davis?

A score at or above 1490 (75th percentile) puts you in a strong academic position at University of California, Davis. The middle 50% range is 1270–1490, meaning 50% of admitted students scored within this range.

University of California, Davis

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into University of California, Davis?

University of California, Davis's middle 50% SAT range is 1270–1490. There is no official minimum, but applicants with scores significantly below 1270 face a more difficult path given the 37.2% acceptance rate.

Davis, CA · Public University · 31,000 undergraduates

Key Facts

UC Davis's middle 50% SAT range is 1270–1490 — 25% of admitted students scored above 1490, 25% scored below 1270
UC Davis is moderately selective — overall acceptance rate is 37.2%
UC Davis 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

UC Davis SAT Score Requirements — Class of 2030

Middle 50% SAT Range

1270–1490

37.2% acceptance rate

Typical Score Target

1380

Midpoint of middle 50%

Middle 50% ACT Range

27–33

ACT accepted equally

Test Policy

Test Required

2024-2025

What the SAT Range Actually Means

The middle 50% range (1270–1490) means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1270 and 25% scored above 1490. 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 1490 (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 UC Davis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SAT score do you need to get into UC Davis?

UC Davis's middle 50% SAT range is 1270–1490. There is no official minimum, but applicants with scores significantly below 1270 face a more difficult path at an institution with a 37.2% acceptance rate.

Is UC Davis test optional?

As of 2024-2025, UC Davis requires standardized test scores for admission.

What is the SAT score for the average admitted student at UC Davis?

The midpoint of UC Davis's middle 50% range is approximately 1380. 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 UC Davis?

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