College SAT requirements
Columbia University

Does Columbia Require the SAT?

No, for the entry term covered by the current policy. Columbia allows first-year applicants to choose whether SAT or ACT scores are reviewed.

Source-backed guidance · Last checked September 2, 2026

Middle 50%
1510–1560 Columbia SAT composite
Median score
1535 Among enrolled score submitters
Data source
Official Latest published institutional data
Minimum SAT
None published The reported range is not a cutoff

No — Columbia does not require an SAT score for the entry term described below

Columbia allows first-year applicants to choose whether SAT or ACT scores are reviewed. The official policy linked on this page is the source of truth for applicant type, entry term, deadlines, and any exception.

Official score context

Columbia SAT score range

The latest official institutional score source linked below reports a 1510–1560 middle-50% SAT composite range, with a midpoint of 1535, among enrolled score submitters.

Columbia middle 50%

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores
151025th percentile 1535Median 156075th percentile
Cohort dates and reporting definitions can differ by institution; open the official source for its precise reporting year. The range describes enrolled students who submitted scores; it is not a minimum or admission guarantee.
Personal score check

Should you submit your SAT score?

Because testing is optional, use the published 1510–1560 range as context for whether your score adds useful evidence to your application.

Enter your SAT score

Use a valid total score from 400 to 1600 in 10-point increments.

SAT total scores are reported in 10-point increments.

Within the range

1535 is the published midpoint

This score sits near the middle of Columbia’s published SAT range for enrolled score submitters. It is context, not an admissions prediction.

Open the 1535 SAT score guide
Application details

What Columbia’s SAT policy means in practice

No published SAT cutoff

Columbia does not publish the 1510–1560 middle-50% range as a minimum or guarantee. It describes enrolled students who submitted scores, not an automatic admission threshold.

SAT superscoring is supported

Columbia considers highest SAT section results across eligible test dates. Follow the official reporting instructions when listing multiple sittings.

Check self-report and verification rules

Columbia’s SAT code is 2116. Use the official policy for whether scores may be self-reported at application time and when an official testing-agency report is required.

Entry-term policy matters

For Columbia College and Columbia Engineering. Testing rules can change by cycle, so confirm the entry term shown on the official page before submitting.

Quick answers

Columbia SAT requirements FAQ

Does Columbia require the SAT?
Columbia allows first-year applicants to choose whether SAT or ACT scores are reviewed. Always match the policy to your applicant type and intended entry term.
What SAT score do you need for Columbia?
Columbia does not publish one score that guarantees admission. Its published middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1560 among enrolled students who submitted scores.
What is the average SAT score at Columbia?
The official score context used here has a midpoint of 1535. This page calls it a midpoint or median-style benchmark rather than claiming that every institutional source reports a mathematical average.
Does Columbia superscore the SAT?
Columbia considers highest SAT section results across eligible test dates. Follow the official reporting instructions when listing multiple sittings.
Can I self-report SAT scores to Columbia?
Use Columbia’s current testing page for the application-stage reporting rule and official-score verification deadline. The SAT reporting code listed by the institution is 2116.
Should I submit a 1535 SAT score to Columbia?
A 1535 is near the midpoint of the published 1510–1560 range. Since testing is optional, submit it when it strengthens the academic evidence in your application.
Verification

Official Columbia sources

Admissions policies can change. These links are the source of truth and were checked on September 2, 2026.

University names and marks are used only to identify the institutions discussed. Test1600 is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Columbia University.

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