No published SAT cutoff
Northwestern does not publish the 1490–1560 middle-50% range as a minimum or guarantee. It describes enrolled students who submitted scores, not an automatic admission threshold.
College SAT requirements
Northwestern University
Does Northwestern Require the SAT?
No, for the entry term covered by the current policy. Northwestern is test-optional for first-year applicants in the 2026–2027 cycle.
Source-backed guidance · Last checked September 2, 2026
Middle 50%
1490–1560
Northwestern SAT composite
Median score
1525
Among enrolled score submitters
Data source
Official
Latest published institutional data
Minimum SAT
None published
The reported range is not a cutoff
No — Northwestern does not require an SAT score for the entry term described below
Northwestern is test-optional for first-year applicants in the 2026–2027 cycle. The official policy linked on this page is the source of truth for applicant type, entry term, deadlines, and any exception.
Official score context
Northwestern SAT score range
The latest official institutional score source linked below reports a 1490–1560 middle-50% SAT composite range, with a midpoint of 1525, among enrolled score submitters.
Northwestern middle 50%
Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores
149025th percentile
1525Median
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 1490–1560 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.
Within the range
1525 is the published midpoint
This score sits near the middle of Northwestern’s published SAT range for enrolled score submitters. It is context, not an admissions prediction.
Open the 1525 SAT score guideApplication details
What Northwestern’s SAT policy means in practice
SAT superscoring is supported
Northwestern considers highest SAT section results across eligible test dates. Follow the official reporting instructions when listing multiple sittings.
Check self-report and verification rules
Northwestern’s SAT code is 1565. 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
With self-reported scores accepted until enrollment. Testing rules can change by cycle, so confirm the entry term shown on the official page before submitting.
Quick answers
Northwestern SAT requirements FAQ
Does Northwestern require the SAT?
Northwestern is test-optional for first-year applicants in the 2026–2027 cycle. Always match the policy to your applicant type and intended entry term.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern?
Northwestern does not publish one score that guarantees admission. Its published middle-50% SAT range is 1490–1560 among enrolled students who submitted scores.
What is the average SAT score at Northwestern?
The official score context used here has a midpoint of 1525. This page calls it a midpoint or median-style benchmark rather than claiming that every institutional source reports a mathematical average.
Does Northwestern superscore the SAT?
Northwestern 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 Northwestern?
Use Northwestern’s current testing page for the application-stage reporting rule and official-score verification deadline. The SAT reporting code listed by the institution is 1565.
Should I submit a 1525 SAT score to Northwestern?
A 1525 is near the midpoint of the published 1490–1560 range. Since testing is optional, submit it when it strengthens the academic evidence in your application.
Verification
Official Northwestern sources
Admissions policies can change. These links are the source of truth and were checked on September 2, 2026.
Northwestern Standardized Testing Policy Official testing requirement and score-reporting guidance
Northwestern Standardized Testing Policy Official application review and testing context
Northwestern Common Data Set Official institutional SAT score data or data archive
Northwestern Common Data Set Official institutional data source
University names and marks are used only to identify the institutions discussed. Test1600 is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Northwestern University.