No minimum SAT score
Penn State says it does not use a minimum standardized test score for admission. Published score ranges describe enrolled students who submitted scores; they are not admission cutoffs.
College SAT requirements
The Pennsylvania State University
Does Penn State Require the SAT?
No. Penn State’s current admissions FAQ says first-year applicants may choose whether to have SAT or ACT scores considered. The main exception is the Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program, which requires SAT or ACT scores for consideration.
Source-backed guidance · Last checked September 2, 2026
Middle 50%
1280–1410
University Park SAT composite
Median score
1340
Among enrolled score submitters
SAT submitted
28.6%
2,616 enrolled students
Minimum SAT
None stated
Penn State reports no minimum test score
No — Penn State is test-optional
Applicants who want scores considered can self-report them in MyPennState. Penn State says applicants are not penalized for applying without scores and reviews academic coursework, grades, course rigor, the personal statement, activities, and other achievements.
Important exception: Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores by October 13.
Official score context
Penn State SAT score range
The official 2025–2026 Common Data Set reports the following SAT composite distribution for Fall 2025 enrolled University Park first-year students who submitted scores.
University Park middle 50%
Fall 2025 enrolled first-time, first-year students who submitted SAT scores
128025th percentile
1340Median
141075th percentile
These figures are for the University Park campus. Penn State publishes separate Common Data Set reports for its other campuses. 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?
Compare your result with the University Park submitted-score range. This is context for a test-optional decision, not an admissions prediction.
Enter your SAT score
Use a valid total score from 400 to 1600 in 10-point increments.
Within the range
1340 is the reported median
This score is within Penn State University Park’s reported middle-50% range and can be reasonable to submit if it supports the rest of your academic record.
Open the 1340 SAT score guideApplication details
What Penn State’s SAT policy means in practice
No SAT superscore
Penn State does not superscore. It uses the highest combined score from one single test date.
Self-report in MyPennState
Applicants who want scores considered can self-report each test date in MyPennState. Enrolling students who used scores must arrange for official score delivery. Penn State’s SAT code is 2660.
Program exception
Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. Penn State lists an October 13 score deadline.
Quick answers
Penn State SAT requirements FAQ
Does Penn State require the SAT?
No for general first-year admission. Penn State is test-optional, so applicants may choose whether SAT or ACT scores are considered. The Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program is an important exception and requires scores for consideration.
What SAT score do you need for Penn State?
Penn State says it has no minimum standardized test score for admission. For context, the official 2025–2026 University Park Common Data Set reports a 1280–1410 middle-50% SAT range among enrolled Fall 2025 first-year students who submitted scores.
What is the average SAT score at Penn State?
The University Park Common Data Set reports a median SAT composite of 1340 for enrolled Fall 2025 first-year students who submitted scores. A median is a better description of this published data than a simple average.
Does Penn State superscore the SAT?
No. Penn State says it uses the highest combined SAT score from one single test date rather than combining section scores across dates.
Can I self-report SAT scores to Penn State?
Yes. Applicants who choose to have scores considered can self-report SAT or ACT scores in MyPennState. Students who enroll and used scores in admission must then arrange for official scores to be sent.
Should I submit a 1300 SAT score to Penn State?
A 1300 is within the official 1280–1410 University Park middle-50% range for enrolled Fall 2025 score submitters, so it can be reasonable to consider submitting if it supports the rest of your academic record. The range is context, not an admission guarantee.
Verification
Official Penn State sources
Admissions policies can change. These links are the source of truth and were checked on September 2, 2026.
Penn State Undergraduate Admissions: Test Optional FAQs Testing policy, score reporting, superscore and exceptions
Penn State: Application Review Process for First-Year Students Application review and minimum-score guidance
Penn State University Park Common Data Set 2025–2026 Official University Park SAT percentile data
Penn State OPAIR Common Data Set index Common Data Set archive
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