College SAT requirements
Vanderbilt University

Does Vanderbilt Require the SAT?

No, for the entry term covered by the current policy. Vanderbilt is test-optional for Fall 2027 and Fall 2028 entry, then requires testing for Fall 2029.

Source-backed guidance · Last checked September 2, 2026

Middle 50%
1480–1560 Vanderbilt SAT composite
Median score
1520 Among enrolled score submitters
Data source
Official Latest published institutional data
Minimum SAT
None published The reported range is not a cutoff

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

Vanderbilt is test-optional for Fall 2027 and Fall 2028 entry, then requires testing for Fall 2029. The official policy linked on this page is the source of truth for applicant type, entry term, deadlines, and any exception.

Official score context

Vanderbilt SAT score range

The latest official institutional score source linked below reports a 1480–1560 middle-50% SAT composite range, with a midpoint of 1520, among enrolled score submitters.

Vanderbilt middle 50%

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores
148025th percentile 1520Median 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 1480–1560 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

1520 is the published midpoint

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

Open the 1520 SAT score guide
Application details

What Vanderbilt’s SAT policy means in practice

No published SAT cutoff

Vanderbilt does not publish the 1480–1560 middle-50% range as a minimum or guarantee. It describes enrolled students who submitted scores, not an automatic admission threshold.

SAT superscoring is supported

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

Check self-report and verification rules

Vanderbilt’s SAT code is 1871. 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

Before required testing returns for Fall 2029. Testing rules can change by cycle, so confirm the entry term shown on the official page before submitting.

Quick answers

Vanderbilt SAT requirements FAQ

Does Vanderbilt require the SAT?
Vanderbilt is test-optional for Fall 2027 and Fall 2028 entry, then requires testing for Fall 2029. Always match the policy to your applicant type and intended entry term.
What SAT score do you need for Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt does not publish one score that guarantees admission. Its published middle-50% SAT range is 1480–1560 among enrolled students who submitted scores.
What is the average SAT score at Vanderbilt?
The official score context used here has a midpoint of 1520. This page calls it a midpoint or median-style benchmark rather than claiming that every institutional source reports a mathematical average.
Does Vanderbilt superscore the SAT?
Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt?
Use Vanderbilt’s current testing page for the application-stage reporting rule and official-score verification deadline. The SAT reporting code listed by the institution is 1871.
Should I submit a 1520 SAT score to Vanderbilt?
A 1520 is near the midpoint of the published 1480–1560 range. Since testing is optional, submit it when it strengthens the academic evidence in your application.
Verification

Official Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University.

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