What Are the SAT Score Ranges for Ivy League and Top Global Universities (2025–26)?

When applying to Ivy League and other top universities, your SAT score plays a major role in how competitive your application is. Most top institutions release the 25th and 75th percentile scores of admitted students to help applicants understand where they stand.

But what do these percentiles mean?

• The 25th percentile score means 25% of admitted students scored below this number.

• The 75th percentile score means 25% of admitted students scored above this number.

So, if your SAT score is at or above the 75th percentile, you’re in the top quarter of admitted applicants — which is considered very competitive.

Let’s explore what scores you need for the 2025–26 admissions cycle:

Source: Google Images

SAT Score Ranges for Ivy League Universities

University	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
Harvard University	1500	1580
Princeton University	1510	1570
Yale University	1500	1560
University of Pennsylvania	1500	1570
Cornell University	1470	1550
Columbia University	1510	1530
Brown University	1510	1560
Dartmouth College	1500	1580

A score closer to the 75th percentile (typically 1560 or above) makes you a highly competitive applicant at these institutions.

SAT Score Ranges for Top US Universities

University	SAT Range (Composite)
MIT	1520–1580
Stanford University	1480–1600
University of Chicago	1470–1570
Duke University	1510–1570
Northwestern University	1500–1560
NYU	Around 1510
UC Berkeley	1340–1540

Many of these schools have highly selective profiles, and top scores can give your application a strong boost.

SAT Score Expectations for Top UK and Canadian Universities

University	SAT Range
University of Cambridge	1460–1500
University of Oxford	1480+
University College London (UCL)	1440+
McGill University	Around 1400
University of Toronto	1330–1550
University of British Columbia	Around 1500

While SAT is not mandatory for all international applicants in the UK and Canada, it strengthens your application if submitted — especially to highly ranked programs.

Section-wise SAT Score Ranges at Top US Schools

University	EBRW (25th–75th)	Math (25th–75th)
Harvard	710–770	740–800
Stanford	700–770	740–800
MIT	730–770	780–800
Yale	740–800	720–770
Princeton	710–770	740–800
Columbia	700–770	740–800
UPenn	700–760	750–800
Brown	700–770	730–790
Cornell	680–760	720–800

Strong sectional scores in both EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and Math are essential for a well-balanced application.

Conclusion

For students applying in 2025–26, aiming for a composite SAT score of 1550 or above can give you a competitive edge at the Ivy League and top global universities. Even if a university is test-optional, submitting a strong SAT score can help demonstrate your academic readiness.

Always check official university websites for the most accurate and updated information.

We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.