SAT Cutoff 2023 : Check SAT University-wise Cutoff, SAT Percentile Scores and SAT Student Performance

The SAT cutoff scores are determined by the admission and eligibility parameters of different colleges and universities. A good SAT score is above the average score and enables candidates to secure admission to a college of their choice.

Falguni GargUpdated on : Jul 27 2023 17:12 IST

SAT Cutoff 2023

SAT Cutoff 2023 : Candidates need a good SAT score in order to be accepted into the top colleges of the United States and Canada. A good SAT score is defined as any score that is well above the average score. In 2022, the average SAT score recorded was 1050. The minimum SAT score requirements for most universities in the USA range from 1200 to 1350. The top universities such as MIT, Stanford University, and Columbia University require an SAT score between 1500 and 1570. Other high-ranking universities such as Yale University and Princeton University need scores that range from 1470 to 1560.

Also Check Exam Overview: SAT Exam 2023

The College Board conducts the SAT exam for high school students in grades 11 and 12, who are seeking to apply to undergraduate courses. Candidates aspiring to secure admission to the top colleges and universities are advised to have a target score of 1500 - 1600 during their exam preparation. Students aiming to pursue their undergraduate education in U.S. or Canada need to secure an SAT score that is acceptable for admission to their preferred college. Therefore, a good SAT score can be subjective as acceptable SAT scores vary from college to college. Read More : SAT Scores 2023

Students must note that SAT score is only one of the several factors that determine the probability of successfully gaining admission to the university. Along with SAT scores, universities also evaluate applicants on the basis of their high school GPA scores (Grade point average), course rigour, extracurricular achievements, essays and letters of recommendation. Hence, college application process is a holistic and comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s eligibility for admission.

SAT Cutoff 2023

The SAT cutoff refers to a range of SAT scores that are required for admission to a particular college or university. The SAT cutoff varies from university to university, and students are encouraged to check the cutoff scores to determine their target score which they need to accomplish. Students are advised to explore and research about colleges to make an informed choice regarding their college preferences. Some factors that can go into the decision-making process include courses, location, campus setting, costs and funding, and learning environment.

The SAT percentile score required for admission to the highest-ranking universities usually ranges from 98 - 99. A SAT total score that ranges from 1500 - 1600 typically results in a percentile score of 98 to 99. MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Yale University, and Columbia University are some of the most prestigious universities that need a high SAT score and excellent student record for admission.

SAT Cutoff 2023 For Top Universities

The total SAT score range is from 400 - 1600. Students can check the range of scores accepted by the prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada from the table given below.

QS World Ranking 2023	Name of College/University (U.S. and Canada)	SAT Scores: Accepted Range
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	1520–1570
3	Stanford University	1500–1570
5	Harvard University	Data not available
6	California Institute of Technology	1530–1560
10	University of Chicago	1510–1560
13	University of Pennsylvania	1450–1560
16	Princeton University	1470–1560
18	Yale University	1470–1560
20	Cornell University	1470–1550
22	Columbia University	1500 - 1560
24	Johns Hopkins University	1490–1550
25	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	1350–1530
27	University of California, Berkeley	1330–1530
31	McGill University	Data not available
32	Northwestern University	1500–1560

SAT Cutoff 2023 For Top Universities in Canada

Students can check the SAT score requirements of high-ranking Canadian universities from the table given below.

U.S. News and World Report National Ranking 2022-23	Q.S. World Ranking 2023	University	SAT Cutoff Score
1	34	University of Toronto	1330 - 1500
2	47	University of British Columbia	1500 - 1600
3	31	McGill University	1400
5	152	McMaster University	1340
6	116	Universite de Montreal	1400
7	242	University of Calgary	1100
10	172	Western University	1190

SAT Top Percentile Scores

Students can check the top percentile scores and their corresponding SAT scores from the table given below. The percentile score is defined as the percentage of students who scored equal to or less than the candidate. Most high-ranking universities need a percentile score ranging from 98 to 99.

Total SAT Score	Percentile (Nationally Representative Sample)	Percentile (SAT User)
1600	99+	99+
1590	99+	99+
1580	99+	99+
1570	99+	99+
1560	99+	99+
1550	99+	99
1540	99+	99
1530	99+	99
1520	99+	98
1510	99	98
1500	99	98
1490	99	97
1480	99	97
1470	99	97
1460	99	96
1450	99	96

SAT Student Performance 2022

The College Board releases the SAT Annual Report on its official website which gives a detailed statistical overview of student performance and participation. The chart given below gives the percentage of test takers whose SAT scores fall within a particular range.

SAT Student performance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who conducts the SAT exam?

The College Board conducts the SAT exam for high school students aspiring to pursue undergraduate education in colleges of the United States and Canada.

What SAT score is required for admission to the top universities?

A SAT score of 1500 - 1570 is typically needed for admission to universities such as MIT, Stanford University, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University.

What is a good SAT score?

A good SAT score is subjective as acceptable SAT scores vary from college to college. However, any score that is well above the average score is accepted by most colleges. The average score recorded in 2019 was 1050.

What is the SAT total score ?

The SAT total score is a number that falls within the range of 400 - 1600 and is based on the student’s performance in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section and Math Section.