The SAT: What Undergrad Applicants Need to Know
The SAT is the most widely accepted standardized test for undergraduate admissions in the US. It measures math and reading/writing skills on a 400–1600 scale. Most selective colleges use SAT scores as one factor in holistic admissions.
SAT Score Ranges by College Tier
| College Tier | SAT Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy League / Top 10 | 1500–1600 | Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton |
| Top 25 | 1400–1520 | UCLA, Michigan, UVA, Georgetown |
| Top 50 | 1300–1430 | Boston University, Wisconsin, UIUC |
| Top 100 | 1200–1350 | ASU, Iowa, Auburn, Drexel |
SAT vs. ACT
All US colleges accept both the SAT and ACT equally. The ACT tests four subjects (English, Math, Reading, Science) on a 1–36 scale. Choose whichever format you perform better on.
SAT
Two sections: Reading/Writing and Math. 400–1600 scale. Digital format since 2024. 2 hours 14 minutes. Strong choice if math is your strength.
ACT
Four sections: English, Math, Reading, Science. 1–36 scale. 2 hours 55 minutes. Better if you're strong across subjects and comfortable with faster pacing.
Test-Optional Policies
Since COVID, many colleges went test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores. However, the trend is shifting back. As of 2025–2026:
Back to Required
MIT, Georgetown, Dartmouth, Brown, Yale, and others have reinstated test requirements. If your target schools require it, there is no way around it.
Still Test-Optional
Many schools remain test-optional, but submitting strong scores still helps. If your score is above the school's 50th percentile, submit it. If below, consider withholding.
For international students
Many admissions officers find it harder to evaluate international transcripts without a standardized benchmark. A strong SAT score gives them a data point they can compare across applicants from different countries and school systems.
The GRE: What Graduate Applicants Need to Know
The GRE is the standard test for graduate school admissions (master's and PhD). It measures quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing on a 260–340 scale. The GRE landscape has shifted significantly since COVID.
The Current State of GRE Requirements
As of 2025–2026, GRE policies vary widely across programs:
GRE Not Required / Not Accepted
These programs have permanently dropped the GRE. Focus your time on other application components.
GRE Optional / Recommended
"Optional" often means "recommended if your scores are strong." If you have a competitive score, submit it. If not, your application will not be penalized for omitting it.
GRE Required
No way around it. These tend to be programs at universities with centralized admissions policies or programs that value quantitative assessment highly.
GRE Requirements by Field
Computer Science
| Program | GRE Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CMU (MSCS, MSML) | Optional | Strong scores can help borderline applicants |
| Stanford MSCS | Not Required | Dropped permanently |
| MIT EECS | Not Required | Not considered in admissions |
| Georgia Tech MSCS | Optional | OMSCS does not require GRE |
| UC Berkeley EECS | Not Required | Eliminated since 2023 |
| UT Austin MSCS | Required | One of the few top programs still requiring it |
Engineering (ME, EE, CE)
Engineering programs are more likely to require the GRE than CS programs. Many top engineering schools reinstated the requirement after initially dropping it.
| Program | GRE Status |
|---|---|
| MIT Mechanical Engineering | Not Required |
| Stanford EE | Recommended |
| Michigan Engineering | Required |
| Purdue Engineering | Required |
Competitive GRE Scores
| Tier | Quant (Q) | Verbal (V) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 10 programs | 167–170 | 155+ | 325+ |
| Top 20 programs | 163–167 | 150+ | 315–325 |
| Top 50 programs | 158–163 | 145+ | 305–315 |
| Other programs | 150+ | 140+ | 295+ |
For STEM applicants
A quantitative score below 160 is a red flag for top-20 STEM programs. If your quant score is 165+, it is almost always worth submitting even at GRE-optional programs.
Should You Take the SAT or GRE?
SAT (Undergraduate)
- →Take it if any of your target colleges require it, or if your high school grades are hard to compare internationally.
- →Skip it if all your target schools are test-optional AND your academic profile is strong.
- →Submit if your score is above the 50th percentile for that school.
GRE (Graduate)
- →Take it if any of your target programs require it, or if your GPA is below average for your target schools.
- →Skip it if all your programs are GRE-optional AND your GPA and experience are strong.
- →Submit if your quant is 163+ at optional programs.
All Tests at a Glance
Don't confuse standardized admissions tests with English proficiency tests. They serve completely different purposes:
SAT / ACT / GRE
Test academic aptitude: math reasoning, reading comprehension, analytical skills. Required or optional depending on the school and program level.
TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo
Test English language proficiency. Required for almost all international students unless your education was in English. Some schools accept Duolingo as a lower-cost alternative.
Related Guides
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